Argentina has long been a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, legalizing gay marriage and same-sex adoption in 2010 and continuously expanding legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Buenos Aires in particular stands out for its progressive atmosphere and thriving queer scene, often considered the "LGBTQ+ Capital of Latin America."
However, discrimination policies and public sentiment may vary by region, so understanding local customs and attitudes is important for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Landmarks
At the junction of Av. Santa Fe and Pueyrredón is a Subte (subway) station which was decorated in commemoration to queer activist Carlos Jáuregui, featuring LGBTQ+ art murals and rainbow staircases.
In Retiro, at the junction of Arroyo and Suipacha you'll find one of the city's painted rainbow crosswalks! This permanent installation serves as a great photo spot and backdrop, as well as a vibrant symbol of Buenos Aires' embrace of and dedication to diversity.
Cafés
Maricafé
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Palermo’s vibrant café, bar, LGBTQ+ bookstore, and community space all combined into one! The space offers a welcoming and inclusive environment, along with outdoor seating, free and fast Wi-Wi, colorful decor, and a full menu.
Be sure to try the rainbow cake and/or homemade cinnamon rolls!
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Pride Café
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Buenos Aires’ first gay coffee shop turned LGBTQ+ daytime hangout in San Telmo with food, coffee, cocktails, and outdoor seating.
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Casahumana Café
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Not just an inclusive space, but a unique and conscientious café employing adults with disabilities. All purchases help to support their local NGO partner and they showcase diversity and inclusion displays throughout the space.
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Bioma
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Plant-based café serving rainbow cappuccinos! Not specifically an LGBTQ+ space, but outwardly supportive and conducive to an inclusive environment year-round.
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Cultural Centers
Casa Brandon
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Two-story space hosting a variety of queer events. I attended their queer milonga which takes place the first Friday of each month, including a 1-1.5 hour lesson followed by an open dance floor and professional performance!
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Tribu Mostra
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A unique and predominantly sapphic space organizing music jams, art shows, tango nights, game nights, and open mic nights! All upcoming events and info is shared via infographics on their Instagram.
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La Casa del Árbol
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Bookstore, bar, and cultural center. For a more intimate, low-key atmosphere, Las Pibas curates an inclusive and safe space for LGBTQ+ music goers with events here such as open mic nights, card readings, workshops, independent artist demonstrations, and DJ sets on vinyl.
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La Greco
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Just a few blocks from San Telmo’s main plaza, hosting tango nights, DJs, themed parties, and more. They’re open for mornings on weekdays and have particularly delicious medialunas, so I recommend stopping in for a coffee visit.
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Queer-Owned Businesses
Lunfarda Travel
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An intersectional travel agency based in San Telmo and run by queer founder Mariana Radisic Koliren. Their private tours are run by local experts in multiple languages and include Afro-Argentine heritage tours, LGBTQIA+ history tours, foodie tours, contemporary art tours, and more.
I went on their Buenos Aires LGBTQIA+ tour, which was my first of the kind, and found it more insightful and educational than I could’ve imagined!
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Gissel is a local LGBTQ+ photographer and personal friend of mine following a full day spent together shooting in the city. She's easy-going, full of recommendations, and books both private and group sessions.
Organizations & Resources
Mocha Celis
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If you go on Lunfarda’s LGBTQIA+ tour, you’ll make a stop by Mocha Celis, an NGO secondary school for and by the trans and nonbinary community. You can read more about their history and programs, as well as leave a donation in support of their initiatives on their website.
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Nightlife
Feliza
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A queer bar and cultural center with various rooms and atmospheres. Each week from Wednesday-Sunday they host DJs, live music, performances, theater, karaoke, and more. This is another personal favorite with a more low-key vibe, plus is a great place to go for a fun queer date or small group meetup!
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Fiesta Jolie
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One of my favorites of the queer parties in Buenos Aires with everything from DJ’s, to disco balls, glitter artists, themed nights, fashion shows, and more. Fiesta Jolie takes place at Club Araoz in Palermo every Wednesday starting at 11:00pm, but the crowd doesn’t peak until well past midnight.
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PEUTEO
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For drag shows and karaoke in Buenos Aires, this is the iconic place to be. Self-proclaimed “hetero-friendly” gay bar and located in the heart of Palermo SoHo!
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Known for their catchphrase, "elegí la torta que más te gusta." This private sapphic and queer soft nightlife event has live music, desserts, and an atmosphere created to empower everyone to come as they are, feel comfortable, and meet new people. Events take place every 1-3 months at rotating, secret locations across Buenos Aires and up-to-date information can be found on their Instagram.
One of the world's largest lesbian/sapphic parties with global recognition and popularity. Monthly events take place at rotating nightclub venues and information on the upcoming schedule can be found on their Instagram page.
I truly hope that this guide has given you a taste of inspiration and knowledge for your own queer travels around Buenos Aires. If you've found it helpful, please take a moment to leave a positive review! ✨
Should you visit any of these places yourself, be sure to let me know by tagging me @thelesbianpassport on Instagram and TikTok!
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