Mexico City: Gay Side of History I; Gay Plazas and Temples

Mexico City’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history is woven into the fabric of its iconic landmarks. From the Zócalo’s proud celebrations to the Plaza de Santo Domingo’s somber past, this captivating city tells a tale of resilience and self-expression. Amidst the colonial architecture, Aztec ruins stand as testaments to the rich LGBTQ+ traditions that thrived long before the Spanish conquest. As you explore these storied spaces, prepare to uncover a side of Mexico’s past that challenges conventional narratives and celebrates the indomitable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

Good To Know

• Aztec deities like Xochiquetzal presided over same-sex unions and gender fluidity, showcasing Mexico’s LGBTQ+ traditions before Spanish colonization.
• Vibrant LGBTQ+ culture thrived in Mexico City’s avant-garde artistic enclaves, with figures like Frida Kahlo and Nahui Olin at the forefront.
• The Spanish Inquisition’s persecution of "sodomites" and "witches" forced LGBTQ+ individuals to seek refuge along the historic trade route of El Camino Real.
• The Zócalo and Plaza de Santo Domingo have long been hubs for Mexico City’s LGBTQ+ communities, hosting celebrations, protests, and witnessing colonial oppression.
• Lesbian entrepreneurs found economic independence and safe spaces for their relationships in the colonial plazas of Mexico City.

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Aztec LGBTQ+ Traditions

Beneath the shadow of towering Aztec pyramids, visitors uncover an unexpected legacy – a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ traditions that flourished in the heart of the ancient empire. The tour guide leads the group through the bustling Zócalo, revealing how the Aztec deity Xochiquetzal presided over same-sex unions and gender fluidity.

They explore the hidden temples where two-spirit priests, known as muxes, conducted sacred rituals honoring the divine feminine. Participants learn how this vibrant LGBTQ+ culture thrived until the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, whose Christian dogma sought to erase these ancient practices, forever altering the social fabric of Mesoamerica.

Spanish Colonial Lesbians

In the shadows of bustling plazas, the tour guide unveils the secret lives of 17th-century lesbians who thrived in the Spanish colonial economy. These women built flourishing businesses, from taverns to seamstress shops, providing economic independence and a safe space for their relationships. The tour explores their hidden legacies, uncovering the challenges they faced and the ingenious ways they navigated a society that condemned their existence.

Occupation	Location	Challenges	Strategies
Tavern Owners	City Center	Social Stigma	Discrete Operations
Seamstresses	Neighborhoods	Legal Restrictions	Familial Covers
Merchants	Marketplace	Inquisition Threats	Coded Communication
Artisans	Homes	Community Ostracization	Mutual Support Networks

Frida Kahlo’s Avant-Garde Peers

Frida Kahlo and her avant-garde contemporaries were a captivating cohort who thronged Mexico City’s thriving artistic enclaves. They frequented culturally progressive venues like the Mercado de Artesanías, where LGBTQ+ painters, sculptors, and poets convened to exchange ideas and showcase their boundary-pushing works.

Figures like the fiercely independent painter Nahui Olin and the gender-bending poet Xavier Villaurrutia were at the forefront of this vibrant, queer-affirming scene. Their lively gatherings pulsed with the creative energy of a generation boldly redefining the norms of Mexican society.

These artistic pioneers blazed trails, inspiring generations to embrace their authentic selves and envision more liberated futures.

Sodomites and Witches

The Spanish Inquisition’s grip tightened around the throats of sodomites and witches, casting an ominous shadow over Mexico City’s streets. Behind closed doors, the Inquisitors pursued their unholy quest, uncovering "sinful" acts and condemning the accused.

Offenses	Punishments
Sodomy	Burning at the stake
Witchcraft	Public flogging
Heresy	Imprisonment

The condemned suffered brutal fates, their cries echoing through the plazas. Yet, amidst the darkness, whispers of resistance emerged, as Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community banded together, finding solace in each other and the promise of a more accepting future.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Safe Haven on El Camino Real

Winding across the rugged terrain, El Camino Real emerged as a lifeline for Mexico’s persecuted LGBTQ+ couples. This historic trade route connected colonial outposts, offering a rare sanctuary for those seeking to escape the Spanish Inquisition‘s relentless hunt for "sodomites."

