What We Want to Know
When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.
Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Argentina is!
LGBTQ+ Laws
The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Argentina are very progressive, and some of the best on the globe. Same-sex sexual activity has been decriminalized since 1853. In 2010 Argentina was the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the 10th country to legalize it worldwide. That same year they also legalized adoption for same-sex couples, and since 2013 couples have had equal access to all family planning, including IVF. There is currently discrimination protection in place for members of the LGBTQ+ community in both Buenos Aires and Rosario, and further anti-discrimination laws are pending nationwide. Argentina also has some of the most comprehensive transgender rights laws in the world and in 2014 BBC Mundo stated that “Argentina leads the trans revolution in the world”. Other extraordinary LGBTQ+ laws in Argentina are that gay and bisexual men can donate blood with no deferral period, and gay conversion therapy is banned. Argentina is an incredible leader in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and an exemplary country for equality and inclusion.
Social Climate
Since Argentina’s transition to a democratic system in 1983, they have taken huge steps toward inclusivity and acceptance of our community. A 2013 Pew Research Center poll showed Argentina as the most supportive country in Latin America, with nearly 75% of people being accepting of homosexuality. They rank #15 on the Gay Happiness Index, which is 2nd for Latin American countries, after their neighbour Uruguay. The capital city of Buenos Aires is a very popular destination for LGBTQ+ tourism, and has been called the “gay capital” of Latin America. The high rates of societal acceptance are due to the organizations formed in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in Argentina, that raised awareness and pushed for LGBTQ+ rights. Attitudes shifted dramatically after this time, and Argentina is now one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly Latin American countries. It is certainly a safe and accepting destination to visit for gay travellers and same-sex couples.
Gaybourhoods
The biggest LGBTQ+ scene in Argentina is definitely in its capital city of Buenos Aires. As the largest city in the country, it is a big recipient of LGBTQ+ tourism and is full of gay culture. Buenos Aires hosts an annual Pride Parade called the Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de Buenos Aires, and it has grown in numbers each year since it started back in 1992. It happens on the first Saturday in November, and in 2018 approximately 100,000 took part in the Pride festivities and events! Buenos Aires also has plenty of gay and gay friendly bars, nightclubs, parties, events, cafes, restaurants, and other venues. Much of the gay scene is in the Palermo District, as well as Recoleta, and Barrio Norte, although it also spreads throughout the entire city. Other destinations in Argentina with notable gay scenes are Cordoba, Mendoza, Rosario, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, and Mar del Plata. Cordoba has been hosting their own Pride Parade since 2008, and Mendoza has been hosting theirs since 2011. Argentina also receives a lot of same-sex couples travelling to the country to get married, as neighbouring countries such as Paraguay and Chile do not legally allow same-sex marriage, and Argentina does not have any residency requirements for marriage. Overall, Argentina is a great destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, and a very welcoming country in South America. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for somewhere that you can feel safe, while also experiencing some local gay culture.
Our Experience
Steph has spent quite a bit of time in Argentina on previous trips before we met, and we travelled there together in 2019 during a visit to South America. We spent all of our time in the capital city of Buenos Aires! We had an incredible experience and were so impressed with how safe, welcoming, and inclusive the city of Buenos Aires is. We love to travel to countries that recognize our marriage, and it’s so reassuring visiting a place where you know you are protected by law. We felt very safe and comfortable being out and open in Argentina, and had no issues travelling there as a same-sex couple. Our Airbnb host was a gay man who excitedly gave us a long list of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and parties, and told us all about being married to his partner. When we were out one night at a live performance, we had a staff member ask us if we were a couple, which never happens! Same-sex relationships seem to be very normalized, and we didn’t get any unwanted attention when being open in public. We even attended a tango lesson where we danced together and nobody batted an eye. Argentinians were very kind and welcoming to us, and we had such a wonderful experience. We definitely hope to return one day! Buenos Aires is a city where we could see ourselves spending a lot more time, and there is so much more of Argentina to see. We would love to go to the wine region together, and maybe attend the Pride festivities one year! Overall, we highly recommend Argentina as a lesbian friendly travel destination for women and couples. We felt completely safe being out and open as a same-sex married couple, and never felt the need to hide our relationship. It’s a wonderful destination and worth adding to your travel list!
Have you been to Argentina? Share your experience in the comments below!
If you’re interested in travelling to Argentina, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Buenos Aires!
View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!
