How LGBT friendly is the Dominican Republic?

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SoulChild

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I will be travelling - likely to Boca Chica and Santo Domingo - with a group of girls and though we are quite respectful and would never outwardly rub our sexualities in passerby?s faces (we are very conscious of others value systems, etc.) there are some amongst my group that consider themselves ?visible? lesbians and they are a little nervous.

As well, I am just curious as to whether or not there are any lesbian/gay bars in Santo Domingo. I did see a past post (years old) but there did not seem to be much information provided.

Any input? Advice? Anything would be very much appreciated :eek:
 

Bronxboy

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Jul 11, 2007
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Oh boy.

Funny Friday at it's best. lol

Let's see where this goes.

No bashing please.;)
 

greydread

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I assume LG stands for lesbian/gay but what does BT stand for?

Bisexual and Transgender and yes, Santo Domingo has a large and thriving alternative lifestyle community.

OP don't worry about it, just show up and get in where you fit in. You definitely won't shock anyone there.
 

greydread

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a couple of suggestions...

As well, I am just curious as to whether or not there are any lesbian/gay bars in Santo Domingo. I did see a past post (years old) but there did not seem to be much information provided.

Any input? Advice? Anything would be very much appreciated :eek:

Bar Friends
This is one of the oldest gay bars in Colonial Zone. The bar has been newly remodeled with 2 floors and a roof. Here you can find tourists and Dominicans alike enjoying the many live shows and the atmosphere. The drinks are also reasonably priced.
Hours: Daily from 7PM to 3AM
Contact: phone - 829 891-2310 cell phone - 829-891-2310
Location: Calle Polvorin #10 and the corner of Isidro Perez, Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo

Jaydee's
This is predominately a gay bar for Dominicans and tourists alike, but there are non-gays here also. They have great music and dancing. They usually have a drag show with strippers on Saturday nights. There is a cover charge but you get a free beer or rum with the entry price.
Open Thurs and Sunday 10PM to 1AM Friday & Saturday until 3AM
Contact: 809-333-6905
Location: Jose Reyes # 10, Colonial Zone, Dominican Republic
 

jackcrew

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I would not recommend Jay Dee's or Bar Friends to lesbians. Those bars cater to gay clients.

Start with monaga.net....its the main portal for the LGBT community in Santo Domingo. The listings below come from that website.

Amazonia
Dr. Delgado #71
Gazcue, Santo Domingo
809.412.7629
Santo Domingo's oldest lesbian bar. Open from Thursday to Sunday from 8pm.

Parque Duarte
Calle Duarte with Calle Padre Billini
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
To the chagrin of many, this park is the gathering place for young gay Dominicans. And also to quite a few not so young gay people. If it is a Thursday - Sunday night, and the weather is beautiful, then chances are poeple are sitting in the park. The park divides itself with gays on the north side and lesbians on of the south.

Have fun.
 

EverythingJeff

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OP don't worry about it, just show up and get in where you fit in. You definitely won't shock anyone there.

I have to politely disagree :) Your experience here with respect to your sexuality will very much be based on WHERE you chose to go.

In my 2 years here I have not had one negative experience regarding the fact that I am gay. I choose my friends and activities carefully to avoid this.

ESEDEKU is a gay bar no one mentioned. I've never been, but heard good things.

The thing is, I believe you'd have a better time at "gay friendly" bars. By gay friendly I really mean, bars where no one really cares what you do :)

Here's a list to Google:

  • La Espiral
  • Onno's
  • Mata de Mango
  • Cinema Cafe

The first three are in the Zona Colonial and the last is in Gazcue (next door).

Parque Daurte is fun also, for a relaxed atmosphere.

How old are you? I'm 27, so we may see things differently. Also, I have ZERO experience with woman :)

I don't think you will have issues, unless you act like you are on television and make-out randomly on the street. :D
 
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Bronxboy

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I have to politely disagree :) Your experience here with respect to your sexuality will very much be based on WHERE you chose to go.

In my 2 years here I have not had one negative experience regarding the fact that I am gay. I choose my friends and activities carefully to avoid this.

ESEDEKU is a gay bar no one mentioned. I've never been, but heard good things.

The thing is, I believe you'd have a better time at "gay friendly" bars. By gay friendly I really mean, bars where no one really cares what you do :)

Here's a list to Google:

  • La Espiral
  • Onno's
  • Mata de Mango
  • Cinema Cafe

The first three are in the Zona Colonial and the last is in Gazcue (next door).

Parque Daurte is fun also, for a relaxed atomsphere.

How old are you? I'm 27, so we may see things differently. Also, I have ZERO experience with woman :)

I don't think you will have issues, unless you act like you are on television and make-out randomly on the street. :D

Great advice.!!!!!
 

greydread

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Jan 3, 2007
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I have to politely disagree :) Your experience here with respect to your sexuality will very much be based on WHERE you chose to go.

In my 2 years here I have not had one negative experience regarding the fact that I am gay. I choose my friends and activities carefully to avoid this.

No problem. I am an outsider just trying to help out. I've been to a lot of places in the Caribbean and it always seemed to me that Santo Domingo is much less uptight about sexuality than many other tourist centers in the region but I'm sure that there's a lot going on under the surface that I have no idea about.

Thanks for stepping up and helping out the OP. I'm sure they'll have an enjoyable stay.
 

RacerX

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I assume LG stands for lesbian/gay but what does BT stand for?

Bi sexual
Transgender

But take notice as all these locales are in la capital. I dont think you can find one in other areas of the country, big cities included. Not saying they dont exist but they may be more "on the down low" type places where guys walk into the bushes and it becomes a Marlon Perkins adventure.
 

DMV123

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Mar 31, 2010
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You will find the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo by far the most "alternate lifestyle choice" friendly in this country.

By being aware of others around you and staying classy you can go almost anywhere but you will be the most accepted in the Colonial Zone. There are lots of bars, clubs etc for you to have fun in!

If you need hotel recommendations just PM me.
 

jrhartley

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Sep 10, 2008
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Gay Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic/Nightlife

there would also seem to be one place in Santiago called monaco, there are also gay owned hotels dotted around the country

im surprised that no bars/restaurants in cabarete and sosua display the rainbow flag, a simple and effective way of advertising to ensure a few extra and loyal customers
 
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SoulChild

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Apr 8, 2011
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Thank you so much for all the responses.

I am 23, so younger crowds have the most appeal – I am sure most of these places will be great. I’ve taken all the suggestions and I’m buckling down to do a fair bit of research on google.

My main concern was the possibility of any harassment - males (or more specifically, their egos) do not seem to appreciate being turned down by females, especially when it is in favor of another female… I suppose this is a Universal thing.

It sounds as if as long as we’re respectful and refrain from being intoxicated messes, everything should be good.

Again, thank you all for the input!
 

jrhartley

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I wouldnt try to explain your reasons for turning someone down, tried that they just thought we wanted a threesome lol - decided not to try explaining after that embarresment
 
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