LGBTI-Peru, Argentina and Uruguay

Some of you have been eagerly awaiting this report. I have decided to summarize the LGBTI situation of the South American countries I have visited.

Arriving in Lima felt like traveling from an Eldorado to a shadow world. At the beginning, I wondered if my Gaydar was not working properly. I believe that being an LGBTI person in Peru is not easy. The visibility and presence of LGBTI individuals in public is almost non-existent. Additionally, in the first two days, I had some unpleasant experiences with some Peruvian homophobes. Don't worry, they didn't lay a finger on me. However, I wondered why so many women in Lima are called "Mari" and responded to that name. It wasn't until day three that it clicked. "Mari" is the abbreviation for "maricon", which means faggot. It's a term that I have never heard even during my long stay in Spain. This uncomfortable feeling prevented me from going to a gay bar at night. These bars are usually located in secluded streets where you wouldn't want to walk alone at night. I took a look during the day instead.

However, this somewhat insecure feeling of being a gay man on the streets quickly disappeared in Arequipa, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes. Although Arequipa and Cusco are also large cities, the atmosphere there is much more relaxed. Nevertheless, a little caution is still advisable.

A huge rainbow flag flies over Cusco.

Although it has a slightly different symbolism, both rainbow flags are based on similar values. Belief can truly provide support, there is no question about that. However, when it becomes fanatic and turns against people, its original meaning is lost. Homosexuality is not illegal or punished in Peru, as long as you are of legal age. Say hello to Paragraph 175. The Peruvian legislation has not yet gone further than this.

Nevertheless, I can highly recommend Peru as a travel destination. However, it is important to exercise some caution.

In Buenos Aires and Argentina, I experienced the opposite extreme. Buenos Aires is a liberal city. No stupid comments or weird looks on the street. One evening, I decided to go out. There are a diverse number of bars to choose from. I chose Shock Bar, which was closest to my hostel and easily accessible by subway.

On the way from the subway to Shock Bar, the nighttime street scene also changed a bit. LGBTI individuals as far as the eye could see. However, since I was going out at the usual German time, there was nothing happening there. Most people start going out on weekends around 11:30 PM. So it wasn't a big deal for this Mutti to be among her own kind again. The atmosphere outside of Buenos Aires was also very pleasant. Argentina has had marriage equality for several years and Argentinians are very accepting.

So my dears, put Argentina on your travel list!

And then there was Uruguay, or should I say Urugay? At the harbor, I received a city map adorned with the rainbow flag. Certainly not a tourism promotion of the state and without any indigenous folkloric meaning. Colonia de Sacramento also had a relaxed atmosphere.