Pink Star Rating
Capital
Belize City
Other Main Cities/Resorts
Ambergis Caye, Caye Caulker
Scene and Culture
Though Belize is in Central America it has a very Caribbean feel and outlook. The population is predominately black and the main languages are English and Creole. Homosexuality is still very much stigmatised in Belize and there is no gay scene to speak of . On our visit to the country we certainly not aware of any obvious scene.
Given the proximity of the country to the US and the fact that it is English speaking draws many gay and lesbian visitors from North America. There are American businesses that specifically cater for such gay and lesbian visitors and the only websites we have found are purely aimed at such gay and lesbian tourists
In 1998 following the banning of a gay cruise ship to the Caymen Islands the ship was allowed to visit Belize instead. Whilst there was token protest the ship was allowed to visit without any problems though Belizeans were surprised to see the gay visitors were “dressed as men”. According to The Ministry of Tourism the prerequisites for any cruise line to visit Belize has never included a requirement from its passengers as to their sexual preference. However there is actually legislation which bars gay visitors from entering the country (See below)
Gay Age of Consent
Legal
Lesbian Age of Consent
Legal
Straight Age of Consent
16
Legal Notes
Homosexuality was legalised in 1988. Under Section 26 ii(d) of the Immigration Act "Any prostitute or homosexual or any person who may be living on or receiving or may have been living on or receiving the proceeds of prostitution or homosexual behaviour..." is prohibited from entering Belize.
Population
262,999
Currency
Bz$
Climate
Belize is in the Northern hesmisphere tropics; The weather is through out the year hot and humid with the rainy season running from May to November and the dry season from February to May. The best time to visit is during the dry season.