Santo Domingo - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
In my opinion, no, machismo country. - Jun 2024
Not supported by local officials. - Sep 2023
No. Latin culture and mentality. - Oct 2021
It's ok in SD but very looked down upon in the countryside. It's my understanding that gays are often sexually abused and raped to "teach a lesson" or "convert" them. - Feb 2021
It’s ok. There is a large, open LGBTI community in Santo Domingo in particular, and there are gay bars in the Zona Colonial. However, this is a very Catholic country, and significant prejudice and intolerance remain challenging. - Jan 2021
Yes, but not perfect. There is a large LGBT community, but they are not completely out and open. It is a conservative country and there is still seems to be societal discrimination and rare police harassment of LGBT persons. - Jan 2019
Yes, but not perfect, there is a large LGBT community, but they are not completely out and open. It is a conservative country and there is still societal discrimination and rare police harassment of LGBT persons. - Nov 2016
A gay, political-appointee Ambassador and his husband have helped soften some homophobic attitudes. However, I wouldn't call this place tolerant. - Apr 2016
There are probably better and worse places. - Jan 2016
With the current Ambassador and his husband, the current embassy seems to be a great place for those who are gay. The Ambassador has gone the extra step to welcome the GLAD community. I believe the overall expat community is good for gay and lesbian expats. - Jan 2016
Yes. - Aug 2015
Yes. Many clubs, nightlife, and expat scene. - Aug 2015
It is not widely accepted, but most recently it has become more tolerable due to U.S. Ambassador's stance on human rights issues. LGBT organizations have become more vocal and have exposed themselves to Dominican society, making the international community take notice. - Aug 2014
There are gay couples who work at the embassy and they seem pretty happy. It is not as gay friendly as some places, but people are generally tolerant here. - Apr 2013
As in many Latin American countries, there is a stigma associated with homosexuality. However, for most embassy people this is not an issue because they spend their time in tourist settings and diplomatic settings in which this kind of discrimination is not problematic. This has not affected individuals in their work. - Apr 2013
Dominican society is very macho and not openly accepting. - Jan 2013
There was one park that was known as a gay hangout in the Zona Colonial when I was there. The papers made a big deal about it, which isn't surprising in a super macho country like the DR. No one ever caused trouble there and it was just homophobic reporting. There are a couple gay bars. In general, not an open place though. - Jun 2012
Latin culture is not overly accepting of homosexuals, but discrimination is not that apparent in everyday life. There is talk of banning gay marriage via a constitutional amendment, but as of this date, the D.R. is still a huge destination for gay couples and gay weddings. - Mar 2012
There seems to be a good deal of homophobia here, but there is a small active community from what I know. - Feb 2012
dont know - Feb 2012
I think it would be tough, there are some same-sex couples in the Embassy community but I don't think it's accepted in this country. I think dating could be difficult. That being said, I'm sure it's better than a lot of countries. - Jun 2011
I haven't heard anything but I've seem some openly gay guys. - May 2011
no - Nov 2010
Obviously it offers something. Publicly, dominicans are against homosexuality, but privately it exists. The headmaster of CMS is openly gay. - May 2009
I can only speak of the lesbian community, as my friend has a blast here. The community is small but active; there's O'Hara's, a lesbian bar run by a woman named Scarlet, a dance club and probably more that I'm not aware of. As for gay men, I only know couples, so I'm not sure about the single's scene. - Nov 2008
Sure. - Aug 2008
Strong Catholic tradition, Evangelical movement, and machismo make it interesting to say the least for gay men. - Jun 2008
From what I have heard, yes. - Feb 2008
