San Salvador - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I think for LGBT expats it's fine, but for locals it's harder. - Oct 2023
I think for expats, especially in the diplomatic community, it would be fine. - Feb 2022
Probably not. Very religious - fundamentalists and Catholics. - Aug 2021
I believe so. - Jun 2018
There is an LGBT scene, but I don't have any experience with it. - Mar 2018
It’s a conservative country overall, but I have seen LGBT in public places showing affection, so it’s not unheard of, but usually only in more progressive or expat owned businesses. - Jan 2018
Local are very traditional and extremely religious people but they do not confront you. Just respect the culture and try not to hold hands or kiss in public. - Nov 2017
El Salvador is very conservative and a bit behind with LGBT rights. - Jul 2016
San Salvador is a small city in a very conservative catholic country. From what I understand there is a very small scene, but the country as a whole is not very "out". Completely different within the expat/diplomatic community of course. - Dec 2015
No. This country is VERY conservative. - Jun 2015
You shouldn't have too much problem. - Mar 2015
Yes I thought so. I knew a few gay couples and they were fine. This is a conservative country but I never heard of hardships or discrimination of any type for gays. - Oct 2014
Yes. - Jul 2014
I can't imagine a society that is this conservative would welcome gays with open arms. - Apr 2012
Discretion is essential here. - Jul 2011
El Salvador is a VERY homophobic nation, and few locals are "out". I have gay Salvadoran friends in the States who refuse to return home to visit for fear of persecution. There is one gay bar though, and the embassy community counts several gay partners among its members. I don't think any problems would arise on compound, but they could in the community. Things are changing though, so we'll have to see. - May 2010
I would think so. I've seen a handful of gay couples (no lesbian couples) at some of the malls, theaters, or other places and nobody seems to pay much attention to them. - Feb 2009
