Sao Paulo is Brazil's financial centre. It's more of an economic powerhouse than a tourist destination. That being said, Sao Paulo has incredible nightlife and a huge gay scene. Sao Paulo hosts the world's largest gay Pride event. It's also home to The Week, the world's largest gay club.Although Sao Paulo is often overshadowed by Rio, it's well worth a visit. Especially if you like to party. Sao Paulo Pride attracts around 3 million people every year.

S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil's financial powerhouse, also shines brightly as a premier destination for LGBTQ+ travelers due to its dynamic nightlife and monumental gay Pride celebrations. Known for its vast economic contributions, S&atilde;o Paulo transitions seamlessly from business during the day to vibrant parties at night, hosting the world's largest gay Pride event. This annual parade, celebrated along the bustling Avenida Paulista, has consistently broken records for attendance, drawing millions from around the globe each year.
While S&atilde;o Paulo may not possess the immediate touristic allure of Rio, its expansive gay scene is a major draw. The city's nightlife is studded with an array of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, notably in trendy neighborhoods like Pinheiros and Bela Vista, offering everything from lively dance floors at places like Bubu Lounge and Club Yacht to the world-famous gay club, The Week. Each venue provides unique atmospheres that cater to diverse preferences within the community.
Moreover, S&atilde;o Paulo's LGBTQ+ events extend beyond Pride, with numerous cultural and social activities throughout the year that highlight the city&rsquo;s inclusive spirit. Whether you&rsquo;re interested in exploring chic caf&eacute;s along the cultural hotspots or attending grand parties that last until dawn, S&atilde;o Paulo promises an unforgettable experience.

Gay Sao Paulo

Same sex couples adoptions are legal nationwide in Brazil since March 2015 by Supreme Federal Court recognition.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

According with the Brazilian Penal Code of 1940, the age of consent about sexual intercourse between two or more people is the same for heterosexual and homosexual couples, 14 years old for the participants.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the blood donation ban is unconstitutional in May of 2020.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

Blood Donation was banned in Brazil until 2020.

Some Brazilian states have censored LGBTQIA+ topics; some state lawmakers have made bills banning “indoctrination” or “gender ideology” in schools.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

Laws enforcing any kind of censorship in Brazil are explicitly against the Brazilian Constitution of 1988, that severely punishes it. Every time a State Congress tries to introduce a bill like this on a state level, the Supreme Court intervenes on the case.

on March 31, 1964, a coup d&#39;état took place that implemented a military dictatorship in Brazil, the military regime was rigid and conservative, and this led to persecution by the military against the LGBT community, the community was completely censored by the media and the regime, any type of content related to &#34;homosexuality&#34; and &#34;transsexualism&#34; was punished with any type of punishment

In March 2018, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled that transgender people have the right to change name and sex on their birth certificate without the need of sexual reassignment surgery or doctor letters. The change can be made at a notary&#39;s office now.

Legal recognition of a change in gender by permitting a change on an individual's legal documentation.

Until 2018, surgery was required to change your legal gender in Brazil.

Until 2003, there was no legal gender recognition provided in Brazil.

In January 2018, the Federal Psychology Council established norms of performance for psychologists in relation to transsexual and transvestite people, also banning any conversion therapy.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

The same judge changed his decision, keeping the “treatment” banned.

In September 2017, a federal judge in Brasília approved the use of conversion therapy by a psychologist to “cure” people of homosexuality, overruling the 1999 decision.

On March 22, 1999, Brazil became the first country to ban gay conversion therapy. The Federal Council of Psychology enacted Resolution CFP No. 001/99, which explicitly states that &#34;homosexuality does not constitute a disease, disorder, or perversion.&#34; This landmark decision prevents psychologists from engaging in practices intended to &#39;cure&#39; or alter an individual&#39;s sexual orientation.

The Supreme Federal Court criminalised LGBT discrimination nationwide, and now, according to the new law, it is considered a "crime of racism".

