Mozambique is often cited as an example of a country with relatively liberal legislation regarding LGBTQ+ issues, since membership in sexual and gender minorities is not prosecuted by law. The absence of criminal liability is often interpreted as an indicator of public tolerance and progress in human rights. Nevertheless, the real lives of many LGBTQ+ community members in the country paint a different picture. Transgender people and LBQ women (lesbians, bisexual women, and queer women) continue to face stigmatization, social exclusion, and hidden forms of discrimination—at work, in families, and in everyday interactions. Formal decriminalization is not always accompanied by real protection of rights and acceptance from society. Activists and human rights defenders point to the gap between legal status and the actual situation of LGBTQ+ people in Mozambique. Many are forced to hide their identity out of fear of judgment, violence, or loss of social connections. Openness in such conditions remains rare, and silence is a widespread survival strategy. The situation in Mozambique reflects a broader problem common to a number of countries: the absence of direct legal prohibition does not equal the presence of comprehensive protection and an inclusive environment. Experts emphasize the need for systemic changes—from anti-discrimination legislation to public education—in order to transform declared tolerance into real equality.