Uruguay gay friendly
Uruguay: A Global Leader for LGBTI Rights
A month ago the world stood still, shocked at the carnage in Orlando and the growing realisation that those murdered had been targeted because of their sexuality. It was a stark reminder in a planet where, just 12 months before, the rainbow flag of the LGBT people decked social media accompanying the approval of queer marriage by the US Supreme Court, that homophobia, transphobia and discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics is still very much alive.
And it’s a scourge, from which Uruguay is far from immune.
Progressive legislation
Homosexuality has been legal in Uruguay for over 80 years, but it’s really within the last decade that the state has become a head for LGBTI rights both within Latin America and on a global scale.
Today, laws are in place to prevent discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity, to let same-sex marriage and adoption and to undo previous employment discrimination through affirmative action. What’s more, over-half of Uruguayans in 2013 supported same-sex marriage.
Nonetheless despite these legal advances and social acceptance, the LGBT
Jack Kenworthy( Queer Travel Maestro )
Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ capital adventures into your manual for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Discover the vibrant spirit of diversity and inclusiveness in Gay Montevideo, Uruguay’s lively capital city and a cultural melting pot that proudly embraces its Queer community with open arms.
While Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina might frequently overshadow Montevideo on the international gay party scene, Uruguay is actually an extremely gay-friendly country compared to the rest of Latin America (and the recover of the world).
In fact, Uruguay continues to be a model for social inclusion and is the most gay-friendly nation in the region. Historically LGBT rights have been protected and upheld in Uruguay with homosexuality existence legalized in 1934 and the country has never veered from its evolving stance on sexuality. Anti-discrimination laws have been in place since 2003, adoption guidelines have been in place since 2009, and gay marriage becoming legal in early 2013.
Montevideo itself, home to nearly half of Uruguay’s popula
Uruguay – most gay approachable nation in South America
In 2005, the capital Montevideo became one of the few cities in the world to have a homomonument – a rose-colored granite in the shape of a triangle inscribed with the words: “To Honour Diversity is to Honor Life”. It’s tucked in a little plaza in the Old City of Montevideo (though the plaza is miserable and deserves a good make-over).
Gays in Uruguay – part of the furniture?
In Montevideo, it’s common to see lgbtq+ couples—men and women—holding hands on the rambla, the 25-km promenade that borders the River Plate. And while older generations may be taking their day to come around to the changes, younger generations are openly supportive of gay peers.
There are just a few gay bars and my experience is that gay men and women don’t tend to ghettoise. They are very much part of the general fabric of culture. Though there is a certain air of “don’t seek , don’t tell”.
A gay emigrant to Uruguay living in Colonia writes: “I exist in the Uruguayan similar of the Bible belt with my partner of 28 years and thus far have encountered no negative vibes at all. I’ve met with a
Interesting Cities to Visit in Uruguay
MONTEVIDEO
This city offers plenty to see and perform, particularly around Plaza Independencia in the Old Town known as Ciudad Vieja and the Rambla beach promenade. The Ciudad Vieja has the famous statue of General Artigas, the national hero, as skillfully as stunning colonial buildings that date back to the 1800s, like Teatro Solis and the iconic Puerta de la Ciudadela. The Ramblas beach promenade is worth checking out as it’s 22km in length and follows the avenue along the coast, which makes it flawless place to go for a walk and people watch. The Sarandi promenade is the main pedestrian street in the capital, which begins at the Puerta de la Ciudadela and ends at the Rambla promenade on the coast. The Mercado Agricola Montevideo is also a popular tourist spot in the city. The well-known market in the metropolis is where locals arrive to purchase fresh create and meats. It’s also a place to choose up some Uruguayan wine or have some coffee while enjoying more people watching.
COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO
This municipality is located in the southwest of Uruguay and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The UNESCO Planet Heritage Site is made up of
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