gay/gender nonconforming in El Potrero Chico?

Looking for trip/conditions reports for openly gay and/or gender nonconforming people in El Potrero Chico! The more the better :) 

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abe rwrote:

wtf. what does your gender identity/sexual pref whatever have anything to do with conditions lol

It IS something that openly non-straight people have to think about. Not everywhere is welcoming to everyone 

is it 10/10 insensitive to say just go climb? The wall isn't gonna ask if you gay nor is the vendor when you paying for your dinner or breakfast. Everyone down there is super chill and you arrange getting picked up by the hostel or AirBnb host...I guess I could have started with that but I failed to see how they related. Sorry.

abe rwrote:

is it 10/10 insensitive to say just go climb? 

Yes, it is completely (10/10) insensitive to say just go climb.

abe rwrote:

is it 10/10 insensitive to say just go climb? 

Yes.

Everyone down there is super chill and you arrange getting picked up by the hostel or AirBnb host...

If you haven't presented as gay or nonbinary then you don't know that. I love Latin America but it's an extremely conservative place that is often hostile to all sorts of minorities. OP's concern is extremely well founded. 

I genuinely don't understand why you felt the need to leave any comment in this thread. When something isn't for you and it doesn't make sense to you, did you know that you can just quietly observe and learn instead of projecting your privileged perspective onto others who don't share your same social experience? 

abe rwrote:

is it 10/10 insensitive to say just go climb? The wall isn't gonna ask if you gay nor is the vendor when you paying for your dinner or breakfast. Everyone down there is super chill and you arrange getting picked up by the hostel or AirBnb host...I guess I could have started with that but I failed to see how they related. Sorry.

Gender nonconforming people face plenty of aggression even in the USA, and the USA is considerably more progressive than Mexico, which is heavily Catholic and quite socially conservative. Understand that this is a valid concern for people in the community and just let them discuss it amongst themselves. It'll be more pleasant for everybody.

Ricky Harlinewrote:

I genuinely don't understand why you felt the need to leave any comment in this thread. 

This for sure.

I go down there to just climb...

abe rwrote:

This for sure.

I go down there to just climb...

I just go down there to climb as well. And when I travel, I definitely want to know the marijuana laws of whatever country I am going to, as well as the local populations reaction to such behavior. I don't think she was asking if the wall cares.

I don't see a big difference in the question she's asking. Especially considering that numerous countries have the death penalty in place for both "offenses". It would be irresponsible to act openly on either of these things in a country where you don't know the consequences, be it legally or socially. 

It'd be really cool if someone could answer the original question.

I’d encourage staying (and leaving) with a group of friends if you go to local parties. I learned that lesson even without gender identification as a factor.

Duncan Dominguewrote:

It'd be really cool if someone could answer the original question.

Seems it was answered quite clearly to me.

The question was definitely not answered! I'm still looking for input, please :) 

Sam Hoffmanwrote:

The question was definitely not answered! I'm still looking for input, please :) 

I went down two years in a row. I'm a cis white male so please take my info with a grain of salt as these were just my observations.

• The climbing community is robust and diverse throughout peak season. As the season both ramps up and slows down the climbing population can be smaller, and possibly less diverse as a result.
• There is an awesome highlining community in EPC which, at least in CO, generally indicates a more diverse community. I didn't participate in the highlining culture either year I was in EPC and can't really offer input as to whether it affects diversity or inclusion.
• I traveled to and from EPC in peak season. I met a bunch of people and don't remember there being much conversation in the way of gender identity or sexuality. The most recent trip was 3 or 4 years ago and in that interim time I've noticed a lot more global focus on both topics, possibly indicating more exposure in rural, less-developed corners of the world.
• It is a party zone. Go the for the climbing....and the gigantic margaritas and awesome pizza if the cart is still operational in the canyon. I wouldn't recommend taking advantage of additional goods and services though.
• This is more a rule for general, safe international travel. If you party, (1) keep it under control and make sure you know where your drinks come from, (2) DO GROUP ACTIVITIES. I pretty much drank canned beer I opened myself, or tequila I poured myself. The least amount of people we had in a group was 3.

Feel free to PM me if you've got specific questions you need answered and I'll do my best.

Sam Hoffmanwrote:

The question was definitely not answered! I'm still looking for input, please :) 

Are you asking for a friend? May clear up some confusion. Based on your ticks and profile you have climbed in Potrero before and identify as female. Is that still the case or does mp just not have a lot of gender options? 

abe rwrote:

This for sure.

I go down there to just climb...

really? u drive down and are self reliant?

u dont have any contact with locals? taxi? rental car agents? grocery store clerks? air bnb host?

u dont even go to the local church on sunday?

u blinded by  straight white male privilege???

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Sam Hoffmanwrote:

Looking for trip/conditions reports for openly gay and/or gender nonconforming people in El Potrero Chico! The more the better :) 

Hey Sam,

I've never been to El Potrero Chico myself, but was planning a trip down there for this winter.  It looks like you were there in 2019.  I don't think the LGBTQAI+ cultural attitudes in EPC are any worse now than they were then.  Hopefully they are slightly better, as LGBTQAI+ rights have gotten more attention in the past couple years both domestically and abroad :-)

Of course as a CGSWM I can't really speak on what the actual attitudes are.  I'm just saying, they should be slightly more progressive than on your last trip...hopefully.

I truly hope you enjoy your trip.  It will surely be a great adventure.

Also, just a gentle reminder to all CGSWMs posting on this thread.  If you are making posts that might imply the LGBTQAI+ attitudes in Mexico are not up to par.  Please tread carefully.  You are walking a thin line between trying to be supportive of the LGBTQAI+ Community, and making disparaging remarks against Mexican Culture.  I trust this can be done with respect given to both sides, but remember, you can not fully understand either side as you have no lived experience with either.

Thank you, and keep it respectful :-)  

Zander Laskinwrote:

Also, just a gentle reminder to all CGSWMs posting on this thread.  If you are making posts that might imply the LGBTQAI+ attitudes in Mexico are not up to par.  Please tread carefully.  You are walking a thin line between trying to be supportive of the LGBTQAI+ Community, and making disparaging remarks against Mexican Culture.  I trust this can be done with respect given to both sides, but remember, you can not fully understand either side.

Thank you, and keep it respectful :-)  

Your statement reminds me of this video

Zander Laskinwrote:

Also, just a gentle reminder to all CGSWMs posting on this thread.  If you are making posts that might imply the LGBTQAI+ attitudes in Mexico are not up to par.  Please tread carefully.  You are walking a thin line between trying to be supportive of the LGBTQAI+ Community, and making disparaging remarks against Mexican Culture.  I trust this can be done with respect given to both sides, but remember, you can not fully understand either side.

Thank you, and keep it respectful :-)  

If I was lgbt, I don't think I'd care about disparaging the culture if it prevented me from traveling somewhere dangerous...