LGBT Spain
Mar 29th 2017, 12:19 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 21
LGBT Spain
My wife and I are moving to Spain, both employed in a British School. What is Spain like as a general rule for the LGBT community? Are we going to get harrassed in the streets (we have experienced a lot of this in the Netherlands where we have been for the past year) etc?
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
Mar 29th 2017, 2:15 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 212
Re: LGBT Spain
Unfortunately, a very homophobic society.
Out in the countryside you'll be treated with great suspicion, (if you're a gay male) you'll be considered a paedo. Of course it's also assumed that you're into bestiality also.
Even in the cities like Madrid you can get beaten up also.
At carnaval in LAs Palmas de GRan Canaria, a gay guy (unconfirmed) was murdered a few weeks ago.
You will be expected to tolerate verbal abuse on a regular basis. Although hate crimes exist, Spain is still a good 30 years behind UK. The police will do the bare minimum to assist. the courts even less.
Homophobia in School environment is a MASSIVE problem. Again, completely ignored by the authorities.
More people are reporting homophobic crimes every year, but it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a long long way to go.
Spain is the only country that I've lived in that I have felt a need to fly the rainbow flag, in defiance to the Spanish scum. May 17th....don't forget.
P.S. Do your own thing and don't allow them to win. I'm in my 15th year here and wouldn't change a thing. But, I'm self-motivated and extremely confident, lol. I feel sorry for young gay girls/boys starting out as the intimidation can be soul destroying. As an old boy, I've developed thick skin over the years. They want a fight, they´ll get it, lol.
Out in the countryside you'll be treated with great suspicion, (if you're a gay male) you'll be considered a paedo. Of course it's also assumed that you're into bestiality also.
Even in the cities like Madrid you can get beaten up also.
At carnaval in LAs Palmas de GRan Canaria, a gay guy (unconfirmed) was murdered a few weeks ago.
You will be expected to tolerate verbal abuse on a regular basis. Although hate crimes exist, Spain is still a good 30 years behind UK. The police will do the bare minimum to assist. the courts even less.
Homophobia in School environment is a MASSIVE problem. Again, completely ignored by the authorities.
More people are reporting homophobic crimes every year, but it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a long long way to go.
Spain is the only country that I've lived in that I have felt a need to fly the rainbow flag, in defiance to the Spanish scum. May 17th....don't forget.
P.S. Do your own thing and don't allow them to win. I'm in my 15th year here and wouldn't change a thing. But, I'm self-motivated and extremely confident, lol. I feel sorry for young gay girls/boys starting out as the intimidation can be soul destroying. As an old boy, I've developed thick skin over the years. They want a fight, they´ll get it, lol.
Last edited by avocados; Mar 29th 2017 at 2:20 pm. Reason: P.S.
Mar 29th 2017, 2:24 pm
#3
Concierge
Joined: May 2006
Location: ex ex-pat, in Taunton
Posts: 27,217
Re: LGBT Spain
My wife and I are moving to Spain, both employed in a British School. What is Spain like as a general rule for the LGBT community? Are we going to get harrassed in the streets (we have experienced a lot of this in the Netherlands where we have been for the past year) etc?
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
Mar 29th 2017, 2:57 pm
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,878
Re: LGBT Spain
I know several gay guys who live in Spain, they don't seem to have any problems. Accepted as is. One thing I noticed immediately when I arrived in Sevilla, was how many gay and lesbians couples there were in town. From what I see Spain accepts differences more readily.
Mar 29th 2017, 3:10 pm
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Location: Valencia area
Posts: 1,157
Re: LGBT Spain
Unfortunately, a very homophobic society.
Out in the countryside you'll be treated with great suspicion, (if you're a gay male) you'll be considered a paedo. Of course it's also assumed that you're into bestiality also.
Even in the cities like Madrid you can get beaten up also.
At carnaval in LAs Palmas de GRan Canaria, a gay guy (unconfirmed) was murdered a few weeks ago.
You will be expected to tolerate verbal abuse on a regular basis. Although hate crimes exist, Spain is still a good 30 years behind UK. The police will do the bare minimum to assist. the courts even less.
Homophobia in School environment is a MASSIVE problem. Again, completely ignored by the authorities.
More people are reporting homophobic crimes every year, but it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a long long way to go.
Spain is the only country that I've lived in that I have felt a need to fly the rainbow flag, in defiance to the Spanish scum. May 17th....don't forget.
P.S. Do your own thing and don't allow them to win. I'm in my 15th year here and wouldn't change a thing. But, I'm self-motivated and extremely confident, lol. I feel sorry for young gay girls/boys starting out as the intimidation can be soul destroying. As an old boy, I've developed thick skin over the years. They want a fight, they´ll get it, lol.
Out in the countryside you'll be treated with great suspicion, (if you're a gay male) you'll be considered a paedo. Of course it's also assumed that you're into bestiality also.
Even in the cities like Madrid you can get beaten up also.
At carnaval in LAs Palmas de GRan Canaria, a gay guy (unconfirmed) was murdered a few weeks ago.
You will be expected to tolerate verbal abuse on a regular basis. Although hate crimes exist, Spain is still a good 30 years behind UK. The police will do the bare minimum to assist. the courts even less.
Homophobia in School environment is a MASSIVE problem. Again, completely ignored by the authorities.
More people are reporting homophobic crimes every year, but it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a long long way to go.
Spain is the only country that I've lived in that I have felt a need to fly the rainbow flag, in defiance to the Spanish scum. May 17th....don't forget.
P.S. Do your own thing and don't allow them to win. I'm in my 15th year here and wouldn't change a thing. But, I'm self-motivated and extremely confident, lol. I feel sorry for young gay girls/boys starting out as the intimidation can be soul destroying. As an old boy, I've developed thick skin over the years. They want a fight, they´ll get it, lol.
