Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
rights in a political or legal context does not exist as an issue. When it does arise in public,
hostility is most often the response. As a result, many gays in Peru don't publicly identify
as homosexual, and some men, in keeping with the macho nature of Peruvian culture, will
identify as straight, even if they have sex with other men or transvestite prostitutes. Ef-
feminate men, even if they are straight, may be called
maricón
(which roughly translates
as 'faggot'), although this word has come to be a catch-all insult that is also used in jest.
Public displays of affection among homosexual couples is rarely seen. Outside gay
clubs, it is advisable to keep a low profile. HIV/AIDS transmission, both homosexual and
heterosexual, is a growing problem. Lima is the most accepting of gay people, but this is
on a relative scale. Beyond that, the tourist towns of Cuzco, Arequipa and Trujillo tend to
be more tolerant than the norm.
FYI: the rainbow flag seen around Cuzco and in the Andes is
not
a gay pride flag - it's
the flag of the Inca empire.
Several organizations provide resources for gay and lesbian travelers:
Deambiente.com
(
www.deambiente.com
,
www.introspektivo.com
)
Spanish-language on-
line magazine about politics and pop culture, plus nightlife listings.
Gay Lima
(
lima.queercity.info
)
A handy guide to the latest gay and gay-friendly spots in
the capital, along with plenty of links.
Gayperu.com
(
www.gayperu.com
)
A modern, Spanish-language online guide that lists
everything from bars to bathhouses; also runs a multilingual travel agency
Global Gayz
(
www.globalgayz.com
)
Excellent, country-specific information about Peru's
gay scene and politics, with links to international resources.
Central Lima)
A travel agency that is not exclusively gay, but that organizes gay-friendly
group trips around the country.
Movimiento Homosexual de Lima
( 01-332-2945;
www.mhol.org.pe
;
Mariscal
Miller 822, Jesús María)
Peru's best-known gay and lesbian activist organization.
Purpleroofs.com
(
www.purpleroofs.com
)
Massive GLBT portal with links to a few tour
operators and gay-friendly accommodations in Peru.
Janeiro 216, San Isidro, Lima)
Gay-owned tour agency based in Lima, with a multilingual
website.
