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LGBT IN SEVILLE AND SPAIN

 

It might be a predominantly Catholic country, but Spain is officially the most LGBT-friendly nation in the world, according to the results of a new poll by the Pew Research Centre. 

DAZED DIGITAL.

 

If you’re homosexual, lesbian, transgender, bi sexual or just plain straight and feel like going to a bar where you don’t have to worry about being harassed by the opposite sex, Spain has a thriving and very active gay scene. Gay clubs, bars, hotels and associations are rampant throughout the country with more of a presence in the larger more cosmopolitan cities, yet still very active within smaller cities.

 

Homosexuality in Spain however, hasn’t always been so accepted. During Franco’s rule in Spain, homosexuality was illegal. With the onset of the Spanish constitution in 1978 it was legalized and since then the gay community in Spain has thrived. Due to the recent introduction of the controversial homosexual marriage law, Spain became the third European country after the Netherlands and Belgium, to legalize same-sex marriage between native Spanish citizens and also registered foreigners living in Spain. 

 

Andalucia is one of the more popular places for gays and lesbians within Spain. With a desirable climate, shopping, beaches and an awesome bar and club scene, there is plenty going on for both gay and straight people.  An interesting thing to note is that the age of consent for gays and lesbians in Spain is 16.

 

Sevilla is located in the warmest region of Spain with very short and mild winters, hot summers and a long and pleasant spring and autumn. Because of the many warm months going out in Seville often is an open-air culture. Sometimes there is more going on in front of the bars than inside. That's especially true for the area around the park along the Alameda de Hércules, a popular hangout for having a drink and a chat with friends. There is one bar after another and basically all the bars there are at least gay-friendly and the gay bars are straight-friendly, so you'll usually find a mixed, easy-going crowd.

 

At the Alameda de Hércules, most of the talking and flirting happens in groups of friends. People just enjoy being with friends and open-minded strangers. If you are travelling by yourself or are up for more action, you can still move on after midnight to the bars and clubs in the nearby streets Trajano and Amor de Dios.

 

Annual highlights in Seville are the Holy Week (Semana Santa) in March/April, the Seville Spring Fair two weeks after Semana Santa, Seville Gay Pride (Orgullo del Sur) usually end of June, the annual international bear weekend GuadalkiBear in October/November and the gay and lesbian film festival usually in November.

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