subject: Madrid - Spain's 'Gay' Center [print this page] Madrid - Spain's 'Gay' Center Madrid - Spain's 'Gay' Center
A town that is known for its vibrant feel and openness, Madrid is that the Spanish capital that draws tourists from around the globe and caters to the inclinations of all groups of the population. Town is considered to be terribly gay-friendly, comprising a number of options to cater to this minor fraction of the travelers.
Chueca: The Gay District of Madrid
The Chueca district of Madrid is renowned worldwide as a cosmopolitan and stylish gay neighborhood. Renowned for being Madrid's largest cultural, sexual and racially various hub, it's a fun-stuffed and happening hotspot for gays and lesbians. Chueca conjointly attracts transgenders and bisexuals.
Back within the 80s, Chueca was an unsafe district due to rampant male prostitution and drug trafficking. Since then, it has followed the trail of development with growing contributions from Madrid's affluent gay community. Walk the streets of Chuece and you'll be able to spot various restaurants, bars and occasional houses. Nightlife in Chuece is livelier with music that is played by most clubs within the region and will be heard even on the streets.
For those who like to follow fashion trends, Chueca is the right place to go to as it is dotted with a giant variety of fashionable fashion boutiques and clothing stores. You'll be able to expect to find everything from international designers to independent brands. The Plaza de Chueca is the epicenter of the district because it contains stylish outlets and masses of out of doors cafes. Many businesses in Chueca cater to the gay clientele, such as travel agencies and law firms.
Madrid Fashion Week
New York and Milan are the massive names in Fashion Week but Madrid isn't way behind as it's currently an vital fashion destination. In fact, the Madrid Fashion Week could be a popular event that attracts gay travelers from across the world. Since the time it was initial established in 1963, it is one among the globe's oldest fashion events.
The Madrid Gay and Lesbian Film Competition
Referred to as LesGaiCineMad, the competition showcases movies that depict homosexuality, trans-sexuality and bisexuality. This annual event is held throughout October-November and showcases around eighty movies (Spanish and international) across several screens around the city. This festival is held to encourage traditional social interaction and activities of the minorities.
The Gay Pride Parade in Madrid
For the gay community, the Pride Parade is one amongst their most vital events. It celebrates the LGTB (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual) culture and demands legal rights like same-sex marriages.
The parade is an annual event that takes place in June in tribute to the Stonewall riots. A little little bit of history tinged with social persecution will be touched upon to clarify this. These riots passed in 1969, when policemen attacked the Stonewall Inn in New York and arrested all occupants. This triggered the LGTB community to strongly oppose and fight against the persecution of sexual minorities by the government likewise because the society.
Throughout the Pride Competition, Chueca becomes a vibrant and multicolored platform for concerts and shows that appreciate the gay community. There are colourful floats, amplified music, flashy dancers and drag queens in the parade. Besides the Chueca, the Pelayo Street and therefore the Vazquez de Mella Plazas emerge as the final hubs for spirited activities.
Varied gay-friendly hotels and residences are on the market in Madrid, particularly in Chueca. They are conjointly open to accommodating the general population so on bring along a social platform that facilitates easy interaction between the minority and also the majority.
