Rio de Janeiro Feature

Gay Rio rocks almost every night with a whole menu of entertainment options. During the day, dedicated areas of the beach in Copacabana (Posto 6) and Ipanema (in front of Rua Farme de Amoedo) are gay and lesbian havens. After dark, the nightlife is welcoming and inclusive. Kick off the evening at Galeria Café or the Copa, and as it nudges 1 am, head toward Le Boy, the more intimate La Girl, or the impressive new club The Week. La Cueva is one of Copacabana's longest-running gay venues, and most of the livelier underground clubs run GLS (Gay/Lesbian/Sympathizer) nights during the week. The best online source for information is at www.guiagaybrasil.com.br, or pick up monthly leaflets from most of these venues and tourist offices. The sporadic circuit party B.I.T.C.H (Barbies In Total Control) www.bitch.com.br has been one of the biggest events in the gay calendar since the '80s. The excellent www.xdemente.com has details of regular bimonthly parties in venues around the city.