Gay Guide Colombia

The age of consent in Colombia is 14 years for all. In April 2016, the Constitutional Court issued a landmark decision enabling the nationwide opening of marriage after a corresponding procedure failed in parliament in 2013. As early as November 2015, Colombia's constitutional court legalised adoption by gay or lesbian couples. Colombia Diversa, Colombia's leading LGBTI organization, was a driving force behind this change. For a Catholic conservative country, the LGBTI rights in Colombia are quite progressive. But there are also serious backlashes: The country's first gay radio station had to shut down in 2009 after massive threats from an anonymous group - the founder was even forced to leave the country. Shortly before, Álvaro Miguel Rivera was murdered: he was a human rights activist and LGBTI representative of the Tinku organization. It was the second murder of an LGBTI activist in Colombia within 13 months. Meanwhile the gay scene in Bogotá is growing constantly. There are many gay venues in this city. Annual Gay Pride parades take place in June: in Bogotá, as well as in Medellin and Cali. The first public event for sexual diversity was held in Cartagena in November 2009. The security situation in Colombia has generally improved in the past five years. However, the Foreign Office is still strongly warning against travelling to certain areas, including Putumayo, Chocó, Arauca and South Cordoba. However, the capitals of the afore mentioned regions are considered safe.