How Lesbian Friendly is Nicaragua

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 only do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Nicaragua is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Nicaragua have been progressing, similar to other countries in Central America. Same sex sexual activity is legal and has been since 2008, and there is discrimination protection in place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. In 2011 Nicaragua signed a statement at the UN, condemning violence and discrimination against people in the LGBTQ+ community, and the Nicaraguan government has urged several Caribbean countries to end their sodomy ban. Nicaragua doesn’t yet have any legal recognition for same sex partnerships, but several organizations have filed an action of unconstitutionality against the Family Code which limits marriage to heterosexual couples. It seems safe to say that we will continue to see progress in the laws in Nicaragua in the coming years. You can read more about the current laws in Nicaragua here.

Social Climate

LGBTQ+ activists and community groups in Nicaragua have been becoming more visible in the past few decades. In 1989, community centres for LGBTQ+ people were opened for the first time, and in 1991 Managua held their first Pride celebration, which still happens annually. In the past ten years, Nicaraguan LGBTQ+ activists have continued to push for equality, though public opinion polls show that there are still low approval ratings for same sex marriage in Nicaragua. Central America still has a way to go in terms of overall acceptance and equality for LGBTQ+ people, but Nicaragua is certainly considered a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Gaybourhoods

The LGBTQ+ scene in Nicaragua is mostly concentrated in the capital city of Managua, with there being some gay bars and nightlife. This is also where the Pride celebration is held each year in June. The city of Granada is also considered to be an LGBTQ+ friendly city, and is home to some LGBTQ+ owned hotels and businesses. While a lot of the “gay scene” in Nicaragua seems to be underground, it certainly appears to be growing.

Our Experience

We took a short trip to Nicaragua while we were travelling in Central America, and we spent our time in a small beach town called San Juan del Sur. We educated ourselves on the laws and the feelings of the locals in Nicaragua, and we felt safe being open while we were there. We stayed at a small hotel in the town and spent a few days enjoying the laid back vibe. We didn’t see any other same sex coupes or gay travellers, but we felt comfortable being open there. We would recommend Nicaragua as a safe destination for lesbian coupes and lesbian travellers. It’s a beautiful country with a lot to offer! If we returned we would explore more of the country, including the known gay friendly cities of Managua and Granada.

Have you been to to Nicaragua? Share your experience in the comments below!

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