Where Do Gays Retire is a podcast where we help you in the LGBTQ+ community find a safe and affordable retirement destination. Join Mark Goldstein as he interviews others who live in gay-friendly places around the globe. Learn about the climate, cost of living, the LGBTQ + community, healthcare, crime and safety, and more.
Where Do Gays Retire Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Mark Goldstein
5.0(2 reviews)
130 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Where Do Gays Retire is a podcast where we help you in the LGBTQ+ community find a safe and affordable retirement destination. Join Mark Goldstein as he interviews others who live in gay-friendly places around the globe. Learn about the climate, cost of living, the LGBTQ + community, healthcare, crime and safety, and more.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/3/2022
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Recent Episodes
July 15, 2026
Retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador: Cost of Living, LGBTQ+ Life, and Why Expats Love It
<p>Living the Slow Life: Retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador with William Hutter</p><p></p><p>What if the secret to a fulfilling retirement was simply slowing down? William Hutter didn't plan to fall in love with Cuenca, Ecuador. He went to visit his husband's hometown and kept crying every time he had to leave. Eventually, he stopped leaving.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, William shares what life is really like in one of South America's most livable cities for LGBTQ+ expats. A therapist and educator by training, William brings both personal warmth and honest reflection to everything from the $235-a-year private health insurance to the night watchmen who bicycle through his neighborhood blowing a whistle. This is one of the most grounded, real-world conversations we've had on the show.</p><p></p><p>What We Cover:</p><p></p><p>* How William ended up in Cuenca and why it felt like home from the very first visit</p><p>* The city's geography, elevation, and why "eternal spring" is more than just a marketing phrase</p><p>* Cost of living in 2024, including what's changed as more expats have arrived</p><p>* Housing options, from renting in the city center to buying a two-bedroom condo for under $180,000</p><p>* The healthcare system, including $235-a-year private insurance that covers dental and vision, no questions asked about pre-existing conditions</p><p>* LGBTQ+ life, visibility, and safety, including holding hands in public and a brand new Pride parade</p><p>* Visa and residency options for retirees, with a look at the investment visa, marital visa, and path to citizenship</p><p>* Walkability, the 35-cent tram, and why Uber doesn't exist in Cuenca</p><p>* Food culture, from fresh markets and guinea pig to the best pistachio ice cream you'll ever have</p><p>* The honest trade-offs, including inconsistent sidewalks, occasional brownouts, and the need for flexibility</p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p></p><p>00:00 - Introduction to William Hutter and his unexpected path to Cuenca</p><p>02:13 - Why William cried every time he had to leave</p><p>04:02 - What most people get wrong about Cuenca</p><p>05:00 - Three words that describe Cuenca: relational, walkable, grounded</p><p>06:00 - Who thrives in Cuenca and who struggles</p><p>09:33 - Geography, elevation, and surrounding landscape</p><p>10:23 - Climate, green spaces, and year-round spring</p><p>12:19 - Humidity, weather patterns, and proximity to the coast</p><p>15:30 - Cost of living and how expat growth is changing prices</p><p>17:15 - Rental and purchase prices, city center vs. outside</p><p>19:18 - What a retired couple actually needs to live comfortably</p><p>22:05 - Utilities, internet, and no heating or air conditioning</p><p>25:16 - Housing market dynamics and neighborhood differences</p><p>26:02 - Language, Spanish proficiency, and William's honest advice</p><p>31:23 - Walkability, the tram, buses, and getting around without a car</p><p>35:33 - Terrain and sidewalk realities for seniors with mobility concerns</p><p>37:19 - Taxis, ride-share alternatives, and the cost of getting around</p><p>39:10 - LGBTQ+ community, visibility, and safety as a same-sex couple</p><p>45:21 - Pride events, gay bars, and expat community meetups</p><p>46:35 - Visa options, residency, and the path to Ecuadorian citizenship</p><p>48:44 - Taxes, private insurance, and the public healthcare system</p><p>51:46 - $235-a-year health coverage and pre-existing conditions</p><p>53:53 - Medications, same-day appointments, and what healthcare really costs</p><p>56:07 - Crime, gun laws, and neighborhood safety</p><p>59:19 - Night watchmen, safe streets, and walking home after dark</p><p>61:02 - Arts, culture, museums, and why Cuenca is Ecuador's arts capital</p><p>65:46 - Food culture, fresh markets, guinea pig, and dining costs</p><p>71:14 - Cafe culture, ice cream, and coffee without free refills</p><p>74:09 - Restaurant culture, tipping, and international cuisine</p><p>78:29 - How Cuenca compares to Mexico and Portugal</p><p>79:28 - One sentence: why retire in Cuenca?</p><p></p><p>Resources mentioned in this episode:</p><p></p><p>* Montanita, Ecuador, recommended by Brian Longstreth</p><p>* Duolingo for Spanish practice</p><p>* San Sebastian neighborhood in Cuenca, recommended for expat-friendly cafes and restaurants</p><p>* Ecuador expat communities on Facebook</p><p></p><p>The information shared in this episode reflects the personal experience of our guest and is not intended as legal, financial, or medical advice. Please consult qualified professionals before making any decisions about international relocation, visa applications, healthcare, or financial planning.</p>
July 1, 2026
The Frying Pan Is Now the Fire — Where Do We Go From Here?
