Argentina was the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage
Argentina is part of the group of countries that actively promote inclusion. It was the first in Latin America and the tenth in the world to pass an equal marriage law.
Regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, all people can marry in Argentine territory. Along with Canada, Argentina is also one of the few countries that allows marriage between same-sex individuals who are not residents.
Therefore, many LGBTI+ travelers choose Argentina to enjoy their vacations and, in some cases, to get married and celebrate their honeymoon.
More than ten years have passed since the country took this fundamental step to recognize and give visibility to the rights of the community. According to the Argentine LGBT Federation (FALGBT), more than 20,000 marriages have been celebrated since then.
Argentine institutions and legislation support the LGBTI+ community
Argentina welcomes the LGBTI+ tourism segment and demonstrates this through its legislation, institutions, and public policies.
Since December 2002, different jurisdictions in the country have approved civil union laws for same-sex couples. Among them are the City of Buenos Aires, Carlos Paz and Río Cuarto, in Córdoba, and the province of Río Negro.
Likewise, various civil organizations promoted many of the public policies that are now internationally recognized. Among them, the Argentine Homosexual Community (CHA), created in 1984; the Argentine LGBT Federation, founded in 2005; and the Argentine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (CCGLAR), established in 2010, stand out.
Among the regulations promoted are the Equal Marriage Law, passed in 2010, and the Gender Identity Law, enacted in 2012. The latter was a pioneer in the region and allowed trans people to register their chosen name and gender in their documents.
Various public agencies also work to ensure respect for sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, as well as to protect the community against any form of inequality or violence.
These public and civil organizations gather the concerns of the LGBTI+ community and promote important social advancements in both Argentina and the region.
Argentina maintains a clear commitment to equality. Its advancements in rights are internationally recognized and contribute to the country being chosen as a vacation or residence destination.
A wide cultural, sports, artistic, and social offering
Buenos Aires is among the most chosen Latin American destinations by the LGBTI+ community. This is not surprising considering the enormous variety of experiences it offers.
One of them is the Queer Milonga, an initiative that invites people to rethink tango and leave behind the traditional roles of this emblematic Argentine dance. The International Queer Tango Festival is also celebrated annually, welcoming participants from around the world and proposing to dance to the rhythm of the milonga without gender distinctions or pre-established roles.
The Argentine capital has also hosted important gatherings, such as the Buenos Aires Diversa Festival. Added to this is its vibrant nightlife, with hundreds of bars and clubs, many of them especially geared toward the LGBTI+ community.
Palermo is one of the favorite neighborhoods for these travelers thanks to its gastronomic, artistic, cultural, and commercial offerings.
The rest of the country also welcomes the LGBTI+ community with countless experiences. Mendoza, for example, celebrates the Grape Harvest for Everyone, a traditional inclusive festival with shows, music, dance and entertainment.
Other favorite destinations are Puerto Iguazú, El Chaltén, El Calafate, and Puerto Madryn, which combine their renowned natural attractions with offerings designed for different types of travelers.
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Argentina is globally recognized as an LGBTI+ tourism destination.
The Gay Travel Index, produced annually by the German publication Spartacus Traveller, evaluate the most friendly destinations for LGBTI+ travelers. Since 2020, Argentina has been ranked among the top positions, along with countries like Canada, Malta, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Sweden.
In addition, during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), Argentina was recognized as the “Best International LGBT+ Destination 2020.” This distinction was the result of the sustained work of the public and private sectors and the country's commitment to equality.
Due to its advancements in rights and freedoms, Argentina strives to make visiting members of the LGBTI+ community feel welcome and protected in every destination.
The original note can also be consulted at Visit Argentina.