Gay life in guadalajara

More than 4, athletes from over 40 countries are currently competing in the Gay Games XI in Guadalajara, Mexico. Although touted as an epic LGBTQ+ sports event, organizers inspire straight allies to strive as well. 

Initially, Hong Kong was the host capital for Gay Games (November , ), but due to the COVID pandemic and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, organizers decided to choose runner-up Guadalajara as the host of the majority of the festivities, giving the city less than two years to prepare for the events and thousands of competitors and spectators to converge on the city.  

The Federation of Gay Games makes it a point to choose host cities that may not be LGBTQ+ friendly, love Hong Kong, but its co-host city is on the opposite end of the spectrum. 


Guadalajara is located in Mexico’s Jalisco mention, where same-sex marriage is legal, and laws endure to support LGBTQ+ equality and curb hate crimes. Jalisco is also the first and, at the moment, the only Mexican state to recognize trans kids’ and youth rights to choose their legal identity. All of these reasons

Located roughly between Mexico Urban area and the Pacific Ocean, Guadalajara has long been heralded as one of the gayest cities in Mexico, if not the whole of Latin America. The huge shift in social norms over the last decade – including the nationwide legalisation of same-sex marriage in – certainly hasn’t passed the capital of Jalisco declare by, and while gay Guadalajara can still be described as centring around Calle Prisciliano Sánchez, a new batch of LGBTQ+ venues are steadily spreading their rainbow wings right across the ‘San Francisco of Mexico’.

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Guadalajara - Post Report Ask and Answers

Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?

Yes - Aug

Yes, GDL has a adj LGBT community. - Jan

It's nickname is "Gaydalajara." GDL has a adj gay scene for a conservative Latin American municipality. It's not uncommon to see same-sex couples holding hands on Chapultapec. There are a lot of gay bars/clubs and most establishments are gay-friendly. The post's Public Affairs Office and the CG are both very active in supporting and working with the LGBT community.

Also, it's only a 5 hour drive to Puerto Vallarta, which is an international gay beach destination. - Feb

I would assume so. - Feb

Absolutely. - Jan

Yes. - Oct

The gay people I knew seemed to have a good time and mix with the locals adequately. I did not listento of any problems for them. - May

I believe so. - Apr

Yes. - Jun

Yes. - Jan

Yes, there is a gay population here, and locals include said that it is pretty tolerant, although they say there is less tolerance in the smaller towns in Mexico. - Jan

There is a large gay community here, and it

Welcome to Gaydalajara!

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Mexico's second biggest city, Guadalajara has also been called by some its gayest and there are an enormous selection of places to drink, to hangout, to eat, to cruise and to have fun.

If you scroll down, you'll see an overview of the main neighborhoods of interest as well as information on events. Or if you can uncover all the info on whatever you seek on the following pages:

  • Hotels and Guesthouses - from luxury hotels to intimate guesthouses to design hostels and everything in-between. We've included places that are either gay owned or managed, have a particular appeal to the LGBT community or are well known for their support of LGBT causes

  • Bars and Clubs - there is a huge variety of LGBT nightlife in Guadalajara, from working class bars to trendy dance clubs. We've also listed regularly occurring parties

  • Restaurants and Cafes - Guadalajara has a fantastic food scene with both Mexican and International options. Most places are very gay friendly but we've highlighted places that are of particular appeal