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Some anti-discrimination laws provided limited protections for LGBT people.

The Brazilian Constitution of 1988 criminalizes any form of discrimination based on ethnicity, race, sex, color and age, but it does not include sexual orientation or gender identity.

After the Supreme Federal Court's ruling, LGBT discrimination in employment is also a crime. Employees who are victims of discrimination usually receive compensation for moral damages caused by the aggressors.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Before the federal court’s 2019 ruling there were no employment discrimination protections for lgbt people.

In 2025, Brazil’s Federal Council for Medicine issued a new resolution raising the minimum age for hormone therapy to 18 and the minimum age for surgeries to 21, banning its care to youth. This does not effect those already undergoing such care.

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

From 2020 until 2025, people above the age of 16 can have access to HRT through the Brazilian public healthcare system, with parental authorization being required for those who are under 18. Sex reassignment surgeries are also granted for trans people above 18 years old.

Before Brazil’s Federal Council of Medicine issued their 2020 resolution, the age required to receive gender-affirming care was 18.

Shortly after Brazil gained independence from Portugal, in 1830, the Imperial Penal Code decriminalized sodomy. 
 
Brazil&#39;s 1988 Constitution further strengthened affirmative protections by prohibiting any form of discrimination. Since then courts have since affirmed this additionally applies to sexual orientation.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

From 1606 to 1830, during Portuguese imperial rule and at the onset of Brazilian independence, &#34;sodomy&#34; was illegal.

When renting a property, the owner cannot refuse a tenant on the basis of ethnicity, religion, social status or sexual orientation or any social group someone belongs to.  It is written in the Federal Constitution, discrimination is a crime.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Although the Brazilian constitution of 1988 prohibits any form of discrimination, it was not until 2019 that homosexuals and trans people were definitively recognized as one of these groups.

During the National Health Conference on July 6th, 2023, the Brazilian Congress approved legislation that banned unnecessary surgeries on intersex toddlers.

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

Until 2023, there was no ban on intersex infant surgery in Brazil, and it was widespread.

Following a resolution by the National Council of Justice (CNJ), any same-sex union can be converted into a marriage. It was approved on May 14 and came into force on May 16. Brazil was the second South American country after Argentina, and the twelfth in the world to legalise gay marriage.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Although the first formal legal recognition of a civil union took place in 2004 (See first source), the Supreme Court did not rule in favor of civil unions throughout the country until May 5, 2011.

On March 4th, 2004, a panel of judges in Rio Grande Do Sul gave the green light to gay and lesbian civil unions. The ruling gave same-sex couples broad rights in areas like inheritance, child custody, insurance benefits and pensions. They were the first Brazilian state to offer civil unions.

After Supreme Federal Court recognition, LGBT people can serve openly in military in Brazil. 
 
People who are legally male at the age of 18 are obligated to serve, including trans men who have transitioned or trans women who haven&#39;t changed their legal gender yet. The latter can be dispensed once the change is made.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

There has never been any specific law banning homosexuals from serving in the army. However, Article 235 of 1969 of the Military Penal Code, which prohibits the &#34;practice of a libidinous act, homosexual or not&#34;, was often used to persecute gays in the military and try to expel them.

Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. 
 
However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

No legal recognition of non-binary gender.

Brazil

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Sao Paulo Gay Cruise Clubs

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Sao Paulo Gay Bars

Sao Paulo

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Gay Sao Paulo Mid-range Hotels

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Sao Paulo Gay Dance Clubs

Gay Sao Paulo Luxury Hotels

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Sao Paulo Gay Saunas

Sao Paulo is one of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities. It also boasts one of the world’s largest gay scenes. Sao Paulo Pride is the biggest gay Pride parade on the planet, and The Week is the world’s largest gay club.

The Week

A Gay Guide to Sao Paulo

"I've tried to learn to forgive myself for days that aren't good. There are days when I get up and I just can't bring myself to work. I think, come on Stephen, what's the matter with you? You're so fortunate."

