Same-sex marriage was legalized in Colombia on April 28th, 2016.
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Renowned worldwide for its diverse landscapes, vibrant nightlife and wealth of fascinating cities, the South American nation of Colombia has been vaulted to stardom in recent years, with international visitors flocking to its Caribbean coast and interior mountains in abundance—and as an added bonus, this sprawling nation serves as a particularly alluring destination for LGBTQ+ visitors in particular. While Colombia’s largest cities boast a wide variety of queer-friendly spaces for tourists to enjoy, citizens are also granted the right to same-sex marriage, the right for same-sex couples to adopt children and the option for adults to legally change their gender, with each right cementing Colombia’s status as one of South America’s most progressive nations in regards to queer issues.
While Colombia is easily navigable for solo travelers, the nation is also home to a handful of tour operators that specialize in LGBTQ-specific tourism—and when it comes to planning a thorough deep dive on the country through the lens of the local queer community, few companies can compare to OUT in Colombia. Officially established in 2016, this enterprise specializes in crafting in-depth itineraries that highlight the richness of Colombia’s LGBTQ+ scene, with high-end hotels, prestigious restaurants and plenty of cultural activities built into each trip as well. Participants are welcome to book a standard tour package or build a custom itinerary, but when it comes to essential Colombian cities for queer travelers, company founder Sam Castañeda Holdren points to one destination in particular.
Medellín serves as the capital of Colombia’s Antioquia Department.
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“Medellín is a perfect example—it’s a city that embraces its past and provides visitors with a truly unique experience highlighting its transformation,” says Castañeda Holdren. “Since the signing of the peace accord in 2016, there’s been an explosion of queer culture in Medellín. The gay nightlife is as exciting as it is welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community among LGBTQ+ folks supported by inclusive public policies… Medellín really is a place where you can let your hair down and be yourself.”
Castañeda Holdren points to the annual Medellín Pride parade—a spirited event that draws tens of thousands of participants each year—and drag venues like Bar Chiquita as two prominent reasons to visit Medellín, but of course, it’s far from the only city that’s included within OUT in Colombia’s programming. On the country’s Caribbean coast, the city of Santa Marta is particularly popular thanks to its close proximity to the picturesque Tayrona National Park, while the national capital of Bogotá has developed a sizable queer scene over the years, with Theatron drawing huge crowds of locals and tourists alike each weekend. Equipped with nineteen distinct rooms, this renowned nightclub is regarded as one of the largest gay clubs on the planet, with guests gathering in droves on Saturdays to enjoy the diverse music selection along with the weekly drag show.
Travel can be stressful in many ways, and navigating a vacation as a member of a marginalized community can make the journey exponentially more difficult—yet when it comes to South American countries, Colombia’s largest cities offer a particularly accepting environment that’s perfectly suited for queer visitors. Whether you’re hoping to explore the nation’s hottest nightclubs, discover the pristine beauty of its national parks, find a new favorite dish or experience all three in one day, both Colombia and OUT in Colombia are certain to offer a truly memorable experience that’s equal parts welcoming and captivating.
Source link : https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaredranahan/2024/07/28/immerse-yourself-in-latin-americas-lgbtq-scene-with-out-in-colombia/
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Publish date : 2024-07-28 19:44:07
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