Tag Archives: Buenos Aires

Destination of the Week: Buenos Aires

This week we’re headed for South America and one of Latin America’s gay capitals: Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Long before same-sex marriage was legalized in the country in 2010, the Argentine capital city had long been a magnet for gay travelers, with plenty of nightlife, culture, and the largest Pride parade you’re likely to find in South America.

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Although South America still has a very long way to go when it comes to gay rights, including Argentina as a whole, LGBT travelers will still find a welcoming vibe in Buenos Aries.

So whether you’re looking for a few authentic tango lessons, or want to check out the unique vibe of the city, here’s a look at reasons why Buenos Aires should definitely be on your travel destination list…
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Awesome Architecture and History

Argentina has a long, and sometimes sordid history, and plenty of architecture to go with it. So if you’re a fan of either…or both, then you’ll definitely find plenty to see in the city.

There are some great walking tours available that focus on the architecture of Buenos Aires. The Casa Rosada and the Teatro Colon are just a few cool buildings to check out. And if you’re into art, don’t miss the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where you’ll not only find important works from Argentine artists, but also from European masters like Cezanne, Degas, Picasso, and Rembrandt.

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The Great Outdoors

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, or just love being out in nature, Argentina offers a world of possibilities. So after you’ve take in all of Buenos Aires, consider a side trip in other parts of the country.

Wine lovers should check out Mendoza, an area known for producing some of the best wines in the world. And if you’re looking for adventure, head down to Patagonian, where glaciers and plenty of adventure awaits. Argentina is also home to the world’s widest waterfalls: Iguazu Falls.

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Evita

Maybe you’ve only heard of Evita from the musical, but this real life woman played an important role in shaping Argentina’s politics and history. She was even a part of the movement to help get women the right to vote!

Check out the Evita Museum for a more in depth look at this intriguing lady. You can also look for her grave in another popular tourist attraction in Buenos Aires: Cementerio de la Recoleta.

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Diverse Nightlife

There’s a little something for everyone when it comes to gay nightlife in Buenos Aires. Whether you’re looking for a lively dance club, or a more subdued and low key type of setting, you’ll definitely find something in the city.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, check out the Pride Café. It’s got a warm and welcoming vibe and not only serves coffee, but alcohol as well.

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Tango

Buenos Aires and tango are pretty much synonymous with each other, and let’s face it…watching two women tango is sexy as hell. So while you’re in Buenos Aires, you’ll definitely want to either go to a tango show (often times there are dinner and dance show options) or why not take a few tango lessons yourself? You definitely haven’t truly experienced Argentina until you’ve taken part in tango in some shape or form.

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Have you traveled to Buenos Aires and have suggestions on things to do or see? Let us know in the comments below so future travelers can make the most of their trip!

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As Putin Leaves Argentina, Gay Russians Marry in Buenos Aires

Marina Mironova and Oxana Tomofeeva had been raising their son Nikolai for over a decade in Russia as the policy trend has advanced further against gays.

When authorities eventually threatened to seize Nikolai because of their relationship, the two women left for a better life in Argentina. Now pursuing asylum with the government in Buenos Aires, they finally married last Wednesday as Argentina celebrated the fourth anniversary of its nation-wide legalization of same-sex marriage.

This follows a similar story of a gay couple wedding in February of this year who also sought asylum from Russia, reports the Buenos Aires Herald.

Argentina legalized same-sex marriage for foreigners in 2012, two years after President Christina Fernández Kirchner signed equal marriage for citizens into law. Repression in Russia has amplified since 2013 inaugurated the infamous propaganda law which banned most public activism for LGBT rights.

The anniversary of the 2010 victory has been much celebrated but there is still social backlash against gay peoples and same-sex marriage. Despite this, La Nacion reports over 7,500 gay couples have been married in Argentina since the passage of the law.

This has been in large part due to the efforts of activist groups in Argentina, including the Argentine Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Trans (FALGBT) who was present to celebrate the union of Mironova and Tomofeeva. Claudia Castrosín, vicepresident of the FALGBT said of the marriage

“With much joy and pride we will accompany Marina and Oxana in their marriage. They have escaped the laws that criminalize sexual diversity in Russia for our country’s guarantees of legal equality and the right to be.”

The anniversary comes days after Russian President Vladamir Putin met with President de Kirchner in Buenos Aires. There was protesting in the capital by supporters of Ukrainian sovereignty and LGBT equality, however LGBT topics were not raised.