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Sao Paulo Pride 2019

Sao Paulo Pride 2025: parade route, events & hotels

Celebrate Sao Paolo Pride in 2025!

Sao Paulo Pride

2025 Trans Pride March of  Sao Paulo: parade route & more

Celebrate Trans Pride in Brazil!

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Mercure Sao Paulo Pamplona Hotel

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Emiliano Hotel

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Find frequently asked questions for gay travelers visiting Sao Paulo. Join the conversation, share your experiences and chat with others.

FAQs for Sao Paulo gay travelers - gay chat & forum

Best gay bar?

I've heard good things but never been, what's Pride like here?? 

Brazil’s financial capital is home to over 12 million people and it boasts a considerable gay scene

Run Night

eagle sao paulo

Eagle São Paulo

Vitor at Tantrik Power is a gay-friendly masseur specializing in Tantra techniques and massages. He is currently located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where clients can feel comfortable and relaxed. Vitor is very experienced and has been working in holistic therapy for over 20 years. He has traveled all over the world and offered his services in Spain, the US, Canada and Germany. Outcall service is also available. Vitor often spends one week of every month also in Rio de Janeiro so can also be booked for an appointment there when in the city on request. To make an appointment, please message on Whatsapp only.

Tantrik Power

Vitor at Tantrik Power is a gay-friendly masseu...

ABC Bail&atilde;o is a popular gay club and it's particularly popular with the more mature crowd. It's something of a mecca for daddy chasers. Over 50s are even given a discounted rate!&nbsp;The vibe is fun and laid back.&nbsp;The DJs play a range of music from classic Brazilian pop to Madonna. This club can get a little cruise-y.

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ABC Bailão

ABC Bail&atilde;o is a popular gay club and it'...

This iconic cruise bar in S&atilde;o Paulo is a popular spot for bears and bear hunters. The leather and fetish community also congregate here. As the night progresses it can get cruisey. Located in the Cosolacao&nbsp;district, The Eagle is located close to much of Sao Paulo's best gay nightlife. Join in with their weekly events and themed nights such&nbsp;as karaoke, wrestling, and Daddy vs Son.

This iconic cruise bar in S&atilde;o Paulo is a...

One of the Largest Gay clubs in&nbsp;S&atilde;o Paulo with multiple dance&nbsp;floors.&nbsp;Bubu Lounge is particularly popular on a Friday night. It often draws a younger crowd. On Saturdays the&nbsp;Bubu S&oacute; Pra Elas&nbsp;nights attract a big lesbian crowd. This is definitely a good place to dance the night away. As the night progresses shirts will no doubt be taken off.

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BUBU

One of the Largest Gay clubs in&nbsp;S&atilde;o...

With nautical d&eacute;cor and waiters dressed as sailors, this popular venue in&nbsp;S&atilde;o Paulo mostly caters to gay men. Here you'll find the fashion conscious beautiful people seeing and being seen. All of the barmen compliment the nautical vibe with their&nbsp;sailor gear. This place is loads of fun and a tad pricey.
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Club Yacht

With nautical d&eacute;cor and waiters dressed...

This gay dance club is right by S&atilde;o Paulo's Largo do Arouche district and it's full of muscle marys and drag queens partying to EDM. You'll no doubt find yourself queuing&nbsp;to get in. Once you're inside you'll find a trendy crowd and lots of hot go go dancers.

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Danger Dance Club

This gay dance club is right by S&atilde;o Paul...

This fabulous venue is the home of Brazil's "transformistas"&nbsp;- a style of drag unique to the country. The costumes are lavish, the staging impeccable and the go go dancers are seriously hot. As well as hosting its famous drag shows, Blue Space is a gay club where you can dance all night. Blue Space is guaranteed&nbsp;to offer one of the best nights out in Sao Paulo.

BLUE-SPACE

Blue Space

This fabulous venue is the home of Brazil's "tr...

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