Is Portugal LGBTQ Friendly?

Picture this: It’s 2010, and Portugal has just become one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

While Portugal might not have been first to the party (the Netherlands claimed that honor in 2001, followed by Spain in 2005), it did beat several other progressive nations to the punch, including France, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Germany.

And it was just one of several progressive bills.

• 2011 marked a significant milestone with the passing of Portugal’s gender identity law. The law made it possible for transgender individuals to have their gender identity legally recognized without requiring surgery first, while also streamlining the often-complex process of name and gender marker changes.
• Two years later, in 2013, Portugal took another important step forward. The Parliament expanded the country’s hate crime laws to include gender identity.
• 2015 brought a particularly touching moment when Portuguese lawmakers unanimously chose to recognize May 17 as the National Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
• Then came 2016, when Portugal opened its arms even wider by legalizing same-sex adoption.

But let’s get to the question you’re really here for: Does these legal milestones mean Portugal is truly LGBTQ+ friendly?

I can say that I can’t remember a time in 13 years when either of us have been made to feel uncomfortable, including when we’re out with our daughters. If anyone has a problem with it, they keep to themselves. Results may vary outside of Lisbon, since the city of any country is always going to be more progressive and diverse.

Joel Rendall, Co-Founder of Practice Portuguese

The short answer is yes – but like a good port wine, this topic deserves to be savored and explored in detail.

You might have heard people describe Portugal as a prejudice-free utopia, completely devoid of discrimination. While we love Portugal (and we really do!), we believe in giving you the full picture. Like every country, Portugal has its mix of progressive and conservative viewpoints.

The beautiful thing about Portuguese culture, though? Even those with more traditional views typically follow the “live and let live” philosophy that’s so characteristic of Portuguese society.

Let’s dive in!

Can LGBTQ+ People Move to Portugal?

Article 13 (Principle of equality) defines the right to freedom from discrimination:
1. All citizens possess the same social dignity and are equal before the law.

2. No one may be privileged, favoured, prejudiced, deprived of any right or exempted from any duty for reasons of ancestry, sex, race, language, territory of origin, religion, political or ideological beliefs, education, economic situation, social circumstances or sexual orientation”.

Constitution Of The Portuguese Republic Seventh Revision [2005]

Yes. That 2010 ruling means that couples, regardless of sexuality, are treated the same.

However, it’s important to note that Portugal is a paperwork-focused country and if you’re an unmarried couple, this does make things a little more complicated. According to the law, couples that have been living together at the same address for 3+ years are treated the same as married couples but in practical terms, it’s easier to prove your relationship if you have a marriage certificate.

Thinking about moving here? Take a look at the most common residency visas.

But what about LGBTQ+ acceptance? Generally, this is good but it can vary depending on whether you’re in the city or country and with older and younger people.

City Life vs Rural Living

Like many aspects of Portuguese life, LGBTQ+ acceptance often varies depending on where you are. Cities like Lisbon and Porto buzz with diversity and openness, offering vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and social scenes. You’ll find everything from popular gay bars to LGBTQ+ cultural events, especially during Pride month.

The Algarve deserves a special mention here. Thanks to decades of international tourism and a sizeable expat community, this sunny southern region tends to be more open-minded than other rural areas. Years of welcoming visitors from all walks of life has helped shape a more cosmopolitan attitude.

Bridging the Generation Gap

Understanding Portugal’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights means taking a peek at its history. This is a country that has undergone remarkable social changes in just a few generations.

Under the Salazar dictatorship, which lasted until 1974, Portugal was deeply conservative and heavily influenced by Catholic traditions. While homosexuality wasn’t officially illegal, the regime’s social policies were notably repressive. Even after the Carnation Revolution brought democracy, it took until 1982 for Portugal to decriminalize homosexuality.

Education has played a crucial role in shifting attitudes. Portugal has made incredible strides in improving literacy rates, though they still lag behind EU averages. This educational gap, particularly among older generations, has influenced social attitudes. Many older Portuguese received limited formal education during the dictatorship years, which can sometimes reflect in more traditional viewpoints.

Today’s Portugal presents an interesting mix. The younger generation typically embraces diversity and LGBTQ+ rights with fairly open arms, while some older or more traditionally-minded Portuguese might hold more conservative views. We’re also seeing new political movements, like the rise of the far-right party Chega, that have brought some conservative attitudes back into public discourse.

But here’s an important cultural note: even in more conservative areas, Portuguese discretion usually prevails. The Portuguese tendency to maintain polite reserve means that even those with traditional views rarely express them openly – it’s part of that famous Portuguese live-and-let-live approach to life.