<p><strong>WHERE DO GAYS RETIRE PODCAST</strong></p><p>Show Notes</p><p><strong>The Frying Pan Is Now the Fire —</strong></p><p><strong>Where Do We Go From Here?</strong></p><p>Hosted by Mark Goldstein| Solo Episode |April 2026</p><p>Sequel to: "Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire" (July 2025)</p><p>When Mark recorded "Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire" last July, he was mostly thinking about political instability in other countries. He wasn't quite expecting the frying pan itself to turn up the heat this dramatically right here at home.</p><p>In this solo follow-up episode, Mark takes a calm, clear-eyed look at where things actually stand in the United States right now for LGBTQ+ retirees — and more importantly, what your real options are. This is not a political commentary. It is not about panic. It is exactly what this podcast has always been: practical, honest information to help you make informed decisions about where to spend your golden years, openly, safely, and fabulously.</p><p><strong>In This Episode</strong></p><ul><li>What NSPM-7 actually says — and what it doesn't say — about our community</li><li>Why listener numbers are growing, and what that tells us about where our community is right now</li><li>The case for staying: U.S. states with the strongest constitutional and legal protections</li><li>The case for going: why more LGBTQ+ retirees are seriously looking abroad</li><li>The honest complications of international living — Medicare, visas, family distance</li><li>Five questions to help you figure out where you stand</li><li>Mark's personal story — Fort Collins, Peter, and the 1982 Málaga plane crash</li><li>Resources to stay informed and take action</li></ul><br/><p><strong>U.S. States With Strong LGBTQ+ Legal Protections — Featured in This Episode</strong></p><p>Mark highlights states where same-sex marriage rights are protected at the state constitutional level or through strong statutory protections — states where your rights would remain intact even if the federal picture changes.</p><p><strong>Constitutional protection states:</strong></p><ul><li>New York — equal protection enshrined in state constitution (2024); marriage equality since 2011</li><li>California — right to marry enshrined as a fundamental right in state constitution (2024)</li><li>Colorado — constitutional ban removed by voters (2024) + inclusive statutory definition enacted (2025)</li><li>New Mexico — state Supreme Court ruled marriage equality required under state constitution (2013); codified by unanimous legislative vote (2019)</li><li>Nevada — marriage equality positively enshrined in state constitution (2020) — no episode yet, but worth watching!</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Strong statutory protection states are also mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li>Massachusetts — first state to legalize same-sex marriage (2004); no ban</li><li>Vermont — civil unions pioneer (2000); no ban</li><li>Rhode Island, Washington State, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Oregon — all with no dormant bans</li></ul><br/><p><strong>International Destinations Mentioned in This Episode</strong></p><ul><li>Spain — Torremolinos, Sitges, Malaga, Costa del Sol</li><li>Portugal — Algarve, Cascais</li><li>Mexico — Ajijic, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Queretaro</li><li>France, Netherlands, Costa Rica</li></ul><br/><p>For our full archive of international destination episodes, see the Episode Resource Guide linked in the show notes for this episode.</p><p><strong>LGBTQ+ Retirement Communities Mentioned</strong></p><ul><li>Living Out — Palm Springs, California | livingout.com</li><li>Fountain Grove Lodge — Santa Rosa, California</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Referenced Episode</strong></p><p>"Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire — Why the Political Climate Matters for LGBTQ+ Retirees"</p><p>Originally aired July 2, 2025. Available in the podcast archive at wheredogaysretire.com.</p><p><strong>Resources Mentioned in This Episode</strong></p><p><strong>U.S. Legal & Advocacy:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>ACLU — </strong>aclu.org</li><li><strong>Lambda Legal — </strong>lambdalegal.org</li><li><strong>Freedom for All Americans — </strong>freedomforallamericans.org</li><li><strong>Movement Advancement Project (state-by-state tracker) — </strong>lgbtmap.org</li></ul><br/><p><strong>International Research:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>ILGA World — global LGBTQ+ rights by country — </strong>ilga.org</li><li><strong>International Living — Global Retirement Index — </strong>internationalliving.com</li><li><strong>Social Security abroad — </strong>ssa.gov/international</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Episode Resource Guide</strong></p><p>Download the companion Episode Resource Guide for this episode — a curated list of our top international destination episodes and our top U.S. protective state episodes, organized and ranked by downloads.