Couples would journey along El Camino, finding refuge in remote haciendas and missions that turned a blind eye to their love. Under the cover of night, they could express their affection freely, forging a hidden community that flourished in the shadows. Though danger lurked, El Camino Real provided a fleeting respite – a chance to live and love beyond the reach of religious persecution.

Zócalo and Plaza De Santo Domingo

Towering above the bustling streets, the Zócalo and Plaza de Santo Domingo stand as beacons of Mexico City’s rich heritage. At the Zócalo, the tour guide reveals how this grand public square has long been a hub for LGBTQ+ communities, hosting vibrant celebrations and protests.

Traversing the plaza, the group explores hidden histories, uncovering stories of 17th-century lesbian entrepreneurs who thrived in the colonial economy. Nearby, the ornate Plaza de Santo Domingo captivates with its Spanish colonial architecture, a stark contrast to the Aztec ruins that dot the landscape. Here, the guide delves into the Spanish Inquisition’s persecution of so-called "sodomites," shedding light on a dark chapter of Mexico’s queer past.

Entrance Fees and Inclusions

Included in the tour’s admission are entrance fees to the various public and private locations visited, ensuring seamless access to the sites that illuminate Mexico City’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history. Alongside the expert guide’s insights, participants receive a digital map highlighting LGBTQ-focused landmarks in the historic center. They’ll also take home an e-book, "RAINBOW MEXICO: Bridging Forgotten Pasts and Vibrant Futures," to continue their journey of discovery.

From Aztec traditions to the Spanish Inquisition’s persecution, the tour covers a breadth of experiences, fueled by refreshing coffee, soft drinks, or bottled water. This all-inclusive package allows travelers to immerse themselves fully in Mexico City’s rich LGBTQ+ legacy.

LGBTQ-Focused Digital Map

A digital map accompanies the tour, guiding participants through the historic center’s LGBTQ+ landmarks. Vibrant icons pinpoint hidden havens, tracing a rainbow-hued path through the city. Tapping each marker reveals stories of queer resilience – from Aztec temples honoring gender-fluid deities to salons where 17th-century lesbians conducted business.

The map’s interactive features immerse guests in Mexico City’s LGBTQ+ past, unearthing the courageous lives and loves that flourished even as the Spanish Inquisition sought to erase them. This digital companion empowers travelers to discover the city’s queer heritage, uncovering a rich tapestry of identities that defied oppression and insisted on being seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible as it excludes mobility-impaired or wheelchair users. The active nature of the 3.5-hour walking tour may pose challenges for those with limited mobility.

Can Minors Join the Tour?

Children under 18 years old can’t join this tour. It’s an adults-only experience focused on Mexico City’s LGBTQ+ history. The tour company wants to ensure all participants feel comfortable discussing mature topics throughout the 3.5-hour walking excursion.

What Is the Cancellation Policy?

Cancellations can be made up to 72 hours before the tour for a full refund. Within 72 hours, there’s a 50% cancellation fee. No-shows forfeit the full tour price. Flexibility is key, but policies protect the tour operator.

Are Any Meals Included in the Tour?

The tour includes coffee, soft drinks, or bottled water, but no meals are provided. Participants can enjoy refreshments during the 3.5-hour walking tour, allowing them to stay energized and engaged throughout the immersive exploration of Mexico City’s LGBTQ+ history.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

The tour offers a private option for groups up to 10 participants. Guests can personalize the experience, exploring LGBTQ+ history at their own pace with a dedicated guide providing expert insights into Mexico City’s vibrant queer past.

The Sum Up

Mexico City’s LGBTQ+ legacy is etched in its vibrant plazas and ancient ruins, a testament to the resilience of queer narratives. From the Zócalo’s celebratory marches to the haunting shadows of the Spanish Inquisition, this city’s landscape bears witness to the enduring spirit of a community that has long defied erasure. Visitors can uncover this rich tapestry through guided tours and digital maps, seeing a captivating journey through Mexico’s LGBTQ+ past and present.

You can check if your dates are available here: