How Lesbian Friendly is Uruguay

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 Uruguay is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Uruguay are some of the most progressive in all of South America (and maybe even the whole world), due to its strict separation of church and state. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1934, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to legalize civil unions for same-sex partners, which they did back in 2008, and in 2009 they approved a law for same-sex couples to be able to adopt. Now, same-sex partners have equal access to all family planning including IVF. There has been discrimination protection in place for LGBTQ+ people in Uruguay since 2003, and in recent years the country has made very progressive steps in equality for people of all gender identities. On Uruguayan identity documents, there is an “other” option for those who do not identify as male or female. Other LGBTQ+ rights worth noting are that gay men can donate blood in Uruguay with no deferral period, and gay conversion therapy is banned on minors. Uruguay is absolutely a leader in equality for the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s incredible to see!

Social Climate

In 2016, Americas Quarterly Magazine named Uruguay the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in Latin America. They called it “a model for social inclusion in Latin America”. Uruguay ranks as #5 on the Gay Happiness Index, and polls show that the acceptance of same-sex couples and homosexuality in the country is very high, though numbers suggest that acceptance of trans people is lower. One of Uruguay’s largest annual events is their Pride Parade that takes place in the city of Montevideo in September. It’s been happening since the 1990’s and drew crowds of around 120,000 people in 2018. There is also a Pride Parade that takes place each year in February in Punta del Este, called Punta Pride. In 2016, Uruguay was host to the first International LGBT Rights Conference, with important issues being addressed by activists and politicians from around the world. Uruguay is definitely considered to be a very LGBTQ+ friendly country to visit, and one of the most open and accepting destinations in South America. 

Gaybourhoods

The most prominent LGBTQ+ scene in Uruguay is in the capital city of Montevideo. It is often referred to as one of the most gay friendly cities in the world, with gay nightlife and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and establishments. While the venues are scattered around the city, there are numerous spots to have a drink, go out dancing, and be around other members of the community. The most popular gay bar is called Chains Pub, while the best known late night venues for clubbing/dancing are Il Tempo and Cain Club. There are no venues specifically for gay women, but all establishments seem to be welcoming of everyone. There is also an LGBTQ+ monument located in the old town called The Plaza of Sexual Diversity and features a granite monolith. The monolith reads “Honouring diversity is honouring life: Montevideo for the respect of every gender, identity, and sexual orientation”. Aside from Montevideo, Punta del Este is also a very welcoming destination in Uruguay. There isn’t a designated gaybourhood, but many gay friendly establishments. Overall, Uruguay is a country where you can absolutely feel safe and welcomed, and also experience some local gay culture. It’s an amazing LGBTQ+ friendly destination in South America!

Our Experience

Steph visited Uruguay for the first time back in 2005, and we visited together on our South American trip in 2019. We spent our time in both Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, and absolutely loved it. Knowing that the LGBTQ+ laws in Uruguay are so supportive, we felt completely safe and at ease during our travels. We had a wonderful experience exploring the cities, and felt comfortable being out and open in public at all times. The locals were very welcoming to us, and we didn’t get any unwanted attention. It felt very safe to be open as a same-sex couple. We love visiting countries that support us as lesbian women, and were so happy to experience Uruguay together. Colonia is a beautiful historic city that is both charming and picturesque. We loved spending all afternoon wandering through the cobblestone streets and admiring the colonial architecture. Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital city and is much bigger and more metropolitan. It’s been named the 5th most gay-friendly metropolis in the world, and the 1st in Latin America! We enjoyed exploring the old town, walking along the Rambla, and checking out some late night venues. We would happily return to Uruguay one day, and we would love to go to Punta del Este to enjoy its stunning beaches! We highly recommend Uruguay as a lesbian friendly travel destination for lesbian women and couples, it’s a very special place.

If you’re interested in travelling to Uruguay, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Colonia, and our Lesbian Guide to Montevideo!

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

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