All About Sex in Chile

There’s a lot to say about sex in Chile! Just how spicy is sex in this beautiful country?

As a queer writer and wanderer, one of my first tasks before going to a country is researching the legality surrounding sex work, gay rights, and people's mentality and openness regarding those topics. When it comes to sex tourism, or tourism in general, safety has to be your priority. And that means your safety and the safety of those around you. So dear reader, today I'm going to tell you all about sex in Chile.

FUN FACT: In December 2021, Congress approved a bill, prioritized by President Piñera, which legalizes marriage between same-sex couples and recognizes rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples, like the right to adopt children.

This means they are super progressive regarding this topic because, as of 2023, marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognized ONLY in 34 countries out of the 195 countries in the world. And they’re not only progressive when it comes to gay marriage. There is also a new law allowing transgender individuals to legally change their name and gender without undergoing surgery or hormone therapy. Go Chile! Obviously, this wasn't always like this. Like many other countries, Chile's treatment of homosexuality has been shaped by cultural, religious, and political factors and has evolved over time. I would say they are historical trendsetters now.

"DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH". Image Source: https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/latin-american-gays-the-post-left-leftists/

Pornography in Chile is legal, and it is available through various forms of media although, in recent years, there have been some efforts by lawmakers and advocacy groups to regulate or restrict access to pornography in Chile, particularly concerning minors. However, there is no uniform policy or consensus on the issue, which I totally support. Pornography should be exclusively for adults. No child should ever watch explicit content until it is old enough to understand the nuances of sexuality. Porn shouldn’t be the source for the “birds and bees” conversation. I support sex education early on, but pornography is certainly not part of it. For example, sex education in Finland starts in kindergarten and progresses into the study of interpersonal and romantic relationships.

FUN FACT: In 2002, an American photographer named Spencer Tunick focused on portraying small and large groups of naked people in natural and urban landscapes, such as Times Square, the Dead Sea, Sydney Opera House, and he went to Chile and got thousands to undress for the photo. This helped to change the sexual behavior of Chileans.

Nude photography in Chile by Spencer Tunick. Image Source: https://www.lacuarta.com/cronica/noticia/gracias-por-los-recuerdos-spencer-tunick-recuerda-los-20-anos-del-desnudo-masivo-en-chile/SVMQYOILN5BOBFWLA62QTXM5QI/

It was like a silent revolution, and this was evident with a new consumption and commercial venture of toys and sexual things. In an interview from 2017 with young Chileans about what they think about sexuality and porn, they comment that it is already something common and that they can communicate and express what they want without feeling fear, shame, or taboo. They feel free to talk about porn, sex, and sexuality even in their homes with their families. A boy said he could be free, which caught my attention. We have the right to express ourselves freely; however, on taboo issues, we limit ourselves.

FUN FACT: In Chile, prostitution is legal, but only for adults over 18 and in certain designated areas.

However, activities related to prostitution, such as pimping and brothel-keeping, are illegal. Chile is like Colombia and Brazil when it comes to prostitution; they all agree in that the person must be over 18 years old and sex work should not and cannot be coerced.

Like in Brazil, in Chile, there are a growing number of nightclubs. In Antofagasta, a city in northern Chile, you can find nightclubs, “shoperías”, and “cafés con piernas.” "Café con piernas," or in English, coffee with legs, is a variety of coffee shop characteristic of Chile in which young and attractive women in lingerie or semi-naked serve customers. In these places, alcohol is sold, and affective–sexual exchanges are provided for money. Sadly, as in most places, sex workers still face stigma and discrimination and may experience violence and exploitation. You see dear reader; this is why I like to do research and share it with you.

"Café con piernas". Image Source: https://www.traveller.com.au/would-you-like-legs-with-your-coffee-26wf7

As in other countries where prostitution is legal, some (if not most) organizations and individuals are opposed to it and advocate for its abolition. Others support prostitution, arguing that it can improve the safety and well-being of sex workers and reduce the risks associated with prostitution. I mean, they both have an excellent argument. Prostitution can lead to exploitation and violence, but if prostitutes say the legality of jobs helps them with their well-being and reduce the risks associated with their work, well, let them work in safety and peace. Exploitation and violence are everywhere, and not precisely because of prostitution. For example, it has been proven that people who have been abandoned and abused as infants can have patterns of aggressive behavior problems. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is the morality of things should start in our homes, giving the new generation a healthy sexual education and love.

We should always strive to be the difference we want to see in the world, and it all starts with education.