Gay chile
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We recommend heading here from around 11am, especially on weekends otherwise you'll be drinking solo! However, it is essential for travelers to remain aware of the potential challenges and risks they may face and stay vigilant at all times.
While Chile’s legal landscape has become more inclusive, the local attitudes and experiences of LGBT people can vary greatly.
Farinelli has a table/seat style setting for the drag shows which start each evening from around 11pm. And there sure are heaps of them! We've referenced their relevant social media/weblink:
Marcha del Orgullo in June
The Marcha del Orgullo is Chile's gay Pride event that takes place simultaneously in Santiago, Concepción and Valparaiso.
They always have promotions, which they announce on the Il Palatino Facebook page, so definitely keep an eye on that before going. Once illegal just over 20 years ago, Chile has made great strides in recognizing and protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. And while there’s still a journey ahead, the path is lit with the collective dreams of its tenacious LGBTQ+ community, whose stories serve as a testament to Chile’s ever-evolving spirit.
Venture into the heart of its cities, and the electric nightlife of Gay Chile comes alive.
For more, we advise reading our interview with Ivan from Santiago about what gay life is like in Chile from a local's perspective.
Get your personalized gay friendly itinerary to Chile
Our friends Ivan and Freddie are local gay guys living and working in Santiago.
In addition, the gay bars of Santiago don't get busy until after 10 pm. There is also a sun terrace area, BBQ facilities, and a communal kitchen area where guests mingle. Always a guaranteed fun night out here says we!
Bunker is only open Friday and Saturday evenings from midnight until around 5am, however, we suggest arriving from around 2am onwards to avoid dancing solo!
It's open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, then from 1 pm on Friday open all the way until Sunday evening. The staff are also very helpful, accommodating and gay friendly. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
There are several LGBT advocacy groups in Chile, such as Movimiento de Integración y Liberación Homosexual (MOVILH), which actively campaign for LGBT rights, provide support for the community, and work to end discrimination.
The street art of Bellavista was also a top highlight of the city for us as well as the Costanera Tower, the Funicular and La Chascona.
During weekday nights they have “After Work Happy Hour” drink promotions which attract a rather handsome crowd of suited ‘n' booted Chilean lads! One tip our friends told us before going – connect with them on their social media and ask to be put on their guest list to skip the queue. It is located at Antonia Lopez de Bello, 125.
Illuminati
Illuminati is one of the cooler, hipster gay clubs in Santiago, or as our friends put it, ‘the trendier alternative to Bunker'.
As of March 10, 2022, same-sex marriage has been legalized, allowing couples to not only marry but also adopt. Unlike the rest of the hotel, the rooms are completely modern with impressive soundproofing: triple-glazed windows to be exact! When we went out on Saturday evenings in Santiago, we'd usually switch between Femme and Bunker depending on where the crowds were hanging out at.
It's minutes walking distance to the gay scene in Bellavista, located just by Parque Forestal in the Lastarria district.
It's super affordable and has a fun quirky vibe going on with the decor, which is also what caught our eye!
We highly recommend Hostel Forestal to solo LGBTQ travelers who want to meet like-minded people. We've highlighted some of the best ones to look out for, which we think LGBTQ travelers will love.
To honor the unique flavor and fervor of each locale, we’ve chosen to present them in alphabetical order, allowing their individual tales of queer life, love, and celebration to shine unencumbered. As we celebrate these accomplishments, let us remain excited for the possibilities that lie ahead and continue to work toward a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
Protect Yourself While Travelling In Gay Chile
Chile has made significant strides in recent years to ensure equal rights for its LGBT citizens.