A QUESTION was posted to the forum recently from one half of a gay couple who asked if they would be accepted in a France.
Simon wrote: “As a gay couple would we have any adverse reaction? We aren’t blind or unassuming that are life style isn’t the norm but what’s the French twist on things?”
My gut instinct is that there would be no problems, for example I knew of a handful of local shops run by gay couples in the village where I lived in the Dordogne that always seemed busy and they just got on with running their businesses.
However, I’m not naive to think that some people might find it a real problem to have a gay couple living close to them and life in the countryside can be a lonely existence if neighbours turn their backs on you.
One thing to remember is that the French state does allow gay couples to register under the Pacte civil de solidarité and the website of La France Gaie et Lesbienne provides a thorough English language description of civil partnerships.
And as a slight aside there has been much coverage in the past week of a book my Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe, who says that France is ready for its first gay president as he sets out his ambition to lead the opposition Socialist party.
But what would really help is if readers of the site could pass on their own experiences and provide Simon with some helpful advice, you can leave a comment below or if you prefer email me directly and I’ll produce a follow up piece in a few days.
Comments
4 responses to “Life as a gay couple in France”
Well we are living as a gay couple in France and it has not been much different from our experience in the US. We live in Toulouse and one of us is French and one of us is American. Toulouse is a big city so it is not much of an issue. When we first arrived we stayed with a friend in the Dordogne and there is not shortage of gay ex-pats from all over the world. If the original poster could be more specific of what they would like to find and what they might expect to find and what type of a living situation they want, city, suburban, rural, I could give a lot more insight.
Hi Francetales, many thanks for leaving a message and your offer of helping with any questions.
All the best, Craig
A reader of the site contacted me directly to write:
“In a country where the language uses the word ‘gaie’ often and frequently, in the correct and original sense, as well as in more modern senses, I doubt that your couple from Britain will have many greater problems.
“In essence, the same things apply to gay couples or singles as apply to everyone else.
“Integration (or attempted) in an unobtrusive way into local life, speaking the language of Molière as well as possible, respecting traditions (as far as acceptable) saying “bonjour” in the street (unlike most streets in UK) are little things to get used to.
“Of course to be accepted and respected by other, implies an acceptance of the rights, preferences and way of life of others.
It is probable that your couple may have slight problems in finding others who have the same ideas in small villages.
“But my only concern for this couple is more the reception possibly held in store for them by other ex-pat’s than the reception from the French!”
Rape sex.
Rape sex.