Camino Frances for LGBT Peregrinos

[Emerson]

Hello everyone. Two years ago my sister and I started the camino, but we didn't give ourselves enough time to finish it. We got to León and had to head back home.

I've always wanted to do the camino again, but I have some possible concerns. I'm a gay male and I'd like to walk the camino Frances with my boyfriend. The camino is often and traditionally seen in a religious light, and much of the homophobia seen in the world comes from religious roots. So, that's my basic cause for concern. Would my boyfriend and I have to deal with any heckling or worse in any particular areas? Could we walk holding hands and not get trouble for it? Would inn keepers object two men only needing one bed? There's a 12 year age difference between my boyfriend and I - would that cause any alarm?

Forgive me if my questions are out of place. I know very little of Spanish attitudes towards homosexuality, especially along the camino route.

– Emerson

 

[MichaelB10398]

All are welcome to walk the Camino regardless of reason. It is true that for over a thousand years the Walk of St. James has been mostly walked by those with deeply religious or spiritual reasons; however, that has never been the sole reason for every single person who walked. There is a time and place for all things, but on the Camino let's consider the practicalities. The beds, as you recall when you walked with your sister, are not made for two people. They are difficult for some of the larger pilgrims to sleep in. If you want to sleep with your friend, then think about hotels and other similar accommodations. I think if you visit some of the international LGBT websites, you will find more closely the social norms of Spain. Given that many walk the Camino for religious reasons and many of those individuals have a negative view of homosexuality, you are likely to receive some very odd looks if you flaunt your relationship, just as you would in society at large. However, you will also find individuals who will be accepting. It is a matter of savior faire. Heterosexual couples who would flaunt their sexual relationship in public would also be looked at a little askew. Those who have walked the Camino many times will have better counsel and advice. For me it is an issue of respect. If you walk the Camino respectful of its heritage, those who aid each pilgrim at each refugio/albergue, and fellow pilgrims you will find peace. However, if you walk in a manner to force all along the Way to accept your sexuality, I think you will find opportunities to be offended. Does that make sense?

Mike

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Spain is one of the most enlightened countries out there where gay-lesbian issues and rights are concerned. Homosexual couples can marry and have families here, and in any city you will see many same-sex couples and families holding hands, being affectionate, etc. I don´t know where you are from, but you may feel much more free here to express your affection than you do at home.
At least in the cities.
Discrimination against couples by hoteliers and other for-profit businesses is illegal, and besides, they really need the business these days. As for pilgrim albergues, sleeping together is a practical impossibility, although some very passionate (and sometimes thoughtless) couples still have a go sometimes!

Out in the provinces, things progress more slowly. People still make jokes or roll their eyes, but only among themselves. I have lived in rural Spain for three years, and I have never seen any kind of outright nastiness aimed at same-sex couples or openly homosexual individuals. Still, you are traveling through some very conservative areas. You will do well to practice discretion.

I do not think you will have any problem with Spaniards.
Your fellow pilgrims may present other challenges, however. I´m sure it´s nothing you´ve not encountered before, and have dealt with commendably.

Reb.

 

[SudoCaminoDan]

My partner and I walked the Camino for the first time earlier this year, and never faced any issues with discrimination.

We never hid our sexuality at all, and when people asked how we knew each other, we were very open that we were a married same-sex couple.

Given we spent most of the time in separate bunk beds in dorm rooms meant there was almost no issue with bed sharing.

We spend two nights in a double bed because that's all the respective albergues had available. One was very much a religious-run establishment (mint tea, prayer reading after dinner, etc.), and they were totally up-front when we booked that we would have to share. We said that wasn't a problem .

The second time, the lady was very apologetic that she only had a double bed left and hoped that we wouldn't mind sharing. We didn't put her out of her misery, perhaps we should have .

The fact we were both walking in kilts - which was a big conversation started - was probably a good ice breaker!

 

[C clearly]

I will just point out that the OP's question was asked 15 years ago and he hasn't been back to the forum since.