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.
Inland, the Lagoa da Conceição district holds many of the island's best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, busiest through the summer season.
During Carnival, the Pop Gay festival and its pageant draw tens of thousands, and Florianópolis holds its main Pride parade each June.