Although the Inca nation flag looks remarkably similar to the gay rainbow flag, Peru, a predominantly Catholic and socially conservative country, could not be considered among the world's most progressive in terms of societal freedoms for gays and lesbians. It is still a male-dominated, macho society where homosexuality is considered deviant. Across Peru, there is still considerable prejudice exhibited toward gays and lesbians who are out, or men -- be they straight or gay -- who are thought to be effeminate. Maricón (fag) is a commonly used derogatory term.
In the larger cities, especially Lima and Cusco, there are a number of establishments -- bars, discos, inns, and restaurants -- that are either gay-friendly or predominantly gay. Outside those areas, and in the small towns and villages of rural Peru, openly gay behavior is unlikely to be tolerated by the general population.
There are a number of helpful websites for gay and lesbian travelers to Peru. Gay Peru (www.gayperu.com) includes gay-oriented package tours, news items, and nightclubs and hotels (with versions in both English and Spanish). Purple Roofs (www.purpleroofs.com) has a decent listing of gay and lesbian lodgings, restaurants, and nightclubs throughout Peru. Gay Lima (http://gaylimape.tripod.com) covers Lima and other parts of Peru, with English-language information on nightclubs and gay-friendly establishments and activities. There's a version of the website in English. deCajon.com (www.decajon.com), which lists events, restaurants, and bars, has a special category of gay establishments. If you can read Spanish, deambiente.com (www.deambiente.com) also has a detailed listings and articles about gay life in Peru. GlobalGayz (www.globalgayz.com) includes a very interesting article on gay life in Peru. Among other things, it details the former Fujimori government's dismissal of homosexual diplomats and other public servants.
Gay.com Travel (tel. 800/929-2268 or 415/644-8044; www.gay.com/travel or www.outandabout.com), is an excellent online successor to the popular Out & About print magazine. It provides regularly updated information about gay-owned, gay-oriented, and gay-friendly lodging, dining, sightseeing, nightlife, and shopping establishments.
