Rome, a city known for history and architecture, is the capital of Italy. It is the largest city in the country with an estimated area of 1,200 sq. kilometres and a population of more than 2.6 million. Rome, which is also one of the oldest cities in Europe, is located in the southern part of the country, on the eastern banks of Tiber River.
It is easy to fall in love with Rome because of its stunning attractions. Ancient sights are abundant, with popular points of interest such as Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, and National Museum of Pasta.
EUR is considered the city’s red light district with more than 20 streets. There are specific locations for young sex workers, male prostitutes, and transvestites. It is also possible to see streets with some Asian and eastern European girls. Selling of sexual services is a lot more common in EUR than other districts in the city. In fact, there are reports suggesting that street cleaners complained about sweeping hypodermic needles and sticky condoms in the area.
EUR is said to transform after dark, but tourists can still spot some prostitutes during the day. Authorities in Rome have plans to tolerate the selling of sexual services in the specific areas to strike a balance between prostitutes and residents. The city’s mayor wants to make prostitution illegal in parks and other family-themed locations. If this becomes successful in EUR, he will open other RLD zones in Rome.
History of the RLD
Italy’s Benito Mussolini developed EUR’s neighbourhood in the 1930s. This is to recreate the city’s grandeur ahead of the World’s Fair in 1942, therefore the name
Espozione Universiale Roma. The aim of the World Fair was to highlight Mussolini’s two decades of fascism. This, however, never happened because of the 2nd World War.
After this, the area became a popular place with wide avenues and high-class apartments. Then, it somehow became a well-known district for sex and adult entertainment. The place has now evolved, with locals and tourists looking carnal pleasures visiting the streets and establishments surrounding EUR.
The streets in the area are now filled with sex workers of different race and sexual orientation. Many conduct their business on street corners, hoods of cars, and other establishments.
How to find the RLD
The district is easy to reach by riding the Metro with different stops on Line B, with station Fermi as the one nearest to the museums. The area has plenty of unique landmarks such as the Square Colosseum, Palazzo Dello Sport, and the well-known Central Park Lake.
Stay safe in the RLD
Most parts of the district are safe and it is easy to find a quiet and nice place to stay in EUR. Safety is also not a big concern in central neighbourhoods. Tourists, however, are advised to pay attention to crowded areas like public transports and be aware of the presence of scammers around the area.
While Rome is known for its historical attractions, there is a wide range of adult entertainment in the capital. Tourists looking for a genuine Italian welcome can find escorts in the centre of the city. Strip clubs are also abundant, with most of them featuring different performances to satisfy the crowd. Massage parlours also exist, ideal for those who want a soothing and sensual massage after a tiring day.
Street prostitution is still rampant in the city, with workers offering their services in EUR streets at night and even in daylight. There are different groups of sex workers based on sexual orientation, race, and even levels of sexual pleasure. An ordination in the city was done aiming to tone down the overexposed prostitutes because of their extremely revealing outfits. Tourists can also find sex shops, offering a selection of adult products for both straight and gay clients.
Adult Cinemas
Street Prostitution
Selling of sexual services mostly happens on the streets of EUR. There are designated places for young sex workers, Nigerian women, male prostitutes, and even transvestites. Some streets also have Asian prostitutes and girls from Eastern Europe. Many workers have campers in parked vehicles, while others provide services in hoods of cars.
Swinger Clubs
Prostitution is legal in the country, but promoting prostitution or operating a brothel is not. It has a recent law, classifying sexual exploitation of kids as slavery. This comes with a 12-year incarceration as punishment. The law also criminalises exploitation of those who are under 18, which includes cases that take place in other countries.
Migrant dancers or entertainers working in clubs can get a work permit. While striptease shows or nude dancing is tolerated, sex work is considered forbidden. The age of consent is 14, but paying to have sexual encounters with teenagers or those who are 14 to 17 years old is a crime. This is punishable by three years of jail time. The minimum age for a prostitute is 18.
When it comes to LGBT laws, sexual activity of the same gender is legal since 1890. Same-sex couples, including households headed by couples of the same gender, however, are not entitled to the legal protections available to couples of opposite genders. Discrimination regarding sexual orientation in employment is banned but there are no laws pertaining to gender identity and sexual orientation. Many Italians have a liberal attitude toward homosexuality, with a majority of them supporting same-sex marriage.
The city has its own unique nightlife and party scene. Cafes and wine bars located around Via della Pace and Piazza Navona are ideal for those who want a chic place to hang out after dinner. Most of the nightclubs in Rome are in Ostiense and Testaccio districts. Tourists can also find fashionable dining venues in Pigneto district. It is easy to reach the area by riding a tram in the east of Termini station.
Some of the most notable nightlife venues include:
San Giovanni in Laterano is sometimes referred to as the Gay Street of Rome. The street can be full of people, particularly in warm summer nights because of some events like music performances and parties. Popular gay bars are also located in San Giovanni, such as Coming Out and My Bar. Some venues are also within walking distance of Termini Station.
Gay saunas and cruise bars also exist in the city. Most establishments require a membership proof called Anddos card, which is also necessary for some gay parties. Those who don’t have a card can get it at a venue that requires the card. This is valid for one year. Gay and lesbian tourism are now available through dedicated Italian tour operator Quiiky.
General Attitude Towards Gays
Homosexuality (over 16 years old) is legal in Italy, but the country in general has a conservative attitude toward this, keeping in line with Vatican City. Just this year, however, Rome’s Mayor Ignazio Marino supported the establishment of a civil union register, also allowing the registration of marriages held in other countries.
The Italian parliament has recently approved a law recognizing same-sex civil unions. Proponents of the said union, however, note that the law is inadequate in granting full equality for couples of the same gender. It does not recognize same-sex marriage and stepchild adoption.
Circolo Mario Mieli di Cultura Omosessuale is a gay political and cultural organisation in Rome. Apart from managing the Gay Pride, it also organises social functions, debates, and other cultural events. Coordinamento Lesbiche Italiano, on the other hand, is the national organisation for lesbians. This organises events like literary evenings and conferences.
There is no dedicated gay community or neighbourhood in the city. Small gay venues and establishments are scattered throughout Rome. The city has a low-key yet thriving gay scene, with most venues located in San Giovanni in Laterano (near the Colosseum). Popular gay bars include My Bar, Coming Out, Garbo Bar, and Beuge.
Gay Prostitution in Rome
Most of the gay escorts in the city advertise their services online. GayEscortClub.com/escorts-rome has a listing of gay prostitutes in the capital.
Transsexual prostitutes
TS Escorts is said to offer shemale and transsexual escorts in the city. The site provides photos, allowing interested clients to pick one that suits their taste.
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