Salvador - Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Queers

Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia and one of Brazil's largest cities. Its queer scene goes back a long way, but it is spread across several neighbourhoods. Rio Vermelho has many bars and restaurants with a mixed, open crowd. In the centre, around Rua Carlos Gomes in the Dois de Julho district, drag and transformista shows have a long tradition. Venues here often change owners or concepts, so Instagram and dating apps are the best way to find out where people are going.

One fixed address for men is Sauna Fox on Rua das Rosas in the Pituba district. It has its own website, and women are not admitted.

In Salvador the organisations matter more than any single bar. The Grupo Gay da Bahia (GGB) was founded in the early eighties by the anthropologist Luiz Mott and is regarded as Brazil's oldest LGBT+ rights group that is still active. It records violence against queer people, gives advice and organises the Parada do Orgulho LGBT+ Bahia. The GGB also pushed for the Centro Municipal de Referência LGBT+ Vida Bruno, a municipal centre that offers legal advice, psychological support and social assistance to LGBT+ people. Run by the city, it is a first point of contact for anyone facing discrimination or violence.

The community is especially visible during Carnival, for example at the Concurso Nacional de Fantasia Gay costume contest on Praça Municipal in the old town. As anywhere in Salvador, take a taxi or ride-hailing app at night and keep valuables out of sight.