In my village no one (that I have ever seen) bats an eyelid at gays & as has been said Benidorm has a large gay community (and Xativa our nearest big town)
Medical likewise is never an issue with an ambulance/doctor/nurse in the medical center 24/7 and often rush here & there when called.
Mar 29th 2017, 3:22 pm
#6
MODERATOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Costa Valencia
Posts: 14,800
Re: LGBT Spain
The only thing that I have noticed here in Spain is that in general people are extremely tolerant. Granted some of the older people may be less tolerant but the rest seem to be of a very accepting nature. Live and let live appears to be the motto no matter what the issue may be.
Rosemary
Rosemary
Mar 29th 2017, 3:26 pm
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: Benidorm, the most relaxing place in Spain.
Posts: 1,159
Re: LGBT Spain
My wife and I are moving to Spain, both employed in a British School. What is Spain like as a general rule for the LGBT community? Are we going to get harrassed in the streets (we have experienced a lot of this in the Netherlands where we have been for the past year) etc?
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
Benidorm "Old Town" has loads of gay bars and there is never any trouble aimed towards them. We have several gay friends and they have never complained of any abusive behaviour.
Steve
Mar 29th 2017, 8:40 pm
#8
Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 141
Re: LGBT Spain
My wife and I are moving to Spain, both employed in a British School. What is Spain like as a general rule for the LGBT community? Are we going to get harrassed in the streets (we have experienced a lot of this in the Netherlands where we have been for the past year) etc?
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
We are moving to Costa Blanca but obviously will travel all over.
Any advice or info would be gratefully recieved!
One post here paints an extreme view and somewhat rare...but...up here you would not last 6 mins
Mar 30th 2017, 7:43 am
#9
Retired and loving it!
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Ontinyent - Valencia region (campo)
Posts: 5,160
Re: LGBT Spain
The only thing that I have noticed here in Spain is that in general people are extremely tolerant. Granted some of the older people may be less tolerant but the rest seem to be of a very accepting nature. Live and let live appears to be the motto no matter what the issue may be.
Rosemary
Rosemary
Mar 30th 2017, 8:23 am
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: London (mainly)/Oliva
Posts: 2,137
Re: LGBT Spain
The reason I have a place in Spain is as direct result of a gay friend and his partner who had an apartment in Oliva who we used to visit.
When out with them we never saw any homophobic behaviour and they would not have bought a place if that were the case.
In the years since we purchased, I have noticed no difference in attitudes between Spain and the UK.
When out with them we never saw any homophobic behaviour and they would not have bought a place if that were the case.
In the years since we purchased, I have noticed no difference in attitudes between Spain and the UK.
Mar 30th 2017, 8:26 am
#11
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: LGBT Spain
Referring to the locals as "Spanish scum" may give us a clue as to one poster's convictions.
Mar 30th 2017, 3:19 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Edinburgh, Sevilla
Posts: 47
Re: LGBT Spain
Unfortunately, a very homophobic society.
Out in the countryside you'll be treated with great suspicion, (if you're a gay male) you'll be considered a paedo. Of course it's also assumed that you're into bestiality also.
Even in the cities like Madrid you can get beaten up also.
At carnaval in LAs Palmas de GRan Canaria, a gay guy (unconfirmed) was murdered a few weeks ago.
You will be expected to tolerate verbal abuse on a regular basis. Although hate crimes exist, Spain is still a good 30 years behind UK. The police will do the bare minimum to assist. the courts even less.
Homophobia in School environment is a MASSIVE problem. Again, completely ignored by the authorities.
More people are reporting homophobic crimes every year, but it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a long long way to go.
Spain is the only country that I've lived in that I have felt a need to fly the rainbow flag, in defiance to the Spanish scum. May 17th....don't forget.
P.S. Do your own thing and don't allow them to win. I'm in my 15th year here and wouldn't change a thing. But, I'm self-motivated and extremely confident, lol. I feel sorry for young gay girls/boys starting out as the intimidation can be soul destroying. As an old boy, I've developed thick skin over the years. They want a fight, they´ll get it, lol.
Out in the countryside you'll be treated with great suspicion, (if you're a gay male) you'll be considered a paedo. Of course it's also assumed that you're into bestiality also.
Even in the cities like Madrid you can get beaten up also.
At carnaval in LAs Palmas de GRan Canaria, a gay guy (unconfirmed) was murdered a few weeks ago.
You will be expected to tolerate verbal abuse on a regular basis. Although hate crimes exist, Spain is still a good 30 years behind UK. The police will do the bare minimum to assist. the courts even less.
Homophobia in School environment is a MASSIVE problem. Again, completely ignored by the authorities.
More people are reporting homophobic crimes every year, but it's really only the tip of the iceberg.
There is a long long way to go.
Spain is the only country that I've lived in that I have felt a need to fly the rainbow flag, in defiance to the Spanish scum. May 17th....don't forget.
P.S. Do your own thing and don't allow them to win. I'm in my 15th year here and wouldn't change a thing. But, I'm self-motivated and extremely confident, lol. I feel sorry for young gay girls/boys starting out as the intimidation can be soul destroying. As an old boy, I've developed thick skin over the years. They want a fight, they´ll get it, lol.
Mar 30th 2017, 5:45 pm
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 487
Re: LGBT Spain
"Do you want me to continue? " - No but it would be good if you were accurate and compare like with like. The UK has a high speed line which goes from the centre of London to the Channel tunnel. Try travelling from Valencia to the French border, also a nightmare unless you pay the roughly 45 euros in tolls.
Mar 30th 2017, 7:43 pm
#14
MODERATOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Costa Valencia
Posts: 14,800
Re: LGBT Spain
Rosemary