Alex Pollard, a Lisbon-based tour guide and author of Alex’s Long List, a guide to LGBTQ Lisbon and Portugal, confirms this:

“I know gay men in their 40s and 50s who had no opportunity to come out until the last ten years or so, but I also know teenagers who have been able to come out at school in the Lisbon suburbs. So it’s a mixed picture.

Portuguese culture recognised the necessity to modernise since the 1974 end of the Dictatorship, and LGB(T) civil rights were part of the new rights to basic freedom. But while it is accepted that queer people should be free to be happy, families often might not want to know too much about it, which can have consequences for individuals.”

Staying Safe in Portugal

Let’s talk safety – especially if you’re coming from places like the US where LGBTQ+ safety concerns might be top of mind. The good news? Portugal ranks as one of Europe’s safer countries, and this extends to the LGBTQ+ community too.

Here’s something you should know about those famous Portuguese stares: yes, they’re real, but they’re not what you might think!

If you catch people looking at you while walking hand-in-hand with your partner, don’t immediately assume the worst. Portuguese people are known for their prolonged gazes, regardless of who you are or what you’re doing.

A quick note about Portuguese social attitudes: you might notice that political correctness hasn’t quite caught up with what you’re used to in places like the US or UK. You might occasionally hear jokes or comments that would raise eyebrows elsewhere. Usually, these come from a place of unfamiliarity rather than malice.

That said, we always recommend using the same street smarts you’d use anywhere else. While Portugal is generally safe, it’s still a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night or in unfamiliar areas. But this advice applies to everyone, regardless of orientation!

Check out this YouTube video from way back in 2015 where YouTubers Lorenzo and Pedro walk around Lisbon. Apart from the occasional stare, nothing else happens. They did the same test in Porto with similar results, highlighting how gay-friendly those two cities are.

A Gentle Reminder About Pace and Progress

Remember how we mentioned that rosy picture some paint of Portugal as a discrimination-free paradise? Well, if you’re expecting something akin to Berlin’s progressive scene or Brooklyn’s liberal bubble (just with more bacalhau), it’s time for a gentle reality check.

Portugal moves at its own pace. Take medical marijuana, for instance. While it’s legal, doctors prescribe it sparingly, treating it more like a last resort than a mainstream option. (And while you might catch its distinctive aroma on the streets and see a general ‘live and let live’ attitude, recreational use remains illegal.)

This measured pace of change shows up in other areas too. Yes, abortion is legal, but it doesn’t carry the same level of social acceptance you might find in countries like the UK. Even casual dating culture, while certainly existing, maintains a lower profile in this family-oriented society.

Gender roles, particularly in rural areas, can feel like a bit of a time capsule. You might encounter some surprisingly traditional attitudes that would raise eyebrows in more progressive countries. And while Portugal has embraced gay rights, transgender awareness and acceptance are still evolving, especially outside major urban centers.

The key thing to understand is that Portugal isn’t “Scandinavia with sun” (despite what some Instagram influencers might suggest). Instead, think of it as a traditionally Catholic, conservative country that’s gradually – and we mean gradually – opening up to change.

Lisbon and Porto generally lead this evolution, while smaller towns and rural areas, from the rolling hills of Alentejo to the traditional villages of northern Portugal, tend to move more slowly.

But here’s the silver lining: that famous Portuguese laissez faire attitude means that even in more traditional areas, people generally mind their own business. It’s a unique balance of traditional values and personal privacy that makes Portugal… well, Portugal.

The Bottom Line: What to Really Expect

If there’s one thing you should take away from this article, it’s that you’ll find that most Portuguese people are more interested in their lunch than in who you’re holding hands with.

Sure, attitudes can vary between urban and rural areas – but let’s not paint all countryside communities with the same brush. You might find a delightfully accepting village in the heart of the Alentejo, just as you might encounter more traditional views in parts of bigger cities.

Those famous Portuguese stares we mentioned earlier? They’re equal-opportunity observers! Whether you’re a straight couple sharing a kiss, a tourist walking around with a cup of coffee like you’re in NYC, or simply wearing shorts in winter, you might find yourself getting a few curious glances.

While Portugal proudly led the way with early same-sex marriage laws, some aspects of LGBTQ+ life are still finding their footing here. Transgender visibility and acceptance, for instance, is still evolving – much like the country’s relationship with card payments. Portugal is a country that’s experiencing change on every level though – it’s a different country to the one it was five years ago and it’ll be a different country again in another five years time.