</p><p></p><p>Available at wheredogaysretire.com/fryingpan2</p><p><strong>Connect With Mark & the Community</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Facebook: Where Do Gays Retire — </strong>facebook.com/groups/wheredogaysretire</li><li><strong>Facebook: Gay Men 60 and Better (27,700+ members) — </strong>facebook.com/groups/gaymen60andbetter</li><li><strong>Email Mark — </strong>mark@wheredogaysretire.com</li><li><strong>Schedule a call with Mark — </strong>savvycal.com/Markscalendar</li><li><strong>Full episode archive — </strong>wheredogaysretire.com</li></ul><br/><p><strong>Support the Podcast</strong></p><p>If you enjoy the Where Do Gays Retire podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it. You can also support the show by buying Mark a coffee at wheredogaysretire.com — each $5 coffee helps keep the podcast going.</p><p class="ql-align-center">"Retirement is not just about warm weather.</p><p class="ql-align-center">It is about living openly, safely, and fabulously,</p><p class="ql-align-center">wherever in the world that may be for you."</p><p class="ql-align-center">— Mark Goldstein, Where Do Gays Retire</p><p><strong>Episode Resource Guide: Where to Retire — International & U.S. Destinations</strong></p><p>Companion resource to: "The Frying Pan Is Now the Fire — Where Do We Go From Here?"</p><p>Whether you are thinking about staying in the United States or exploring a life abroad, this guide brings together the most-listened-to episodes from the Where Do Gays Retire podcast archive. U.S. episodes are curated to include only states where LGBTQ+ legal protections are strong and where same-sex marriage would remain protected even in the absence of a federal ruling. All episodes are available wherever you listen to podcasts, or at wheredogaysretire.com.</p><h2>PART 1: Top International Destination Episodes</h2><p>These are the international episodes your fellow listeners have returned to most. Spain leads by a wide margin, appearing seven times in the top fifteen.</p><ol><li>Exploring Retirement in Spain: Valencia vs. Malaga for LGBTQ Expats with Dave Piccolo, Jesus Bartoli and Steve Aronberg</li><li>Ajijic, Mexico: A Vibrant LGBTQ+ Haven Revisited with Steve Cross and Harold Watts</li><li>Sitges vs. Torremolinos, Spain With Richard Jasicki and Leo Boni</li><li>Malta, with Eric Tenin and Michael Salone</li><li>Retire in Style: Why Nice, France is the Ultimate LGBTQ Destination With Jameson Farn</li><li>Two Countries, One Community: LGBTQ+ Retirement Insights from Spain and Portugal with Bruce Joffe and Russ Warren</li><li>Athens, Greece with Steve Gantzos and Ken Cook</li><li>Nerja, Spain: A Mediterranean Hideaway with Richard Carnaby</li><li>Amsterdam, The Netherlands with Jeremy Bierbach</li><li>Oloron Sainte-Marie, France with Mykle Flatley</li><li>Don't Just Visit — Live! Americans Moving To Spain with Christopher Hughey</li><li>Madrid, Spain with Renato Padilla</li><li>From the Heart of Gran Canaria — Raquel Rojas on LGBTQ+ Life and Island Living</li><li>Embracing Retirement: Waldron McGinnis's Journey to Courtown, Ireland</li><li>Weather, Wine, and Wonder: Retirement Life in Madeira With Paul Corning and Kevin McKay</li></ol><br/><p><strong>Key destinations in the archive:</strong> Spain (Valencia, Malaga, Sitges, Torremolinos, Nerja, Madrid, Gran Canaria) • Mexico (Ajijic, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende) • France (Nice, Oloron Sainte-Marie, Paris, Dordogne) • Portugal (Lisbon, Cascais, Algarve, Braga, Tavira, Porto, Ericeira, Madeira) • Greece, Netherlands, Malta, Ireland, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Thailand, Ecuador, Uruguay</p><h2>PART 2: U.S. Episodes — States with Strong LGBTQ+ Legal Protections</h2><p>These episodes cover states where same-sex marriage rights are protected at the constitutional level or through strong statutory protections — states where your rights would remain intact even if the federal picture changes.</p><p>⭐ <strong>Note:</strong> Nevada has the strongest constitutional protection of any state — marriage equality is positively enshrined in its state constitution. A Nevada episode is not yet in the archive!</p><p>———</p><p><strong>CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION STATES</strong></p><p><strong>California</strong> — Right to marry enshrined as a fundamental right in the state constitution (2024)</p><ul><li>Inside Living Out: The LGBTQ Community That Feels Like Family — With Loren Ostrow</li><li>Finding Your Gay Retirement Paradise: Fountain Grove Lodge with Chuck Finch & Ed Cambron</li><li>Palm Springs, CA with Robyn Meltzer and Susan Brennan</li><li>Cathedral City, California With Keith Coleman</li><li>Sacramento, California with Greg Wine</li><li>San Diego With Stephen Keiley</li></ul><br/><p><strong>New Mexico</strong> — State constitution requires marriage equality (Griego v. Oliver, 2013); codified by unanimous legislative vote (2019)</p><ul><li>Albuquerque, New Mexico with Pamm Meyers</li><li>Choosing Your Desert Oasis: Albuquerque, NM vs. Tucson, AZ for LGBTQ+...
