It is often said that the Muslim, Arab-influenced, Swahili people are more tolerant of homosexuality. In Bagamoyo I saw little evidence of this. However, the island of Zanzibar seems much more easy-going. In Dar es Salaam, on account of its size, there are gay networks. There are no gay bars as such, but places where a few gays tend to gather.
Rumours abound about politicians and officials.
In one parliamentary by-election, the government candidate was caricatured in newspaper cartoons wearing earrings. Apparently he was known to be gay. Since independent newspapers and broadcasting stations were permitted, homosexuality has been discussed in both the English and Swahili media. As I recall, the tone was not particularly hostile. However, homosexuality is often characterised as a foreign phenomenon.