Gay Paraguay

No — same-sex marriage is not currently recognised in Paraguay. Paraguay decriminalised same-sex relations in 1990, with an age of consent of 16 for same-sex and 14 for opposite-sex partners that has never been equalised. The 1992 constitution limits marriage and de facto unions to one man and one woman, there is no partnership recognition, same-sex couples cannot adopt, and a 2018 Supreme Court petition for marriage equality has sat unresolved. No general anti-discrimination law exists; a 2015 bill never advanced, and protections appear only in scattered decrees. Legal gender change is not possible. In 2017 the Education Ministry banned material on 'gender ideology' from schools, and in 2019 the Senate declared itself 'pro-life and pro-family'. The one positive step is the 2022 Mental Health Law, which bars diagnoses based on sexual orientation and so effectively outlaws conversion therapy. Polling finds around a quarter of Paraguayans supporting same-sex marriage, the Catholic Church is vocal, and activists report police indifference to violence. Asunción has held Pride since 2004 and has a small, lively scene around the Villa Morra and centro districts. Visitors are safe and largely ignored.

The cities listed on this page have the most active LGBTQ+ scenes in Paraguay — typically the capital and the largest tourist cities. Each city page lists verified LGBTQ+ venues.

Many hotels in tourist areas of Paraguay welcome LGBTQ+ guests without explicit marketing. International chains in central districts are the safest choice; smaller boutique hotels vary. See each city page for verified LGBTQ+-friendly options.

Pride events do take place in Paraguay — see the events calendar for the current schedule and each city page for local specifics. Attendance sizes and dates vary year to year.