Living anywhere as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community can be daunting at times, especially when it involves relocating to an entirely new country. Queer people studying abroad know this better than anyone. While I was somewhat apprehensive about moving to Madrid, Spain due to my identity, I quickly realized that this city is incredibly welcoming towards gay students and visitors. Amidst a population that is particularly known for its public displays of affection, it’s brought me so much joy to see queer love publicly prospering here—a place where it’s not only accepted but truly celebrated. 

One of my favorite ways to embrace LGBTQIA+ culture in Madrid is through exploring the streets of Chueca. This historically gay neighborhood pays tribute to the iconic Madrileño composer of the 19th century, Federico Chueca. Queer people first began settling in Chueca in the 1980s, and now, it has become a place of inclusivity and coexistence between people of all identities. In fact, Chueca has developed a reputation across Europe for its diversity, tolerance, and resistance against rigid social norms. 

Here’s me outside of the Chueca Metro station! 

My girlfriend and our good friend in the Chueca neighborhood, standing outside a shop that sells a variety of LGBTQIA+ flags. 

The Chueca Metro station is entirely decorated with rainbow tiles, which is a super fun and colorful welcome. 

While strolling through Chueca, you can expect to see rainbow pride flags hanging from balconies, an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, funky clothing stores, bars, bookshops, and nightclubs. This neighborhood is the perfect place to spend an entire afternoon or just meander through—no matter what, you’ll feel its uniquely welcoming energy! 

I found “The Book of LGBTQIA+ History” in a cute coffee/bookshop in Madrid. 

This cute T-shirt shop was selling a Chueca Metro top, so here’s my brother holding it! 

Chueca is also the center of Madrid’s Gay Pride Festival, which is held every year between June and July. Thousands of people flock to Plaza de Chueca for the festival, where the streets are filled with music, color, and high spirits. While my study abroad program ends in early June, I would love to revisit Madrid in the future to join this massive celebration. 

Pride decorations at Ochenta Grados, a delicious restaurant all over Madrid. 

This mural in Chueca translates to “This wall is one of those that unites,” and it aims to stop transphobia and homophobia in sports. 

Of course, Madrid’s queer history doesn’t start or stop with the Chueca neighborhood. In 2005, Spain became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, which was an entire decade before the United States followed suit. Adoption in LGBTQ+ families has been accessible in Spain for years, whereas queer families in other countries often struggle. Additionally, Spain began passing pro-transgender legislation in 2007, which is much earlier than many other territories. 

Chueca offers a wide variety of delicious cuisines, including the classic American! My girlfriend and I had some fabulous burgers, fries, and iced teas here at La Hambre. 

Pride flags can be found all over Madrid, as seen on this balcony! 

Here’s the inside of La Hambre, a cute and yummy restaurant in Chueca.

Ultimately, my time studying abroad as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has been incredibly eye-opening and rewarding. Taking my girlfriend to Chueca when she visited was a particularly special experience, although we generally felt safe together all across Madrid. While there are absolutely places in which queerness is not met with open-mindedness, this city has not proven to be one of them. I could not be more thankful for Madrid’s accepting nature toward people of all identities, no matter who they love. 

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