The first country to decriminalize homosexuality in 1792, France plays it laissez-faire when it comes to gender and sexual orientation. The French have seen football players, writers, and politicians come out with nothing more than a shrug, though homophobia and resistance to same-sex marriage in popular rap music show that it’s not all en rose. But with almost 400 nationally registered organizations, from A Pas de Géant (GLBT nature trips) to Zelink (online social network), you’re bound to find support and amis across the country. Plus, like a dating service, associations-lgbt.net can match you with organizations by orientation, interests, and place.
Metropolitan France is out and proud. Pride parades and GLBT centers fly the rainbow flag in almost every major city. With queer publications focused less on politics and more on people, grab a copy of Tetu or PREF mag to drool over the models and the fashion. For activism and social justice, look to organizations like Inter-LGBT (www.inter-lgbt.org) and SOS Homophobie (www.sos-homophobie.org), which spearhead political and media campaigns. France has already staged four nationwide kiss-ins since 2006 to raise awareness of GLBT rights, proving that the French are experienced—if not better—kissers.
Check out our city by city coverage of gay-friendly France: from the glittering nightlife of Paris to the sexy beach parties of Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez, and the fabulous hotspots of Montpellier, there's something for everyone in this gay-friendliest of countries.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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