Gays In Costa Rica Want Equality
Groups in Costa Rica are asking Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, to help them create more equality among gays, lesbians, bisexual and trans-genders.

One of the groups to make the request as the Movimiento Diversidad, who is headed by Abelardo Araya.

50 countries across the world observed International Day Against Homophobia that was on Thursday.

The group submitted a letter to president Arias that the government form a commission to target discrimination, support a bill to legalize gay unions and help with the prevention of the HIV/AIDS virus. The group is asking cooperation from the ministries of Education, Health, Labour and Culture.

Araya says Costa Rica has a image around the world of respecting human rights, however, in reality racism, sexism and "machismo" are alive and well.

According to  "The Real Costa Rica" website, Costa Rica has become a Mecca for Gay and Lesbian travel over the past few years. It says that The country itself has become far more tolerant of the Gay and Lesbian lifestyle. The cynical part is the fact that somebody has figured out that gays and lesbians tend to be great travelers, well behaved guests, and most important, have money and are will to spend it!

To that end, there are a goodly number of Gay or Gay-Friendly hotels in Costa Rica. Most of these seem to be centered in either San José or in the area around Manuel Antonio. In fact, the area around Manuel Antonio has, in just the past few years, become extremely popular gay tourist destination, including a nude beach that is predominantly frequented by gays.

In San José exist a number of night spots dedicated to gay, lesbian and bisexuals. A number of nightspots, like Josephine's strip bar is now dedicated exclusively to "gay entertainment".