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A 1947 law criminalizing homosexuality was repealed in 2008 after protests by New Men and New Women of Panama, the only openly gay organization in the country. Same-sex marriages, however, are not recognized. The country has a relatively large LGBT community, which has held a gay rights parade yearly since 2005, Carnival has become known as an unofficial gay pride celebration in Panama City and Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula.

Although the LGBT community is fairly integrated in the capital city and tourism and expat destinations like Bocas del Toro and Boquete, sexual orientation is not flaunted and there is not a huge gay scene. Keep in mind that Panama is still a heavily Catholic country. Although accepting, it still has stigmas.

Panama has resisted accepting same sex marriage although it does recognize marriages contracted abroad.

Be inspired

Casco Viejo, Panama City

Casco Viejo

Panama City - Activity

On a narrow peninsula, Casco Viejo with its original brick streets and beautifully restored colonial architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a wealth of...
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Guna Yala (San Blas Islands), Panama City

Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)

Panama City - Beach

Picture-postcard beaches with powdery sands and protected coral reefs are scattered throughout the 378 islands, many uninhabited, in Panama's San Blas islands or Comarca...
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Panama Canal, Panama City

Panama Canal

Panama City - Activity

Called the eighth wonder of the world, the canal cuts 48 miles across the isthmus. The best observation spot on the Pacific side is at Miraflores Locks, a 15-minute taxi...
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Mercado de Mariscos Restaurant, Panama City

Mercado de Mariscos Restaurant

Panama City - Restaurant

You'll find no frills at this seafood restaurant on a balcony above the city's vibrant fish market, but the fish couldn't be fresher and the beer is cold. Try the sea...
  • 5
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El Valle, Panama City

El Valle

Panama City - Activity

An easy two-hour drive from the capital, El Valle is a favorite weekend retreat for wealthy Panamanians, because it is cooler than the lowlands and offers opportunities...
  • 5
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Contadora, Panama City

Contadora

Panama City - Beach

One of the some 200 islands in the archipelago just off the Pacific coast, Contadora is the best known of the Pearl Islands because of its resorts and luxury weekend...
Lung Fung Palace, Panama City

Lung Fung Palace

Panama City - Restaurant

The second-floor dining room looks straight out of a Hong Kong dim sum palace. It's a popular breakfast spot for Panamanians, including the local Chinese community....
Barro Colorado, Panama City

Barro Colorado

Panama City - Activity

The daytrip to the Smithsonian Institution's research island Barro Colorado in the Panama Canal includes a 45-minute boat trip each way, a 2-to-3-hour guided tour of the...

15 community reviews / Panama

General impression
Good
LGBT-friendly
Average
VICKIE has been to and rated Panama

Added 4 years ago

Alberto Uribe has been to and rated Panama

Added 4 years ago

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