Along the northern coast of Puerto Rico, theres a densely populated, bustling barrio called Santurce. In this neighborhood, nestled between the Baha de San Juan and the Atlantic Ocean, youll find a thriving LGBTQ community that has found solace in its colorful buildings and vibrant streets.

Here, along the sand and sun, youll find artists who push the limits on what we think we know about our bodies and identities. Youll find queer student activists using social media to expand the conversation on gender and sexuality. On cool November days, youll find the annual Puerto Rico Queer Filmfest . When the sun sets on Santurce, inclusive LGBTQ parties rage on. The drag scene is also popular and its influence has spread far past the borders of Puerto Rico RuPauls Drag Race has featured a Puerto Rican queen in every season.

Youll always see people who are open about expressing who they are, said Pedro J. Serrano, founder of LGBTQ advocacy group Puerto Rico Para Tod@s , which was launched in 2003.