International LGBTIQ+ Pride Day: How to Celebrate It in Buenos Aires

A favorite space for queers, non-binary individuals, bears, gays, and lesbians, at Puticlú everyone has a genuinely good time without prejudice. The place isn’t large, but it is very well utilized. On one side, there’s a dance floor where you can move to the beat of electronic music, with lasers and queer décor. Nobody pushes, nobody bothers anyone. In the center, there are tables to have a drink, rest, and chat a bit. In front is the bar, with experienced and friendly bartenders (the most recommended drink is the Peligrosito).

Dim and fluorescent red lights create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where everyone looks at each other with a bit of desire and a lot of friendliness. Puticlú is all about having a great time, without caring about what others think. Everyone is welcome.

Fun Fact: On June 28th, there’s a party with a performance by British singer Charli XCX.

Where: Marcelo T. de Alvear 980.

Argentina is proud to have the only bookstore for and by women in Latin America. For nearly 30 years, it has specialized in feminist topics, gender studies, sex education, dissenting sexualities, human rights, the Comprehensive Sex Education Law (ISE), and other related subjects. It’s as complete as can be. In these times, it’s an indispensable front of resistance. It has the charm of bookstores that barely exist anymore: it’s not impersonal, you can browse and ask without the pressure to buy, the environment is warm, and the staff is super friendly.

Librería de Mujeres is open to everyone; you don’t need to belong to the LGBTIQ+ community to get more informed. We all know that information is power, and power is always beneficial.

Fun Fact: The collection on childhood created and published by the bookstore itself is a gem.

Where: Pasaje Rivarola 142.

Opposite the Manzana de las Luces, there is La Greco, which apart from being a bar and restaurant open to all, is a much-needed alternative cultural space where underground artists can present the newest of the new. The pictorial art, which is extensive, varied, and beautiful, is always on display. For a bite to eat (or more), the menu is diverse, ranging from salmon to tapas and pizzas. The bar, with its picturesque stained glass ceiling, offers classic and signature cocktails.

In the evenings, La Greco transforms and becomes a meeting point for queers, non-binary individuals, trans people, and gays. Eros is already in the air: the curtains close a bit, the lights dim, and the lasers come on. Welcome cruising.

Fun Fact: Musicians, singers, cabaret, and tango performances are held on Saturdays.

Where: Perú 269.

This 27-minute documentary available on Netflix was filmed over 9 years and narrates the harsh yet victorious journey of Georgie Stone—a trans Australian teenager and activist—who fought to change laws requiring minors to get judicial approval for their transition, even with parental consent.

Apart from the political struggle, Newell emphasizes the unconditional love of her family, who love her as she is and have always supported her. The documentary reveals personal aspects of Georgie beyond her sexuality, from her childhood to age 19. Georgie is insightful and has always known what she wanted.

Fun Fact: Georgie succeeded in her fight and completed her transition, but only for her specific case. It set an important precedent for other trans individuals to do the same.

Opened a few months ago, Nivel Dios is already a hit. It’s Buenos Aires' first “Selfie Bar” with very original sets for taking selfies: a first-class airplane cabin, the elegant cover of Vogue magazine, an immaculate presidential office, life-sized Barbie doll boxes, a beautiful pink bathroom, and other peculiarities.

The wall décor is genius: images altered with a cheeky sense of humor. Imagine the Pope eating fries, the Mona Lisa having a beer, Lionel Messi with the World Cup coming out of the painting, and other curiosities. We’re in the realm of kitsch. The kitchen is open from breakfast to closing, and the bar offers a variety of drinks and beers. The staff is super friendly, and the place is gay-friendly.

Fun Fact: We recommend visiting the Metapark, a magical virtual reality space.

Where: San Martín 678.

In times of such virtual living, physical presence is increasingly necessary. In this legendary sauna, there are twinks and muscular guys, daddies and bears, and also men without tribes. Buenos Aires A Full is a space for pleasure with labyrinths, nooks, cabins, a dry sauna, and a wet sauna. There’s a bar with a bit of everything, and in front of it are the stairs leading to the solarium and jacuzzi on the second floor. Nearby is the video room, always in party mode, and the darkroom is even more festive.

To break up the week, Wednesday is ideal—not too many people, not too few. The favorite day is Sunday: it’s best to arrive before 5:00 PM and stay until closing. Everyone leaves very satisfied.

Fun Fact: It’s open every day from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including holidays. It’s very popular with local and foreign tourists.

Where: Viamonte 1770.

Also of Interest: 6 Places to Experience Art Without Entering a Museum

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera need no introduction. However, the original retrospective organized by Malba does. Self-Portrait with Monkey and Parrot and Untitled (Abortion) by Frida Kahlo, and Dance in Tehuantepec by Rivera are two of the most notable works by this loving yet tumultuous couple of unforgettable 20th-century Mexican artists. There is also a series of lithographs by Kahlo, along with unpublished photographs and correspondence.

Decades before gender studies, Frida challenged static notions of sexuality, though it didn’t always play in her favor; sadly, it shouldn’t surprise us. She never sought meanings externally but explored within her own subjectivities. That’s how true visionaries emerge.

Fun Fact: There are many other lesser-known works to see.

Where: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415. From 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Also of Interest: The 22 Best Proposals for the LGBTQ+ Community in Buenos Aires

How to bring Jean Genet’s complex novel, with so many layers of interpretation, to the screen without the film becoming a mere illustration of the book? In his last film, Rainer W. Fassbinder (France, Germany, 1982) succeeded magnificently because he abandoned its literalness and instead constructed a poetic narrative with a unique aesthetic.

The saturated color palette and surreal staging create a more dreamlike than realistic universe that evokes worlds of urges, homoerotic desires, and liberated passions. It all starts with a story of betrayal, then comes an initiatory journey and the discovery of what lies in the deepest recesses of oneself. No wonder Querelle is already a classic LGBTIQ+ film that is unforgettable.

Fun Fact: Jeanne Moreau’s formidable performance, the only female figure in the film, is noteworthy.

Where and When: Available on MUBI.

Visiting the Pier 54 brewery is a trip down memory lane. There are old arcade games, pool, foosball, shuffleboard, pinball, the beloved Daytona, and even board games. This huge warehouse in San Telmo has a vintage aesthetic (the typewriter is beautiful) with hanging lanterns, rustic wooden tables, and an old-school bar. The low lights and music that never blares add to the friendly, relaxed, and gay-friendly atmosphere.

You can also grab a bite or eat a juicy burger and, why not, some typical tacos, all at a very reasonable price. An excellent 80s-style place for dates, gatherings with friends, and meeting new people.

Fun Fact: They offer a wide variety of beers, but if you prefer cocktails, try the Hurricane.

Where: Chile 631.