Readers’ experiences of being LGBTQI+ in Spain
We asked our readers what it’s like to live as an LGBTQI+ person in Spain and how it compares to the US, UK, Australia and other countries. Overwhelmingly, the results were positive, although of course there were differing opinions.
Spain was one of the first countries in the world to legalise gay marriage back in 2005, following the Netherlands in 2001 and Belgium in 2003.
More than two decades on, how is it living as a queer person in Spain and is it the same throughout the country? We asked our readers to find out.
The majority responses we had to our question were very positive with many of you stating that Spain is one of the most gay-friendly places in the world.
READ ALSO: What foreigners need to know about same-sex marriages in Spain
Sean summed it up well writing: “Absolutely incredible. I feel incredibly safe and welcomed. I’m standing in the middle of the central Square in Torremolinos and there’s a tall rainbow flag flying. Other cities I have been to have also been incredibly welcoming”.
Simon completely agreed: “I’m married into a Spanish family. People just accept that we’re a couple. It doesn’t bother anyone that we’re the same sex, we’re just us… We’re an accepted part of the community here in Zaragoza”, he wrote.
Another reader echoed this statement saying Spain is one of the most LGBTQ + friendly countries in the world. “I moved here from the Middle East (Lebanon) and it’s so much better here. Although I was out back home as well”.
Charlie said: “Having travelled the world (literally) – Spain, alongside Japan and Norway, is the safest place I’ve felt”.
There were also many people who had moved from the US who told us about how their experiences differed here from back in their home country.
One reader wrote: “I have to report that I have experienced a very positive experience living in Spain as a married gay couple. My husband and I moved to Barcelona in 2024. People who we have met are open and welcoming. I feel comfortable showing affection in public to my spouse. That is something that felt awkward in the US”.
Another wrote: “We moved from the US (lived in the Southeast) where we could no longer hold hands or feel comfortable introducing one another as each other’s spouse to people we didn’t know without fear of verbal or physical assault… I can’t tell you how much calmer, safer and more accepted we feel in Spain than we had been the past several years in the US”.
One more American reader answered their comment by writing: “I echo your sentiments. I began looking for the exits in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, as racists and homophobes started coming out of the woodwork. Holding hands in public has never been a safe option in Arkansas. It’s been like night and day since moving to Spain. In our experience, I’ve never been anywhere more welcoming”.
While most of these comments were from people in the big cities, what about the rural areas and the countryside? Do people have the same attitudes there?
Paul said that attitudes to LGBTQI+ people depended “on where you wish to reside in Spain”.
The majority of our readers, however, had very good experiences in small villages and rural hamlets.
Alfredo told The Local Spain: “There is no such ‘thing’ as ‘an Lgtbq+ person’. I’m just gay leading a normal life with my partner in a rural area where it isn’t an issue”.
Russ echoed this response by saying: “I live in a hamlet of 200 people we live in the campo close to town. Hubby and I always together, got married here never been asked, just treated like anyone else”.
Another reader who moved from the UK to Spain wrote: “We have a holiday house in the Subbética (Córdoba province) area of Spain the local people are very welcoming and polite, they are a lot nicer than our neighbours in Manchester”.
READ ALSO: How rural Spain is embracing LGBTQ+ initiatives
Whilst it was mainly gay men that wrote in response to our question, there were a number of women who answered too.
They too generally had also experienced very positive attitudes to being queer in Spain.
Shannon explained: “Spain has been so welcoming. No one has batted an eyelid, we are just people living our own lives in a wonderful community. I have experienced unpleasant and frightening things in Australia where I am from.
Diane agreed writing “Older lesbian couple, retired to Mazarrón in Murcia six years ago. Never had a single issue with anyone of any nationality. Can’t say the same about the UK”.
Maria also felt the same. “Spain has been absolutely great. Sadly, where my partner is from, we’ve had to hide who we are. Therefore, we love Spain, the acceptance is fantastic!”.
Heather also had a positive experience: “It’s been a real surprise. Not one dodgy look and everyone accepts it where I am. Regardless of age”.
Sarah from the US said she’s had similar views all over the country. “I’ve lived now in three parts of Spain, from conservative Segovia to liberal Barcelona to laid-back Málaga. I’ve been selectively out in all three places, and I’ve had nothing but good experiences. The people of Spain are kind and generous, even with American refugees like me. Never a word of contempt. Never a sideways glance. Here in Spain, I can simply exist and live my life in peace”.
Not everyone totally agreed about Spain being gay-friendly in general though.
Howard wrote: “Spain like Italy is still mired in old Catholic values. Family and neighbours judging everyone. This is why so many Spanish come to Northern Europe”.
Janbo agreed: “Not all good I’m sorry to say …. bars are fine, restaurants not great”.
And what about the trans community?
While we didn’t get a large number of responses from trans people, there were differing opinions from those that did answer.
One reader wrote: “I live in Tabernas, Almería. Being trans, I feel much safer here than in my former home country, Sweden. There are many LGBTQ+ people in the village and everyone seems nice and friendly”.
Another, however, had a very different experience: “It’s very hard for trans and so sad. They’re not totally open about trans here,” they wrote.
It seems though, however you identify, attitudes have changed in Spain over the years.
One reader summed it up well writing: “Thank God it’s a different world now. Years ago when I came to visit my gay Spanish friend here, we had to knock at the door to get into underground gay clubs! It was all so secretive and to be frank not a nice place for the gay community… I’ve lived in Spain for years, now when I see gay couples holding hands I have a big smile on my face!”