Gay Bahamas

The islands of the Bahamas are home to some of the most picture-perfect beaches in the Caribbean. The islands are recognized as the initial site of Columbus's first landfall in the American continent, but most visitors come for the pristine blue water and beautiful scenery. The most popular spots in the Bahamas are the towns of Nassau and Freeport, where many Caribbean cruise ships frequently dock.

While there are over 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, only 30+ are actually inhabitated. The official language of the country is English which makes it that much easier to take in the sites for exploring.

Gay Scene

While there are many LGBTQ+ individuals who are doing an exemplary job trying to make The Bahamas gay-friendly and turn things around, they are challenged every step of the way.  This is a country with a history of strict anti-homosexuality laws. Full protection is not yet enshrined in law, although there is a groundswell of public support for equal rights for all people.  As optimists, we see the progress being made.

For example, most of the big hotels and resorts are welcoming, and even the ones that previously banned homosexual couples (such as the Sandals resort) ended their discriminatory practices in the early 2000s.  As realists, there is still much more work to do, and we recommend being extra cautious in order to stay safe.

There are no gay clubs or events in the Bahamas because of the stigma against the LGBTQ+ community, but you can still make your own fun with the beautiful beaches and islands to explore.  Again, we reiterate to keep your safety in mind first and avoid public displays of affection.  

When to Visit

With year-round temperatures hovering between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather is always gorgeous in the Bahamas. There are rainstorms and hurricanes every now and then (Hurricane Dorian did damage some of the region in 2019), but with travel insurance and planning, the Bahamas are a great year-round destination and you shouldn't have to worry too much about any travel disruptions. The most popular season to visit the Bahamas is in the winter, from December through March/April when temperatures are warmest during the days.

Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions

The best attractions in the Bahamas are very obviously the beaches. Pristine white and pink sand beaches draw in visitors all year. While the Bahamas are made of many islands, most visitors stick to the easiest to reach islands unless hiring a private yacht or charter to take you to one of the more secluded ones. 

On Paradise Island, the Atlantis Bahamas resort has a waterpark with 11 swimming pools, massive water slides, river rapids, rock climbing, and other fun water activities. The hotel is notoriously expensive, but it's a great luxury experience and the waterpark is available to all hotel guests at no additional costs, or day passes can be purchased for non-guests. It's popular for visiting families but also a great way to enjoy the sun.

Gay-Friendly Dining

Like many other Caribbean destinations, conch is one of the more popular seafood options in the Bahamas, though you'll find all varieties of fresh seafood available. Conch meat is used in many typical Bahamian dishes, including the popular conch salad—an acidic dish made of diced conch meat, peppers, onions, and tomatoes with a splash of lime and orange juice.

Shellfish, including lobster and crab, are also very popular (especially in the cooler months), as well as freshly caught fish. With its tropical climate, you'll also find lots of fresh tropical fruits and fruit juices available in the Bahamas—a great way to cool down from that Caribbean heat.

Gay-Friendly Nightlife

There are no gay clubs or events in the Bahamas because of the stigma against the LGBTQ+ community. However, Nassau is the main nightlife hub for the Bahamas and some of the venues there are welcoming to a degree. Tourists should still use caution showing affection with a same-sex partner, though.

Most of the nightlife in Nassau takes place around Paradise Island and downtown waterfront. Fluid, Bambu, and Aura are three of the most popular clubs in Nassau. Expect a mix of salsa, reggae, and pop music. Clubs located in various resorts are also popular, and some of the more welcoming and friendly ones for visiting LGBTQ+ travelers.

Safety

Most Bahamians are conservative Christians, which leads to more discrimination or harassment toward members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is important to make sure beforehand that the accommodation or businesses you plan on visiting while on the island are not discriminatory. Overall it is dangerous for gay couples who do not show a lot of PDA. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are still not legal in the Bahamas.

While social sentiment in the country is becoming more accepting of LGBTQ people, locals still warn that homophobia still exists throughout the Bahamas and tourists should avoid attracting too much attention.

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