The casual, cutting, and comprehensive assaults on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in the United States have become a catalyst for movement. The search has begun. It’s one of finding a safe place to thrive, to live, to vibe, and simply enjoy our lives. It’s can result in a desire to live life as LGBTQ in Portugal.
We want to help. We want to share our experience as a lesbian couple living in Lisboa, the nation’s capital. Hopefully, this information will help you determine if Portugal is right for you.
Legislating Equality
In 2010, fully five years before the United States, the tiny country of Portugal became the eighth in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. De facto civil unions and all related benefits have been recognized nationally since 2001. The ratification to extend these rights to marriage happened with a considerable majority of support.
The law to extend same-sex marriage benefits passed via legislation in Parliament with a vote of 126-97. It was then formalized by the Constitutional Court with an overwhelming majority, 11-2.
Furthermore, the question of legality is settled law in Portugal. There is no ongoing argument or sustained threat of legal challenge. Folks in Portuguese same-sex marriages do not fear their rights will be stripped away after having a taste of equality for so long. This feels like freedom.
We are Family
The Portuguese are easy-going and generally non-plussed by what anyone else does. They mind their own business. Live and let live.
They are supportive of LGBTQ rights and the idea of equality in society. The Portuguese citizenry themselves often seem to struggle the most since familial acceptance can be the hardest thing to obtain, as it is anywhere.
PRIDE in Lisboa can be one of the most fun experiences you’ll ever have. It’s authentic and sincere. First, the celebrations last for two weekends making it a very good time to be LGBTQ in Portugal.
You’ll find a parade through the heart of Lisboa filled with people carrying banners, singing chants, and just generally enjoying one another’s company. The refreshing thing about this parade is that while there might be one or two organized groups, corporate sponsorship isn’t really a thing here. And I hope it never is. The lack of float after float brought to you by “INSERT CORPORATE NAME HERE” who only supports the queer community in June, is refreshing, to say the least. That concept of “Rainbow Capitalism” is firmly rejected here.
There’s a block party at Praça do Comércio jam-packed with party-goers dancing and listening to speakers while imbibing beer and snacks. It doesn’t start until late in the evening and parties on until the wee hours of the morn’.
Here, too, you’ll find very few vendors beyond those for consumption. At first, I found it a little frustrating not to find booths with handicrafts and super cute gay apparel. But, once I took a moment to take it in, I became refreshed again by the lack of consumerism.
Out and About
We are everywhere in Lisbon. The “gay ghetto” that exists in many other communities does not have a place here. Overall, the city is safe and violent crimes are rare so a tight-knit community is not necessary for our survival. We are dispersed throughout the country, living our lives, just trying to get by and find joy like everyone else.
We feel just as safe showing affection here as we did in a larger city in the US. The same guidelines we’ve always held apply here too. Remain aware of your surroundings, be courteous, and not overtly sexual. You’ll be just fine linking arms, holding hands, or sharing a quick kiss. We smile, we laugh, we’re LGBTQ in Portugal … and you can be too!
So glad you have found your place.
It seems like nearly every conflict in the world stems from “I-need-you-to-change-so-I-can-feel-good.” Live and Let Live…we can all learn from that.