Gay Life in Andalucia

The Gay traveler has always had an affiliation with Spain, and since the countries increasing popularity as a holiday destination in the 1960's and '70's, Andalucia's gay community has thrived.

Not only due to the widely open and accepting Spanish people, holidays are typically a time when beliefs and prejudices are put aside and the desire to relax, unwind and to have a good time doing whatever you do takes over. Perhaps the fact that people are displaced from their usual surroundings whilst on holiday, results in the removal of barriers and stereotypes that they may normally have.

Several of these stereotypes exist around the lifestyles and habits of gay people, and therefore, rightly or wrongly, it is widely accepted that the climate, beaches, club culture and shopping facilities of the Costa del Sol have increased Andalucia's popularity with the gay market. Likewise, the trend towards rural tourism and multi-centre holidays has increased gay travelers awareness of communities that exist in other significant destinations such as Cadiz, Seville and Cordoba.

Another stereotype revolves around the notion of the 'pink pound' which in the UK refers to the spending power generated by gay consumers. This group has been historically assumed to be part of a family unit of just two, is less likely to have children and thus is more likely to be professional individuals who have concentrated on their career rather than their family. It has been concluded that these individuals are more likely to have greater earning potential and less daily outgoings upon which to spend. During a time when Andalucia has seen so much change so rapidly, and where the Costa del Sol has been considered a fashionable and exclusive resort, it's perhaps not surprising that much of this 'pink' money has been spent in Andalucia.

Gay Marriage
A key influencing figure in the prospect of increased gay settlers in Andalucia will be the recent legalization of gay marriage, with Spain being one of a handful of countries that has done so. Homosexuality was illegal in Spain before 1978, when the constitution within which it was legalized was agreed. This acceptance of gay unity as a viable and now legal alternative to the more traditional one man one woman marriage earned Spain much notoriety within the Catholic Church where it was still seen as unacceptable. But, to there credit, Spain decided that it was the right way to go, and the recognition of gay relationships in a legal and formal capacity was realized.

Gay Lifestyle
Much of gay lifestyle centers around the café/club culture, and in Andalucia, this is in abundance. Due mainly to the climate, the café scene thrives where outside and pavement dinning and socializing is the norm. Licensing laws in Spain have a larger effect on the gay scene and most clubs stay open into the early hours of the morning, with few opening much before 10.00pm. Club life in Andalucia centers around current music fashions and trends, and most famously amongst the community, within the Nogalera area of Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. Cabaret, which still proves to be an extremely popular theme in many gay friendly establishments, will be found in any significant resort, and it's not unusual to see very colorful cabaret with a gay or camp undertone even in the smallest of provincial towns!

Support Groups
There are several groups offering support to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Andalucia. You can normally find associations within most large towns and cities, and likewise within the provincial towns there will be a presence of some description, no matter how small. Such organizations will help gay people to integrate into the community, offer help and assistance in most matters, and give advice about socializing and community groups where you can meet new friends Information can be obtained from one of the larger groups, COLEGA (Colectiva de Lesbianas y Gais en Andalucia) which will be found in all the major cities and on the internet at http://www.colegaweb.net

Conclusion
It goes without saying that the gay community has embraced all that is on offer in Andalucia and has really made it its own. Admirably, gay people have utilized and added to the already colourful and vibrant Andalucia life in a way that other communities have never even considered. It's not unusual to assume that the gay communities' love of Andalucia will continue to grow, with more people using the region for holidays, a place to live and work and to ultimately retire and settle.