Santo Domingo.- The Parque Duarte in the city of Santo Domingo is becoming the preferred place for homosexuals, lesbians, transgender people and male prostitutes from across the country, said newspaper EDGE in a report today.

It notes that Santo Domingo is Dominican Republic’s least homophobic city, which prompts a large number of homosexuals to gather in the Colonial Zone to meet with friends, drink and even “cruise.”

Quoted by the Boston-based EDGE David Báez and his boyfriend said Dominican society is accepting this movement and homosexuals and lesbians feel freer. "People may see you, but they won't judge you. You can do what you want."

They said there are many older Dominican gays still hidden in “the closet” because of homophobia or conservative attitudes towards homosexuality from their own families, though noting that these attitudes continue to change.