Gay & Lesbian Culture in Spain

On July 11th 2005, in the registry office of a Madrid suburb, two gay men made history in Spain by exchanging marriage vows. Same-gender marriage and adoption were legalized by the Spanish Legislature under the administration of socialist president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in 2005.

Equal Right for Gays and Lesbians

This momentous change brought down the full wrath of the Spanish Catholic church, the Vatican and Spain's Conservative right wingers on the heads of the country's socialist government.

To be gay in Spain is not a big issue. Legally, there is no sexual discrimination. Gay citizens and tourists have the same rights as straight, even the same age of consent, a surprisingly young 13 years old. All of the major cities have thriving gay scenes. Barcelona is one of the most gay friendly cities in the world, as well as being one of the most stunning in terms of architecture. Madrid, Spain's capital city has a thriving gay scene with many sex bars. Even a small city like Sitges is one of the most unique towns on Earth, where gay and straight mix everywhere. You'll see guys kissing in straight bars, walking down the street hand in hand - a text book example of how everyone can live together. Welcome to Gay Spain!

The History of Gay Rights in Spain

Despite being a staunchly Catholic country, Spain has allowed gay communities to flourish since the demise of the fascist dictator Franco in 1975. This surprising tolerance has undoubtedly been spawned in part by years of repression during which gays were persecuted, punished and even rounded up and interned in special penal camps.

Spain's most famous 20th century poet, Frederico Lorca, was executed and his body tossed into a mass grave on the orders of Franco who objected to his poetry, his republican leanings and most of all his homosexuality.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, those found guilty of homosexual acts were burnt at the stake in Spain's public squares. These days the country boasts some of the most popular gay centres in Europe and some of the world's most enlightened laws regarding the rights and freedoms of homosexuals.

Gay tourism has become a thriving industry since democracy took the place of dictatorship. In many areas with flourishing gay communities you can pick up booklets and maps detailing all the cruising areas and gay-friendly bars, restaurants, saunas and night spots.
Plan your Gay Wedding in Spain

In some of the more cosmopolitan places - such as Barcelona, Madrid and Ibiza -sexuality simply isn't an issue when it comes to having a good night out.

Gay Weddings in Spain

The country's top gay spots include the seaside town of Sitges, 35 kilometres south of Barcelona, an area of Barcelona known as L'Eixample, the Chueca quarter of Madrid and the twin resorts of Playa del Ingles and Playa de Maspalomas on the Canary island of Gran Canaria. Torremolinos is one of the Costa del Sol's favoured gay haunts along with the Campo de Sol nudist beach at Malaga. Gay visitors tend to steer clear of glitzy Marbella which is the place to see and be seen if you're rich, famous… and unequivocally heterosexual!

If you are looking for more information about Planning your Gay Wedding in Spain -- we'll help you plan for your big day!

Welcome to Gay Spain!

Our list of Gay Centers in Spain

Madrid

Barcelona

Ibiza

Sitges

If you know of a gay-friendly bar, nightclub or other type of establishment other than the ones we list on the pages below, please drop us an email at suggestions@officialspainguide.com