Gay Guide to Florianópolis
Brazil recognized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2013 and made homophobia and transphobia crimes in 2019, and its Pride culture is among the largest and most exuberant in the world. On the island city of Florianópolis, often called Brazil's LGBTQ+ capital, that energy meets some of the country's best beaches.
The heart of gay Florianópolis is Praia Mole, a long surf beach on the island's east coast that draws a large gay crowd; the smaller neighboring Galheta, reached by a forest trail, is clothing-optional. Bar do Deca, at the north end of Praia Mole, throws the beach parties.
Most of the nightlife is in the Centro, on the island's bay side. Conca Club on Avenida Rio Branco runs the big Saturday parties, Jivago Social Clube hosts LGBTQ+ nights on Rua Deputado Leoberto Leal, and 153 Men's Club and Rapáshh cover the men-only and cruising end. Café das Artes, in a listed Azorean colonial house on Rua Esteves Júnior, is the daytime stop.
During Carnival, the Pop Gay festival and its pageant draw tens of thousands, and the city also holds its own Pride parade.