Gay and Lesbian France
France is more liberal on homosexuality than most other European countries. The legal age of consent is 16. Gay communities thrive especially in Paris, Toulouse and Nice and many of the southern towns, though lesbian life is rather less upfront. In general, the French consider sexuality to be a private matter and homophobic assaults are very rare. On the whole, gays tend to be discreet outside specific gay venues, parades and the prime gay areas of Paris and the coastal resorts. Lesbians tend to be extremely discreet. Hedonistic lifestyles have changed, here as elsewhere, since the advent of AIDS (SIDA in French). The resulting homophobia, though not as extreme as in most parts of the world, has nevertheless increased the suffering among gay men. The Pasteur Institute in Paris is at the forefront of research into the virus, though its gay patients have complained of being treated like cattle. A group of gay doctors and the association AIDES (Association pour l'Entraide et l'Information SIDA), however, have consistently provided sympathetic counselling and treatment, and the gay press has done a great deal to disseminate the facts about AIDS and to provide hope and encouragement. Lesbian organizations fight alongside gays on the general issue of anti-homosexuality, while also lobbying for women's rights.
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