Being Queer in Santiago

It's a complicated time, in Latin America in general, and the world, because of the rise of conservative discourses. Despite the alarming rate of discrimination and hate crimes, day-to-day life in Santiago is fairly safe, especially compared to other Latin American countries. There are several organisations that are visibly active in defending and protecting coexistence with LGBTQ+ individuals.

There's a huge network of clubs, restaurants, cafés, and pizzerias that respond to and welcome this community like family. At least in the central and urban parts of Santiago, there is that sense of safety. Obviously, there are nuances and not everyone’s experience is the same.

For apps like Grind'r, without wanting to sound too conservative...it's being used for a lot of narcotrafficking. So, as an LGBTQ+ person, it’s not necessarily a safe space anymore, because a lot of the people you’re interacting with there aren't LGBTQ+ people looking for connection—they're just trying to sell drugs. I’d say that apps are not the safest option.

Instagram feels safer to me, at least based on how Santiago works. Everyone has Instagram, everyone will ask for your Instagram, and everyone talks through Instagram—way more than on Grindr or Tinder, for example.