LGBT Mexico City

Mexico City, the country's capital and one of the world's largest megacities, is a socially progressive city with a long history of embracing diversity with anti-discrimination policies and a tolerance for those who choose lifestyles other than that dictated by conservative Catholic doctrine (historically very strong in Mexico). Homosexuality has been legal in Mexico since the 1860s, with same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples both legalized for Mexico City in 2010, setting a model for the rest of the country. As of 2020, more than half of Mexico's states allow same-sex marriages.

LGBT travelers find a warm welcome in Mexico City where the travel costs are generally far lower than other gay friendly international capitals. Mexico City offers a rich cultural experience with an enormous active arts community, world famous cuisine, and fun nightspots that cater to an openly gay clientele.

The city's annual Pride events have been held in June since 1979.

Understand
The Zona Rosa district is the historic center of the city's gay community and still attracts a lot of LGBT travelers to its variety of clubs, restaurants, and shops. Several other districts of the city are very LGBT friendly in the 21st century and may offer even better options though the Zona Rosa continues to be a major hub for the gay community.


 * Centro Historico offers an unparalleled selection of cultural riches, from historic sites to some of the city's most famous arts venues. It's also home to two of the city's most popular gay bars plus several LGBT-friendly clubs with parties that rock seven nights a week.


 * Condesa and Roma are popular neighborhoods full of small shops, sidewalk cafes, and small hotels or airbnbs in cool art deco buildings, several with LGBT owners who cater to the tastes of a gay clientele and who can provide current local insight and recommendations.

Visitor information

 * Capital LGBTTTI - Mexico City's Tourism Office officially welcomes the LGBT community with a 27-page guide in both Spanish and English that explains the city's policies of tolerance and provides detailed official information tailored to the needs and interests of the LGBTTTI traveler


 * Gay Mexico City - is the greater LGBT community's information hub for all local events and issues pertaining to alternative lifestyles in CDMX, including all of the events of Pride Week. They publish a travel guide that includes recommendations for gay bars, cruising spots, spas, a taco tour and gay friendly restaurants and hotels.

Pride Week

 * June - Pride Week includes more than 60 events celebrating the LGBT lifestyle, a few highlights are:
 * * Marcha del Orgullo LGBT (Gay Pride Parade) - biggest LGBT event of the year in Mexico, with a lively parade down Avenida Reforma
 * * BearMex - events during 3 days of Pride Week that cater to the interests of the bear, leather, and fetish crowd
 * * La Mas Draga - concert and show featuring the most fabulous drag queens
 * * Pervert - 2 full days of techno rave, sign up in advance because venues are announced just hours in advance
 * * Pride Together - huge dance party with four stages, 10 live performances and 20 DJs that keep the party rolling all day and night

Events

 * Sungay Brunch - Monthly event held on a Sunday afternoon/evening. Info is available via Instagram (@sungaybrunch) with tickets sold via EventBrite. Various locations throughout the city.

Sleep
LGBT friendly hotels can be found in every part of the city and a large number of Airbnb hosts actively reach out to the LGBT community. A few noteworthy choices that appeal to LGBT travelers are listed here.

Connect
Mexico City has excellent cell coverage with 5G service throughout the city via several providers.

Most hotels and restaurants provide free WiFi and the CDMX city government provides free WiFi service in many public parks.

Stay safe
Mexico City is welcoming of LGBTQ travelers and it is extremely unlikely that you will be singled out for any kind of hate crime or verbal abuse. Such things are far in the past. Nonetheless, it would be wise not to flaunt lifestyle choices if you leave the city for more rural explorations where minds change slowly. The main tourist areas and popular LGBTQ neighborhoods will be completely safe and you will feel quite comfortable there.