Perspective from Mexico City

Perhaps when you first think about Mexico City ideas like pollution or a macho culture come to mind. But it might be interesting to know that the largest city in Latin America has been waking up, little by little, to an emerging gay culture; in particular the city has been stepping ahead of most of the country’s resort areas and the countryside in terms of building a gay culture, a gay community, and a progressive environment.

There are an increasing number of gay businesses in Mexico City, and the community meets in neighborhoods like the Condesa or San Angel where small cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, bazaars, and galleries are popular places to have a good time with friends, gay or straight.

Even though some influential remains of the traditional conservative, Catholic, and macho culture exist, which in the past meant it could be (socially and physically) dangerous to be identified as gay, things are different now. In particular, a younger generation is embracing diversity more than ever. Television broadcasts some of the most popular U.S. American shows with gay characters (Dawson’s Creek, Will & Grace, Queer as Folk, etc.) and there are some innovative local radio shows like “Triple G” where different topics are discussed from a gay cultural perspective along with the top music hits of the international billboard. When it comes to nightlife entertainment, Mexico City offers great dancing venues in very different “antros” (as we call the clubs here) that share a relaxed and safe environment.

If you are an international academic or an international student studying in Mexico, most of the higher education institutions offer a friendly environment even though it is wise to find out if the school you are planning to attend is conservative or not. As a general guideline, it is smart to make friends with local Mexican gays, who will know how to be a part of the community and to enjoy Mexican gay culture. If you have specific concerns, or questions you may email me at: edgarsan@itesm.mx.