Hi Joe,

Colombia legalized same-s*x marriage in April 2016. Same-s*x couples married abroad are now entitled to the same visa, healthcare benefits, and inheritance and pension rights as heterosexual spouses, once they take a stamped marriage certificate and identification papers to the nearest designated office in Colombia.

In 2015, same-s*x adoption laws allowed gay couples the same rights as heterosexual couples when adopting children. That same year, Colombia legalized the right to change legal gender without requiring surgery.

Discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation is illegal and is explicitly covered in the law. However, gender identity is implied but is not explicitly mentioned.

The major tourist cities of Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have a growing number of gay and gay-friendly bars, clubs, and hotels. Bogotá elected Claudia López as the country’s first openly lesbian mayor in 2019.

One resource I recommend is Out in Colombia Travel, started by a U.S. expat. It’s an LGBTQ+ travel and tourism agency whose goal is to create life-changing and memorable experiences for gay travelers and to help create cross-cultural exchanges that unite the global LGBTQ+ community.

Hi David,

Costa Rica, being a Catholic country, is socially conservative for the most part. However, the tide is changing.

Same-s*x marriage was legalized in May 2020 under President Carlos Alvarado Quesada’s administration. It is one of the first countries in Latin America to not only recognize same-s*x marriage, but to legalize it.

The Costa Rican people (especially in the cities and in the international expat communities) continue to be welcoming towards expats and tourists, regardless of sexual preferences or gender identification. However, in the more rural areas, it is still best to avoid obvious public displays of affection.

There is a large LGBTQ scene around San José, where you can find a variety of bars and events supporting the community. An online search can point you in the right direction. Each year, the city hosts a big pride parade and event.

Manuel Antonio, on the Central Coast, continues to be the number one alternate lifestyle tourist destination. There you will find hotels, bars, and tours catering to this growing tourism demand.

Tamarindo, on the Gold Coast, hosted the country’s first ever Glitter Festival to promote diversity in Guanacaste tourism. It also recently opened a popular gay bar further cementing this Guanacaste beach area as an LGBTQ-friendly option in the country. It’s reopened for the season as of last weekend, and its drag shows are reportedly super fun.