Mexico City seems to be trying to win some kind of award for being the most liberal city in Latin America. In fact, Mexico as a country has won an award: gay Destination of the Year by the PlanetOut Travel Awards, which recognise gay-friendly tourist destinations. Past winners have included Barcelona and Buenos Aires.
However,Mexico, like Ireland, is a country still cloaked in provincial catholicism and until recently may have not been the number one spot for any LGBT traveller but the times are changing and the city itself is now home to a zone often nicknamed as the "gay zone" which hosts some really fun bars and discos to suit everyones tastes .
The scene is rapidly making itself visible and in areas like the zona rosa and the aray of rainbow flags will attest to that. The flag is sometimes displayed innocently of its significance, so don't presume the context. Also, in some cases it's displayed to indicate "gay friendly" rather than gay. As darkness falls the streets of the Zona Rosa are filled and you can find gay bars, cafes, discos and my personal favourite - a 6ft transvestite who does a very convincing Shakira !
The LGBT pride march is held at the end of June every year usually between the 22nd-25th of June and attracts people from all over the country. People come to for political reasons, to dance, shout, party, have a good time and spread awareness in teh country where homaphobia is still a rather delicate subject. An ever increasing number of parents are also joing the march each year to spread the message that having a gay son or daughter is an honour and to spread that message.
A must read for lesbian travellers is the Macha Mexico blog - a lesbian guide to the city including much interesting information that you will not find on other sites. www.machamexico.com
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