· By Darby Allan
The Complete LGBTQ+ Guide to Buenos Aires
When you leave the United States, you are exposed to many different cultures, but it can be nerve-wracking as a queer traveler. There are countries around the world where being gay is a punishable crime, up to death or imprisonment. You will not need to worry about that with Buenos Aires or Argentina in general – it is one of the most queer friendly cities we have ever been to.
Before your trip, make sure to stock up on face care and body butters because there are plenty of Latin men that are waiting to give you the most wild ride of your life.
History
Argentina was the 10th country in the world to legalize same sex marriage and did so on July 15, 2010. This legislation also legalized adoption and IVF treatment for same sex couples. The World Health Organization has called Argentina an “exemplary country for transgender rights” after passing the Gender Identity Law in 2012.
Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city by population in Argentina has a thriving gay scene, with annual pride events and yearround gay clubs and parties. The city itself has over 15 million people living in it, plus an additional 3 million in tourists annually. Safe to say, you can find just about anything in the “Paris of South America,” which is what makes it so much fun to visit.
Neighborhoods
Palermo
Palermo is where you will find the vast majority of foreigners and gays. Palermo is split into three mini neighborhoods: Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Soho, and Palermo Chico. If you are looking for a neighborhood to stay while you are visiting, we would recommend Palermo Soho. You can easily walk to Hollywood and Chico, so it feels very central. Palermo Soho is also home to PEUTEO and Work Bar, two popular gay clubs.
Across the tracks in Palermo Hollywood, you can find Club 69. Although technically a disco and not a gay club, everything down to the name is very queer. Apart from nightlife, you will find an extremely welcoming environment and friendly people throughout the neighborhood. You do not have to be worried about playing down your sexuality here like you do in other parts of Latin America. Feel free to be yourself and enjoy the wonderful blend of cultures.
San Telmo
South of Palermo is San Telmo, the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires. You can find lots of tango dancing, colorful murals, and fun restaurants and cafes here. Although the gay scene is not as outspoken in San Telmo as it is in Palermo, it is definitely worth a visit.
We recommend staying in Palermo and visiting San Telmo throughout your trip. The Mercado San Telmo is a must see if you want to eat and drink all day long. Be more careful in this neighborhood, as pickpocketing is common.
Things to do
Pride 2022
Buenos Aires Pride Week and annual festival will be from October 29 to November 5, 2022. Keep in mind that the seasons are opposite between North and South America, so it will be a warm spring by this time of year. During pride, you can find drag shows at Sitges, queer tango, discos, and gay clubs filled with more people than you have ever seen.
Meet people
We think the best part of Buenos Aires is the people that you can so easily meet. There are digital nomad groups that host weekly events which many queer travelers like to attend. As a subset of that group, there is an LGBTQ digital nomad group message to share events and make plans with other queer people in the area.
Grindr is very active throughout Buenos Aires, but especially in Palermo. If you are looking to have some fun while you are on your trip, you will have no shortage of options. Always practice general safety tips like meeting in public first, but feel free to let loose. If you need a little extra prep before meeting that top that is “ahora” (looking), check out our products.
At the end of the day…
As a queer person, you likely already know that you need to be extra careful when traveling. However, you do not have to keep your guard up extra high in Buenos Aires, as it is a welcoming and friendly city for everyone.
Our Better Booty Bundle has products that will make your hole look, taste, and smell amazing for anyone you come across, and can easily travel in a suitcase or carry on bag. Take this as your sign to book that trip you have been dreaming of and give Buenos Aires a try – you will not regret it.