Queer Medellin

Where to find the pansies in the city of eternal Spring

“Breathtaking views of Medellin from above” Credit: Author

As you ascend into Colombia’s second most populated metropolis, you’ll notice the city rise up into the hills where apartment buildings with sweeping views and rooftop pools collide with winding streets dripping with tropical plants and gushing streams. It’s no surprise that the city has been nicknamed “the city of eternal Spring” as the city’s unique location to the equator and altitude make it just warm enough to wear shorts everyday and a light jacket throughout the evenings. Once hailed as the most dangerous city in Colombia and the holdout of the infamous cocaine drug lord Pablo Escobar, the cosmopolitan city has drastically changed in the last 30 years. It’s resurfaced as being one of the most progressive, queer, and foreigner friendly cities in Latin America. You’ll find most of the city’s LGBTQ+ population around Poblado, Laureles, and El Centro. Getting around the city is easy due to it’s extensive above ground metro, light-rail, and public gondola system that take riders deep into the hills surrounding the city.

Credit: Bar Oraculo

Nightlife:

It’s not surprise that Colombian’s like to party (Rumba), and you’ll find no shortage of queers dancing, drinking, and flirting well into the night. Gay nightlife is centered around Poblado where you’ll find the kitschy drag filled Latin pop heavy club of Bar Chiquita. It’s over- the top decor and extensive patio make it the a local favorite. Just around the corner Club Oraculo’s main draw is its diva filled dance floor, but the club also features electronic music on the second floor room under the moniker Club Uranus. Down the street Calle9 and Salon Almador book international DJs, have bangin’ sound systems, and pull a queer crowd searching for a night of blissed out dancing.

Credit: Bar Chiquita

Donde Aquellos Bar’s patio is steps from the Pobaldo’s nightlife center of Parque Leras where there is the best people watching and eye candy in town. For those searching out Circuit Music (Guaracha music in Colombia) make sure to head to Industry where gyrating muscle queen rule the night. Not exclusively a queer bar, but for those looking for a boutique experience don’t skip out on Siete Pulgadas Listening Bar where vinyl and craft cocktails are king. In the neighboring Laureles neighborhood Purple Club Medellin’s gaudy decor and lofty warehouse space feature steamy go-gos and variety of music ranging from Guaracha to Latin Pop. Happy Medellin’s spicy reggaeton and popular Ladies night make it a go