A
male
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:Hey There, Perhaps this is not the right platform to ask such a question, but I am going to tryI am a gay person who is planning to move to Colombia in order to live with my Colombian partner.We thought that we could get married once i arrive , so I will be eligible to live in the country! but I am not so sure if this the right move at this time, I love my partner and wants to continue my life with him, but I am afraid from unemployment, losing my current job or not being able to survive in country that I know a little about, I am 34 years old, I work as an academic and I have been teaching business for years, my job is great and its not easy for me to leave it ,but I cannot bring my partner here due to the restrictions on the LGBT activities in my country and we won’t be able to live openly and freely in front of the public , so we both thought of me moving to Colombia, I have a decent saving and I am looking to explore some business opportunities, my partner is not in a great situation as well, he is between jobs and does not have a secure income , so what do you think of the idea? Will I be able to move? What kind of businesses I can do? will I be able to find a job in academia or research center? Our life as LGBT community is always complex Please note I speak intermediate Spanish Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (29 January 2017): You may want to do your research and find out what the immigration laws require for marrying in the country of Colombia. Many gays have discovered that they don't receive immediate citizenship by marriage and end-up being deported once their visas run-out. Their gay-rights are not always as accepted and protected as told or explained by people enticing them to come; leaving out a lot of details and having ulterior motives.
How long have you known this partner, and how well educated and financially-established is he? How did you meet?
Are you marrying your Colombian partner strictly for the purpose of living openly gay? You might be trading one difficult situation for another. Especially moving to a Latin country you know nothing about, have not explored job opportunities, and you don't fully know if your educational degrees and work credentials are fully transferable.
I caution you in making impetuous decisions, because such a transition is drastic. It's simple in the thought and idea stage, but reality my prove it all very difficult. Being financially-independent is crucial no matter where you go.
Many Colombian immigrants have fled Colombia to the United States to find asylum from drug-trade violence; or for job opportunities. Which is in flux or in low-supply in their country. Their economy is growing, but not entirely stable.
Their new president, Juan Manuel Santos (elected in 2014) is doing the best he can. You must know the political climate and how it affects the gay culture in the country as well.
I suggest you take a long holiday to spend living with your friend and gather as much information as possible. Explore as much as you can. You may need as long as a month.
You just may not really like the customs or find the food and culture easy to adjust to. So many people leave their lives behind for love; but they are not sure what awaits them at the other end. They get very caught-up in an idea, but the reality can be very harsh or difficult. If not completely devastating. Culture-shock can bring on depression and health issues.
Just speaking Spanish is no real assurance you are a good fit; or that you will be happy giving up everything that you have. Much is riding on the hope that you'll be able to spend your life with someone who may change his mind in the middle of it all. Gays are quite famous for doing this. Getting caught-up in the romantic idealism. When things go bad in the relationship; it's not like you can just move-out and in with friends, or drive home to mother. You will again have to uproot your life to start over from scratch.
Research, research, research, and firmly establish how practical this is for you. Most importantly, you must know just how much this person cares for you. Don't make huge sacrifices in the midst of uncertainty. Being financially dependent on someone in a foreign country is very risky. Finding work may take time. In all countries, it's naturalized-citizens come first.
A
female
reader, Andie's Thoughts  +, writes (29 January 2017):
 You need to do tons of research before considering it. Call workplaces. He needs a job too, before you move there.
How long have you been together and how frequent are visits?
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