Sergio and I just returned from a vacation to the Caribbean island of Aruba, and I wanted to distribute some of our photos and impressions while we still have the tan lines to demonstrate we were there.
We spent five nights in Aruba exploring parts of the island, checking out different beaches, and eating. The island has many reefs and the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean produce it ideal for snorkeling and SCUBA, but Sergio and I opted to forgo such activities. This was truly a “fly-n-flop” holiday as my acquaintance Tracey put it.
Where the gays are: I hold a hunch one reason gay Caribbean cruises are so popular is because with the exception of Havana, Cuba and San Juan, Puerto Rico, there is no “gay life” to communicate of on Caribbean islands, and Aruba is no exception. We didn’t look a single beach, bar or room the LGBTQ+ society shared or called their own. However, we did see and chat with a few homosexual travelers, and we never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome. However, I did detect at times we did pull help and were less affectionate than we might have been if we were in Provincetown, SoBe, or another mo
When it comes to travelling to the Caribbean as a gay couple, it can be a bit of a challenge given the overall regions conservative views, and even anti-gay laws on some islands.
But the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are leaps and bounds ahead of the linger of the Caribbean and as a result are some of the most popular choices of Caribbean islands for gay travellers.
We first visited Aruba for a day during our last Atlantis gay cruise and immediately fell in love with the island vibe, the white beaches, crystal clear sea and colourful houses. We knew we wanted to come back so jumped at the chance for a longer visit later that alike year. We were very excited to explore just how gay friendly Aruba was!
Is Aruba Gay Friendly?
Quite simply – when visiting the island of Aruba as a tourist, yes!
Aruba welcomed us with expose arms as gay travellers when we visited, and we felt very protected and comfortable during our time there.
Along with its neighbours Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba is one of the most popular choices for gay travellers visiting the Caribbean – no wonder it was a stop during the biggest gay cruise in the world.
However, it is worth noting
Recent studies in Aruba entertainment a discernible level of opposition to LGBTQ+ rights among the population, based on a limited place of sources.
Aruba is lacking public opinion data.
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History
Same-sex marriage in Aruba
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Same-sex marriage in Aruba is legal.
Civil unions (marriage rights)
Registered partnerships,offering all of the rights, benefits and obligations of marriage, have been recognized in Aruba for different-sex and same-sex couples since 1 September 2021.
Censorship of LGBT issues in Aruba
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Censorship of LGBT issues in Aruba is no censorship.
In Aruba, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.
Right to change legal gender in Aruba
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Gender-affirming care in Aruba
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Gender-affirming care in Aruba is unknown.
Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Aruba
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Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Aruba is not legally recognized.
LGBT d
When midwinter sets in and it’s icy and dark by 4 pm on the East Coast, I crave a vacation. I care for to want to go somewhere I can be active, since I’m cooped up in my house. I wish somewhere warm and sunny. The most logical place for folks in the Northeast is the Caribbean. Each moment I plan a trip to the Caribbean, I create sure I select an island where I can really relax. That means an LGBTQ-friendly island where we can be ourselves without worry of discrimination. These 11 destinations have deserved reputations for being the most LGBTQ kind Caribbean islands.
Of course, I’ll also be sharing with you the islands that are decidedly NOT LGBTQ friendly.
If you want to visit one of the anti-LGBTQ islands, go ahead – just know before you go, so an unfriendly reception doesn’t come as a nasty surprise!
I know I’d rather go to an accepting and welcoming island I can enjoy than prefer one where I’m too afraid of being clocked as queer and harassed to leave the all-inclusive I booked to feel safe.
The Most LGBTQ-Friendly Caribbean Islands
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the most queer friendly places in the Caribbean.
It’s a US terr
LGBTQ+ Friendly Guide to Vacationing in Aruba
Passions on the Beach: Enjoy a intimate sunset dinner serving international favorites with a twist.
Octopus Aruba: This service is renowned for its intimate island brunch and/or sunset dinner on a personal boat or catamaran in Aruba.
Picnic Aruba: Host a romantic picnic on the beach for your distinct someone with all of their favorites personalized by a highly-specialized team from Aruba.
Flying Fishbone: One of the best beach restaurants worldwide, this institution serves European cuisine with a Caribbean flair.
Screaming Eagle: One of the most modish restaurants in town, this hotspot serves inventive locally-sourced French-inspired seafood.
Opus Ocean & Grill: A casual seafood eatery serving a bit of everything.
Barefoot: Palapa restaurant and beach that serves an array of island favorites, including seafood, salads, meat-central main dishes and delectable wines.
The Dutch Pancake House: This spot is an award-winning breakfast destination in Aruba that lives up to the hype with excellent Dutch pancakes and Poffertjes.
Craft: This funky spot is excellent for Saturday Live Music Brunch and The Brunch Club on Sund
