Being Gay and Lesbian in Spain

Nowadays the freedom of expression has taken on a meaning of itself and nothing is more evident of this truth than same sex marriages. Don't expect to flee America to escape it, for many countries have been, and are now coming out of closets. Spain is no exception. Just recently, on July 11th 2005, in the registry office of a Madrid suburb, two men made history in Spain by exchanging marriage vows. I guess, Francisco Franco is rolling over in his grave now, for every since his death Spain has allowed gay and lesbian communities to thrive all over the country. Now a law on gay marriages has been implemented allowing gays and lesbians to marry, and even adopt children, while enjoying the same rights of all human beings. This law was passed in June 2005, bringing down the full rage of the Spanish Catholic church, and even the Vatican.

However, the Spanish people paid it no mind for many of them are witnesses of the Franco fascist dictatorship rule and not allowing people to express themselves as very damn well please. So, to many open-minded Spanish people this serve as a victory over the hated Francisco Franco. They vividly remember the days in which gays were persecuted, punished and treated inhumanely for expressing themselves.

Now gay tourism has become embedded into a country that once burnt people to a stake if they were caught or reported to have a homosexual relationship. When visiting Spain, you can now find gay pamphlets, booklets and maps detailing all the cruising areas and gay-friendly bars, restaurant, saunas and nights spots. Leading the way for people to exhibit their tastes and inclinations is Madrid and Barcelona. If you happen to visit Barcelona, Casal Lambda offers a place for meetings and guidance for gays and lesbians, even counseling. And then there's Madrid, where gay and lesbian scenes are in abundance. Most of the activities take place in Chueca, the blend for all your gay enjoyment.

It is evident that gay and lesbian lifestyles have come a long way in Spain with the strong lobbying movements for same-sex marriages and for same-sex couples to have equal rights like anyone else. Since the inauguration of same-sex marriage on Sunday, July 3rd 2005 a whopping 4,500 same sex couples have tied the knot, and this was during the first year of the law. Can we imagine what the numbers are now? But don't be fooled, eloping to Spain to get married would require that at least one partner be a Spanish citizen and having been a legal resident in Spain for a minimum of two years and registered with the municipality, although two non-Spaniard people with legal citizenship in Spain can marry. Those seriously interested in getting married this way, can obtain all the information necessary to have your wedding performed by visiting AngloInfo