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chynafox

Jan 27, 2004, 7:06 AM

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What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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I wonder if anyone could help me with this. In a fe years time I hope to move to Mexico, but as a lesbian I am worried about the social gay scene over there. I have been on a few Latino forums before and have received a lot of abuse when asking this question- I hope to find more help here!

Chyna xxx

gpk

Jan 27, 2004, 8:21 AM

Post #2 of 18 (1221 views)

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Re: [chynafox] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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The short answer is "don't worry". There are many of us here (foreigners), and, frankly, more Mexicans are gay/lesbian than I ever would have believed. If you go to a larger city (500,000+), virtually any beach resort, or San Miguel de Allende, you will be comfortable and will find plenty of friends--both gay and otherwise.

SteveInPVR

Jan 27, 2004, 2:24 PM

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Re: [chynafox] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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There's really not a problem in any of the larger cities, such as Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Acapulco, San Miguel, Etc. There are many clubs, social organizations, and even churches. Mexicans are very warm and accepting people, and seem to care much less about what you do in your bedroom than many Americans.

Steve
Steve

Uncle Jack

Jan 27, 2004, 2:44 PM

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Re: [chynafox] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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This is a question that comes up every couple of months. You may want to use the search feature and type in "Gay" or "Lesbian" and read what has been posted in the past.

The bottom line is, that here in Mexico, if you don't make an issue of your sexual orientation most liklely nobody else will either.

uj

Carol Schmidt

Jan 27, 2004, 8:58 PM

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Re: [chynafox] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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Note my lengthy response to this same question in the SanMiguel/Guanajuato forum recently. My MexConnect column, "Falling...in love with San Miguel" is also written from the perspective of two lesbians moving to SMA. We've had absolutely no problems or harassment whatsoever, less than we experienced in the US.

If you have any specific personal questions you would rather ask in private, you can write to me personally, too.

Carol Schmidt, former Naiad author of lesbian mysteries

mexicocrow

Jan 28, 2004, 5:14 AM

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Re: [chynafox] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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From a gay male perspective, Mexico has a tolerance level not seen in the US. Mind you, my partner and I are from deep in the Mid-West, Oklahoma, so NOTHING is tolerant here. We just sold our beautiful, lake front home to allow us to make the move to Mexico. We spend most of our time in Puerto Vallarta, currently known as the 6th gay travel destination in the world. Naturally the cost of living is an adjustment for us, but one we can live with given the openess with which we can live. We have not encountered any negativity regarding our sexuality, in Mexico. While we live a sheltered life here, we haven't experienced any discrimination here at home, we just have to step the required two feet apart to walk down the street together, and always remember to sit on opposite sides of the table, as opposed to next to each other. High housing costs seem such a little price to pay. The Mexican people are gracious, accommodating, and extremely accepting. There are people in Mexico, just like there are in the US, Canada and everywhere, who don't like it, but they seem to be far outnumbered by the ones who don't really care what you do.

lemire

Jan 29, 2004, 10:14 AM

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Re: [Carol Schmidt] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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Just the info I've been looking for. Thanks to all who answered!!!! Anyone know if there is a LGBTQ BDSM scene anywhere in Mexico? I'm exploring the possibility of retiring to Mexico within the year.

Celeste

Uncle Jack

Jan 29, 2004, 10:32 AM

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When you get here.........

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......maybe you could organize (no pun intended) some weekly classes at The Lake Chapala Society. They're always looking for new fun ideas.

http://www.bdsm-list.com/

uj

alex .

Jan 29, 2004, 10:45 AM

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Re: [lemire] Gee, all these acronyms

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The Registry Of Lesbian Links ?

Carron

Jan 30, 2004, 12:24 PM

Post #10 of 18 (938 views)

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Re: [Carol Schmidt] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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My husband and daughters and I have met many lesbian and gay friends of all ages since we have lived in Mexico and I agree that there seems to be a much greater tolerance level here than in the US. Just a personal observation, but I suspect one of the reasons is that Latinos in general are much more touchy-feely and affectionate in public than us WASPS from the US. Grown men hugging in restaurants, women hugging and kissing on the streets, teenage girls shopping with their arms around each other, hand holding by friends who may or may not be lovers. . . .who cares? You are only criticized in Mexico when you DON'T hug or kiss friends. Or sit very close, within whispering distance, and touch while talking.

