Some time ago I found this article called “Surprising Ways in Gay Uruguay” it was originally written in 1999 but updated in 2007. In this piece the writer makes observations based on conversations with men from Argentina and Uruguay.
“”I don’t think he is completely gay”, he mused. Then he added, “but he could be. The way of life here in Uruguay is not so rigid as in Argentina. Guys here are not so strong in their behavior; sex with another guy is not the opposite of being with a girl”, Carlo observed with mixed feelings.
This was the first of several opinions I would hear about the Uruguayan ‘way’, an attitude about sexual behavior that is less categorical, less polarized than in other South American countries.”
This ‘Uruguayan way’ I discovered for myself after spending one year in Maldonado – a small-ish town right next to the popular tourist spot called Punta Del Este – was something new to me. I grew up in a ‘religious’ based western society were pressure from those establishments forces men to choose – your either straight, gay or bi – but you cannot just be a human with fluid sexual desires. You are turned into a rigid ‘thing’. A product that can be sold too. And a product that can be sold.
I was in my mid to late 20’s – and living with family. At that time my family was not aware of my sexual tastes. So, it was a very ‘hetero’ world I was in.
So I thought – But it turns out that Uruguayan men are not so easily defined. Uruguay is a fiercely secular country, with a strong anti-religion attitude. The notion of being categorised just doesn’t seem appropriate to them. In fact – categorisation is more than likely seen as a form of control. Not that this attitude is spoken of. In fact – it is exactly that – an unspoken attention to nature.
The men there are ‘machistas’ (male-chauvinists) but, I was surprised by the lack of serious homophobia amongst men. Yes, there are jokes, but those same men that make jokes would also be willing to have a bit of fun (privately), while not seeing that as a threat to their masculinity or their heterosexuality. In fact, not performing would make you less of a man. Where as in this society – if a straight man were to have sex with another man – he is subject to rigid religious notions.
Despite this attitude – Uruguayan men are mostly hetero. But some men are also strictly homosexual.
I have always said that what causes the strictly Gay or Straight identity is the influence of religion. And if you remove such chains -the world opens up like a flower. With it’s sweet nectar. A playground, in fact. As it is naturally meant to be.
The article continues…
“”We talked about Uruguay’s history over the past century, which has been noticeably different than it’s volatile and violent neighbors of Argentina and Brazil, He agreed about the strong control of the Catholic Church and military juntas in those countries.
In contrast, “Uruguay has only had one feeble military attempt to run the country, in the seventies, which failed”. Before and after that church and state have been separate for many decades resulting in a more secular Uruguayan modern tradition.
Sexual attitudes have consequently developed into less rigid and fearful mindsets. Ambi-sexuality is more common here especially among younger men who tend to be more at ease and fluctuate between gay and straight on their way to maturity.”"
It’s interesting to note that “ambi-sexuality” amongst the youth in Australia is also on the rise. But, let’s just keep that a secret for now.
It’s been sometime since i’ve been back to Uruguay – but I intend on going there next year. It’ll be interesting to see how, and if attitudes have changed.
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