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The Gay Scene in Rome
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"The Gay Scene In Rome"
When mentioning the gay scene in Rome, most people are somewhat surprised to hear that there is one. After all, isn't the Italian capital the primary stronghold of the Catholic Church and therefore a rather uninviting destination for gays and lesbians? This is actually a complete misconception. In fact, Rome is an unusually open, lively and tolerant city. Romans generally enjoy having fun, both with their local crowd and visitors, and a person's sexual orientation seems to have little bearing on the matter.
Despite the Catholic Church's stance on the issue, Rome is a city brimful of options for the gay community. The most important gay cultural association in Rome is the Circolo Mario Mieli di Cultura Omossesuale. The association publishes a free, monthly magazine entitled AUT, which contains information on current events and health issues such as AIDS prevention as well as a programme of cultural events, entertainment and leisure. Circolo Mario Mieli is also responsible for organising the city's Gay Pride Day, which usually takes place in June. Their website, www.mariomieli.it, is a great source of information on these and other topics.
If you prefer to venture into the city armed with useful and fun information, stop in at the Libreria Babele, located at Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 116. The bookshop has an ample selection of books, magazines and digital information that cover a wide variety of interests. You can also purchase a guide to the local gay scene containing a lot of pertinent information as well as bar, club and event listings.
One of the most popular gay-themed restaurants is Edoardo II, located at Vicolo Margana 14, close to Piazza Venezia. In addition to serving delicious Italian specialities, the staff is famous for being very attentive and helpful. So if you need any tips on where to head for postprandial drinks, don't hesitate to ask! ComingOut on Via San Giovanni in Laterano 8, just around the corner from the Coliseum, is an excellent spot that attracts a fun-loving, young crowd. Hangar (Via in Selci, 69) in the Testaccio district, is an exclusively gay club. Alibi (Via di Monte Testaccio, 74), located in the same area, is open to a diverse public but does attract a predominantly gay crowd.