When I went to college near Washington, D.C. in the early 60's one of my roommates was the daughter of the long-time Danish Ambassador to the Dominican Repúblic. She had been born and raised in Santo Domingo. She said the only advice her dad gave her before she left home was not to touch or kiss or hug any of the American girls she met because they would mis-interpret her friendly touches. She had grown up in a culture where girls were free to kiss and touch and hug each other naturally and no one ever attributed their affection to anything other than just close friendship. It was difficult for her to keep her distance.

I am so WASP-y that I still have trouble when Mexican friends--even my daughters--invade my personal space with hugs and kisses at every excuse. My daughters often have to prompt me in social situations to remember to hug and kiss them hello and goodbye, even if we are only going to be apart for an hour or so. They tell me to remember my Mexican manners and not to embarrass them by forgetting the public hugs and kisses.

Esteban

Jan 30, 2004, 12:58 PM

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Re: [Carron] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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To the guys who don't know, when you hug, it's left cheek to left cheek with other guys and right to right with the women. At least that's the way here in Maz. I have a good Mexican friend who has been living in the US for over 10 years. He helps his father who lives in Zacatecas and his mother in Puebla. One time he was in Puebla, and slipped back into his Mexican ways. He was walking down the street holding his mothers hand. All of a sudden the norte influence popped into his mind and he had a quick glance into how he had changed. He said that you never see guys do that in the US.

chynafox

Jan 30, 2004, 3:02 PM

Post #12 of 18 (913 views)

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Re: [chynafox] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to get back online to read all these replies!

Let me thank you all for replying- and for reassuring me! I've been on other forums for latinos, and when i have tried to ask that question I have received so much abuseb that I was becoming really worried about my planned move to Mexico. But, it all sounds OK!

So thanks guys :-)

Chyna

xxx

wendy devlin

Jan 31, 2004, 8:18 AM

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Re: [Esteban] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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>One time he was in Puebla, and slipped back into his Mexican ways. He was walking down the street holding his mothers hand.

This comment brings back a memory.

Over the years, I have spent a fair bit of time in the village of Melaque, Jalisco.

With a population of about 5000, of which a small number are resident gringos, a person can get to know a lot of people over time.

There are a number of middle-aged Mexican ladies there, married to older gringo guys.

One evening, I was walking with my teenage daughter when we saw one of these gals swinging hands with a handsome Mexican fellow, years her junior.

"My, my," we thought.

A while later, we saw another married señora walking hand in hand with a younger gringo down the street.

Pueblo pequeño, pueblo infierno...

We were wrong on both counts.

However this is not to saying that Mexican towns are not... hot! hot!

But this is a moderated forum;^) Wendy

juancarlos

Jan 31, 2004, 8:52 AM

Post #14 of 18 (844 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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In Reply To

Pueblo pequeño, pueblo infierno...

Indeed it's true... just to make it clearer, the spanish saying is:

"Pueblo Chico, Infierno Grande".

Thanks!

wendy devlin

Jan 31, 2004, 9:06 AM

Post #15 of 18 (836 views)

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Re: [juancarlos] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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Thanks Juan,

I just wrote the first words that came to my mind in Spanish.

And is quite common, they were the wrong ones;^)

However in my blank posting above, I just wrote out a long...tale about my experiences with the Mexican gay scene in a small village.

It must have been so 'hot' that when I posted it, it disintegrated into cyberspace. Too bad, it took me an hour to write it. Moral of the story:

Save first! Before trying to send a posting.

Who knows when I will get the time or will to write out such a story again.

smokesilver

Jan 31, 2004, 7:32 PM

Post #16 of 18 (779 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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I don't know about the LGBT scene anywhere. However I not want you to cease writing to this forum because you were "exorcised" by whomever. I can remember a few years ago when you made many interesting contributions to this site. One of the reasons I still have an interest is because many persons no longer writing made so many interesting comments. That does not mean there were not some clowns no longer with us. Please continue to talk to us.

auaseaside

Mar 10, 2004, 12:21 PM

Post #17 of 18 (596 views)

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Re: [Esteban] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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I'll be moving from the States to Tampico area in August for work and will probably be there a couple of years.
Any comments or contacts anywhere nearby who could give me some ideas?
Please and thanks.

Dave/Dean

Mar 10, 2004, 5:06 PM

Post #18 of 18 (557 views)

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Re: [auaseaside] What is the LGBT scene like in Mexico?

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I would suggest you go to Yahoo groups and become a member of the "mexico-gay" group. People post frequently about Veracruz, but I don't recall anything about Tampico.