Job Discussion Forums

vtchica · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 15

Okay, so I am considering teaching English in Santiago. Obviously, I realize that Chilean (or Latin American) attitudes in general are not so favorable towards gays. But, it is also obvious to me that gay/lesbian people exist in Santiago. Can anyone tell me what the lesbian scene is like? If I am not "out," but I am discovered, will this compromise my job? Are there gay organizations to help out with finding gay-friendly roommates and/or advice?

Any insight into this matter would be much appreciated. I intend to live a closeted to life, but I would like to be able to go to gay clubs and have a personal life separate from work.

matttheboy · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 854 Location: Valparaiso, Chile

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=26610

PeroPero · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Santiago, Chile

you can go to bokhara or bunker...^^

kiwisarah · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 6

I happened upon a lesbian karaoke bar in Bella Vista not long ago, it was very cool, I love karaoke, and I love lesbians (all the more men for me) There are also quite a few gay dance clubs, so I really don't think you will have trouble having a social life. As far as work goes, my students tend to ask me more questions about my home country, where I want to travel in Chile etc rather than questions about boyfriends and personal things, so don't worry too much about that either.

PeroPero · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Santiago, Chile

forget about bunker and bokhara
go to clubmiel or blondie!! =3

mikeisquixotic · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Vermont

Hey does the "vt" in vtchica stand for Vermont? I'm also living in VT and planning a move to Chile. Where in the green mountain state are you from?

3eyes · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 5

I lived and taught in Valparaiso where there were many openly lesbian and gay people. There are several gay friendly bars and discotecas and, being a port town, there was a generally open attitude about many things including sexuality.

However, students WILL ask you about whether you have a boyfriend. They started asking me within 5 minutes of meeting me! And talking about being a lesbian could make some students or employers feel uncomfortable. But this shouldn't deter you... I think many Chileans are thirsting for the chance to show that they are from a forward-thinking nation open to progress. Remember, they have a socialist, divorced, single-mother for a president!