LGBT - GAY PRIDE PARADE IN COPACABANA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

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GETTING OFF

Rio Gay Pride - Photo by Silviano The area surrounding Galeria Alaska in Copacabana, used to be the meeting point for gays, lesbians, and transvestites in the 70's and 80's. If you're on a nostalgic trip, sorry - little of it remained. Sótão, the hottest gay disco of the 70's, is long gone. Teatro Alaska, once official headquarters to all-male burlesque A Night with the Leopards, was purchased TV evangelists... There are new venues to explore, though.

The Copa is a cool lounge with a 60's atmosphere, colorful drinks, and cute waiters. There aren't any signs at the door - look for the theatrical red curtains and the hostess behind the glass. Enjoy the kitsch decor once you're inside. There's a dance floor, and a number of parties (including a lesbian night) keep things happening.

Along Copacabana beach there's Maxim's Cafe (mixed), near Copacabana Palace Hotel. This is a traditionally gay-friendly area known as Bolsa, near Lido. Transvestites and hustlers are pretty much part of the scene, and you should exercise some caution. Gay Kiosk Rainbow is right across the street. It can be easily identified by the family-sized rainbow flag. Owners Xanda and Rubirosa are sometimes seen in drag, and there are performances on weekends. If you're in the area, go for a fresh coconut water, or a romantic drink under the stars. La Cueva is still around after 30 years in business. Le Boy Bar is the latest addition to Le Boy complex.

Baixo Leblon, with a number of bars, cafes and restaurants, is an interesting area for you to walk around. Venues stay open until very late. This is not an openly gay area, and there are also students, surfers, jiu-jitsu guys, and the whole Rio fauna. Start at the Cazuza square, in the beginning of Av. Ataulfo de Paiva. Walk your way down the first two or three blocks of both Rua Dias Ferreira and Ataulfo. Stop for an ice-cold beer, gourmet ice-cream, pizzas, snacks, juices, or a full meal. The newsstand, tobacco shop, and drugstore are open around the clock. Bar d'Hotel, a sophisticated cafe at hotel Marina All Suites along Leblon beach, is in a walking distance.

If you are looking for leather bars, fetish bars, bear bars, Levi's bars, or anything that specific, you will be disappointed. The Carioca scene is more for integration than segregation. Gays, lesbians and friends often share favorite venues and parties with straights. There aren't any bars with mazes and dark rooms either - try the dance clubs and saunas instead. Click around the map below for insiders tips and reviews of each venue.

LBGT - Gay Pride Flag stretched along Copacabana Beach

The most scenic Pride Parade in the World

Rio de Janeiro's LGBT Gay Pride Parade in Copacabana is one of the largest in the world, with an estimated 800 thousand people participating every year. It is also the most scenic parade ever - it happens along the beach lane of Copacabana, Rio's most eclectic neighborhood. Dates are not fixed, so you have to keep an eye on the calendar to make sure you do not miss it.

The parade is organized by Grupo Arco Iris, so in addition to all revelry, there's also a political agenda behind it. Gays and lesbians in Rio can report the crime of homophobia if they feel being discriminated, but there are still many issues to advance on - including same-sex partnerships, that are already a reality in neighboring Argentina.

The gathering spot of the Parade is the South end of the beach, an area known as Posto 6. If you arrive early enjoy the view from Forte de Copacabana. The entrance tickets are cheap, and you may even have breakfast at one of the cafe tables overlooking the beach. If you have time explore some the the Forte's highlights - including the old canyons, and the breathtaking view to Arpoador Rocks and Diabo Beach in Ipanema. You will be marching up North towards Ave. Princesa Isabel, at the border with Leme.

There are usually something like 8 to ten floats sponsored by nightclubs and each one is blasting its own dance beats. One of the fun things is to go float-hopping so that you can feel the atmosphere of each one. Or you could choose a favorite spot and just watch the parade go by. Some people dress up in costumes, but most everybody comes in plain clothes with maybe some rainbow details or something. And, as this is Rio, many come straight (no pun) from the beach in trunks, bikinis and briefs.

Things to do before and after Rio's Pride Parade

As the Pride Parade happens on Sunday, there are loads of parties to choose from on Friday and Saturday. Dance clubs and bars get packed with locals and visitors from everywhere. The gay beach in Ipanema becomes the main gathering spot during the day, so this is where you go to collect the fliers, make friends, and choose from the many options which one is perfect for you.

To make the best of your vacation experience, try to give yourself a few more days in town. Arriving early will give you the chance of visiting the traditional tourist sights, develop a sense of direction, maybe even go on a shopping spree. Ipanema is lined up with boutiques and shops that are impossible to resist, and if you go back home without a Carioca-style Speedo and a pair of Havaianas flip-flops your friends will not believe you were here!

If you are ready for more good news, hotels in Rio do not raise prices for the Gay Pride weekend. You will be participating at an unforgettable event, and paying low-season rates. Ipacom Travel, a gay-friendly travel agency based in Ipanema has excellent hotel rates, and you do not have to prepay. Ask them for a hotel in a gay-friendly area and be clear about the price range you have in mind. They will do the hard work for you to get you the best deal around. Ask them about the exciting adventure tours, and with a little more time in your hands consider visiting other favorite destinations in Brazil. There are discounted land & air tours leaving from Rio to everywhere.

Pride Parade Photos - Slide Show

While we are working on the update of our Pride Photos and videos, enjoy exclusive images of Rio de Janeiro`s Gay Pride in 2005!