June 17, 2026
Gay Retirement in Querétaro, Mexico: Real Costs, Healthcare, Visas & LGBTQ+ Life
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>🎙️ Where Do Gays Retire Podcast</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center">wheredogaysretire.com</p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Gay Retirement in Querétaro, Mexico: Real Costs, Healthcare, Visas & LGBTQ+ Life</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center">Featuring Bryan Hutson & Juan Gomar •Hosted by Mark Goldstein</p><p>Most people think of Puerto Vallarta or San Miguel de Allende when they imagine retiring in Mexico. Bryan Hutson and Juan Gomar — the gay couple behind boutique candle brand Casa Beige — chose something different: Querétaro, a modern, walkable, affordable city in Mexico's highlands that almost no one in the LGBTQ+ retirement conversation is talking about yet.</p><p>In this episode, they share what it's really like to live there — real costs, healthcare experiences, how they got their residency, and what the gay community is actually like on the ground.</p><p><strong>🎯 What You'll Learn</strong></p><ul><li>Why Querétaro beats tourist towns on price — and why that matters for expats</li><li>What a doctor visit, specialist, and prescriptions actually cost out of pocket</li><li>How Bryan and Juan got their 4-year residency through a COVID-era regularization program — and why you should still hire a facilitator</li><li>The rental screening process (poliza juridica) that surprises most Americans</li><li>What the LGBTQ+ scene looks like: community centers, gay bars, Pride parades, and social life</li><li>How important Spanish really is — and what happens if you only speak English</li><li>The senior discount card (60+) that gets you free museum entry and medical discounts across Mexico</li><li>Why Querétaro is a great fit for some people — and a poor fit for others</li></ul><br/><p><strong>🌺 About the Guests</strong></p><p>Bryan Hutson has over 40 years of experience in horticulture, retail leadership, landscape design, and nonprofit arts. Juan Gomar is an accomplished floral and event designer originally from Guatemala, known for bold, expressive work with high-end clients in Dallas. Together, they founded Casa Beige, a boutique soy candle and lifestyle brand inspired by Mexican culture and memory, now based in the hills of Tejada outside Querétaro's city center.</p><p><strong>💡 Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Querétaro is driven by business and manufacturing investment — not tourism. That keeps prices real.</li><li>Grocery run for two with meat and fish: roughly 2,000–3,000 pesos ($125–$190 USD)</li><li>Internet: ~$50–60/month. Trash pickup: free, daily except Sundays.</li><li>Specialist visit in the public system: as low as 100 pesos (~$6). Private specialist with tests and medication: around $60.</li><li>Most common medications — including blood pressure meds — are available over the counter.</li><li>Uber to the city center: about $2–3. Buses: 10 pesos (50 cents).</li><li>The gay community is active and welcoming — even in a city known for being Catholic and conservative.</li><li>Their single strongest advice: hire a local facilitator for residency. Do not try to navigate it alone.</li></ul><br/><p><strong>🎧 Listen & Watch</strong></p><p>Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. Visit wheredogaysretire.com to listen and explore every destination episode</p><p><strong>💬 Stay Connected</strong></p><ul><li>Email: mark@wheredogaysretire.com</li><li>Website: wheredogaysretire.com</li><li>Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/wheregaysretire</li></ul><br/><p>If this episode helped you, please share it with someone thinking about retiring abroad. It really does make a difference.</p><p>The information shared in this episode reflects the personal experiences of our guests and is for general informational purposes only. Visa rules, healthcare policies, and costs change frequently. Please consult qualified legal, medical, immigration, and financial professionals before making any decisions about retiring or living abroad.</p>
130 total episodes available
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This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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