Diversity in Buenos Aires

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. On this page, local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter at their location. The information below is just a broad overview so if you have specific questions or concerns not covered here, please email inclusion@ciee.org. We would be glad to have local staff share their perspectives, talk with you about accommodations, connect you with resources, and/or put you in touch with a program alum who could speak about their experiences navigating a program in this location.

No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff—all of whom receive regular and comprehensive training in diversity, equity, and inclusion—will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support regarding these issues.

Body Size/Image

During informal conversations, comments regarding body size may come up. Often the terms “gorda” (overweight) or “flaca” (thin) might be used as terms of endearment among friends, family members or romantic partners. Other times, they might carry pejorative connotations. While these terms are ubiquitous, how they are received can vary widely and dialogue surrounding them continues to evolve.

X Gender Marker

Argentina is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America with regard to the legal recognition and cultural acceptance of diverse gender identities. In 2021, the Argentine government introduced a third gender category, X, on IDs, passports, and other legal documents to allow individuals who do not identify as exclusively male or female to have legal documentation that reflects their gender identity.

Citizens with X gender passports are legally recognized in the country and cultural awareness is positively shifting towards a more inclusive atmosphere. There are numerous resources and support available for non-binary and non-conforming people in Buenos Aires, including community organizations and advocacy groups. such as…These organizations can help individuals connect with others who share similar experiences and provide information about accessing healthcare and other services.

Disability

Longstanding laws mandate accessible public facilities (sidewalks, restrooms, entryways, stairs, elevators, handles, etc.) and, for the most part, they have been enforced. Nevertheless, some locations were “grandfathered in” given their historical architectural value. Students with disabilities  should not have trouble navigating the city. 
 

Gender and Gender Identity

In Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, gender identity and expression have evolved significantly in recent years, reflecting broader global trends and local cultural shifts. Argentina has made notable progress in terms of gender rights, and Buenos Aires, as its most cosmopolitan city, is often at the forefront of these changes. Argentina was one of the first countries in Latin America to pass progressive gender identity laws. The 2012 Gender Identity Law allows individuals to change their gender on official documents without needing medical treatment, surgery, or judicial approval. This law empowers people to self-identify their gender, and Buenos Aires has been a key hub for activism surrounding this legislation. There is a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with events like the Marcha del Orgullo (Pride Parade), which celebrates gender diversity. Many cultural spaces, especially in neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo, promote gender inclusivity through art, performance, and activism. Buenos Aires is home to numerous LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and community centers. Gender-neutral bathrooms are increasingly common in progressive spaces, and certain public institutions are beginning to adopt gender-inclusive policies. Feminist activism is strong in Buenos Aires, pushing back against patriarchal norms and advocating for gender equality. Feminist groups are especially vocal in demanding reproductive rights (Argentina legalized abortion in 2020), economic equality, and an end to gender-based violence.

Socioeconomic Status

Argentina, as most Latin-American countries, has a small high-income segment of the society, and large medium and low ones. Given this dynamic, there is a multitude of options to eat without spending a lot of money. For the most part, small empanada/pizza eateries will be the easiest to find. Additionally, there are quite a few “buy by the weight” restaurants with relatively affordable prices. Of note, are the “Chinese Stores,” which are urban convenient stores with a wide variety of products with the lowest prices of the market. Clothes and most non-food items are relatively expensive to acquire.

There are many affordable ways to enjoy the city, including visits to different neighborhoods, parks, and other public recreational spaces. Argentinians are very sociable, and it is common to find large groups of friends chatting, drinking mate, and enjoying the relatively mild weather in a plaza. 

Heritage Seekers

Argentina is a country of immigrants.. In fact, more than 90% of the population has non-Argentinean ancestry, with very few being indigenous to the region given the low population density that existed in the country before the Spanish arrivals. Most of the indigenous population still present in the country can be found in provinces away from Buenos Aires. Consequently, people understand very well the concept of “heritage seeking” and will be welcoming to discussing, and helping students research this topic. 
 

Racial and Ethnic Identity

People in Argentina have had relative low exposure to ethnic diversity. Historically, people with darker skin have been quickly stereotyped as coming from Brazil or the Caribbean, and East Asian people are commonly referred to as “Chinese” regardless of their country of origin. Only in the last decade or two  have racial and ethnic identity become more frequently discussed concepts. Students should be aware that individuals of African or Asian heritage may attract attention in public surroundings, potentially leading to curious stares or comments. During orientation and throughout your program, CIEE staff are on hand to provide advice and support regarding issues of racial and ethnic identity. 
 

Religion

In Argentina, there is full religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution. Local society has mostly Christian roots from Italian and Spanish immigrants, with 66% of the population declaring themselves as Catholic. Judaism and Islam are present with roughly 1% of the local population being represented with each of these creeds, making both the largest ones in Latin-American. Overall, about 66% of the population feels that religion is very or somewhat important in their lives. Even though Argentine society has been historically exposed to religious diversity, you may encounter religious prejudice toward non-Catholic faiths. Noteworthy are two historical terrorist attacks targeting Jews, with bombings of the Israel Embassy and a Jewish Cultural Center in 1992 and 1994, respectively. 
 

Sexual Orientation

All sexual orientations are accepted for the most part in all public environments. In fact, Argentina is somewhat of a pioneer in sexual rights, having passed the Equal Marriage and Gender Identity Laws in 2010. Surveys show that 76% of Argentinians believe homosexuality should be accepted, and 69% support LGBTQ+ rights. In 2009 a law was passed that guarantees sexual and reproductive rights in the fields of health and education. It is also important to mention that Buenos Aires is often referred as one of the world’s most gay-friendly travel destinations.