Valissa W. Says:
Is Portugal friendly for LGBTQ+ expats?
IL Portugal Correspondent Terry Coles Says:
Thanks for contacting IL and for your interest in Portugal, my adopted country of choice.
Yes, Portugal is very friendly and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, in 2019 Portugal was voted the world’s most gay-friendly destination by the Spartacus Gay Travel Index. Same sex unions were legalized in 1999, and same sex marriages became legal in 2010. Large cities like Lisbon, Porto and Portimao in the Algarve have gay pride parades.
A gay couple that we know told the story of mattress shopping where they were alternatively trying out the beds one at a time when the store clerk suggested that they both lie down together. The same couple boasts of how much more accepted they feel here than where they lived in Pennsylvania.
Gay pride parades take place in larger cities like Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve. Portugal has been at the forefront of western countries in decriminalizing all drugs, legalizing abortion, and accepting those who live a different lifestyle.
Of course, just like anywhere in the world, there will be people that are polite and tolerant but not fully accepting of people’s sexuality and Portugal is still a Roman Catholic country. But while some prejudices can occur, members of the LGBTQ community who I have spoken to say that they feel accepted.
If I can be of further assistance you can reach me at Portugal@internationalliving.com.
Editor’s Note: You can find out more about LGBTQ+ acceptance in countries around the world on the dedicated page of the IL website here.