Are you looking for the safest countries to travel to as LGBTQ+? Read on!
It may be difficult to know the best destinations safe for LGBTQ+ travelers when it comes to vacations. While you may never guarantee safety, it’s wise to take precautions and research your destination to know more about their laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights and how these individuals are protected. For those who want to spend their holidays in peaceful countries, here are some safest countries to travel to for the LGBTQ+ community.
Safest Countries to Travel to as LGBTQ+
Here are some of the safest countries for the LGBTQ+ community:
Vancouver, Canada
Canada is famous since it’s among the most progressive countries due to its openness and inclusion for minority groups, including sexual minorities. Vancouver is a great multiracial city found in a backdrop of spiky, snowy mountains and has a lively LGBTQ+ scene with gay shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, and clubs. Davie Village is the core of the LGBTQ+ community in Vancouver, with a vibrant, open, and welcoming nature, making it a perfect place for sexual minorities to visit and enjoy themselves.
Sitges, Spain
This is one of Europe’s best destinations for the LGBTQ+ community for various reasons. Sitges is an ideal destination with beautiful beaches and streets lined with attractive bars and cafes and a huge gay community.
There are various events throughout the year that attract LGBTQ+ travelers to this beautiful country. For instance, the annual Pride event that includes gay parties on the beach draws LGBTQ+ travelers to this beachy town. LGBTQ+ members looking forward to spending some quality stress-free vacation in a lovely beachy town may want to consider Sitges in Spain.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands makes a better destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, especially since it was the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage. The Netherlands is lauded for being tolerant and among the most exciting gay travel destination with a unique Pride event along the canals of Amsterdam.
The Netherlands legalized homosexuality in 1811 and later legalized gay marriage in 2001. When it comes to anti-discriminatory laws, this country can do anything possible to protect the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, there are laws set aside to combat hate speech regarding sexuality. The Netherlands also authorizes LGBTQ+ persons to serve in the army.
Sweden
A country that has a gay slogan, “Gay since 1944,” is definitely safe for LGBTQ+ travelers. Sweden legalized homosexuality in 1944 hence the slogan. This country has the most comprehensive anti-discriminatory laws introduced in the 1980s. The members of the LGBTQ+ community are also allowed to serve in the army.
Sweden is an ideal tour destination for its famous Northern Lights during winter, hidden alleyways in Gamla Stan in Stockholm, among other iconic tourist sites. Sweden is safe for LGBTQ+ people who would like to hold hands in public without fear.
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is believed to be the LGBTQ+ hub of Greece, perfect for travelers with the need to spend some quality time on beautiful beaches safe for the LGBTQ+ community. This place has stunning landscapes and traditional villages. Greek Island is famous for its welcoming nature and is a favorite honeymoon destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
You can visit Mykonos Town solo or as a couple and enjoy lively gay party scenes and meet like-minded people, making lots of friends. This island has beautiful gay beaches, making it one of the best destinations to visit as LGBTQ+.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a beautiful, secluded, and remarkable place on earth. It’s welcoming, friendly, and inclusive. In French Polynesia, the LGBTQ+ community enjoys every right as heterosexual persons, and there has never been any law against the LGBTQ+ community. The concept of gender in French Polynesia is different from western culture. For instance, Tahitian culture has a third gender known as ‘Rae Rae,’ meaning men raised as women.
Due to inclusivity, this place is ideal for LGBTQ+ persons looking for a peaceful place to visit. French Polynesia is also a perfect place for LGBTQ+ weddings or honeymoons since they are not limited to revealing their true identity.
Taiwan
When it comes to LGBTQ-friendly countries, Taiwan features in the list.
Taiwan legalized gay marriage in 2019, becoming the first place in Asia to do so. Taiwan is comfortable for LGBTQ+ people and has the largest gay festival in Asia. This Asian country has laws that protect the LGBTQ+ community and is against hate speech related to sexuality.
For gay people who wish to visit a peaceful place in Asia, you can start by visiting Taiwan. It has beautiful scenes, such as Ximen in Taipei, where there are lots of gay bars clustered together.
Colombia
Over the past years, Colombia has revolutionized to be among the most gay-friendly countries in Latin America and worldwide. Colombia legalized homosexuality in 1981 and later in 2011 introduced anti-discriminatory laws, including permitting LGBTQ+ people to serve in the army. In 2016, Colombia made history by becoming the 4th country in Latin America to allow gay marriages.
When it comes to transgender rights, Colombia allows its citizens to change legal gender without physical evolutions.
There are many beautiful scenes in Colombia, and the freedom for the LGBTQ+ community makes the place worth a visit.
New Zealand
For many years, New Zealand has been among the most gay-friendly countries around the world. From early as 1993, this country began to pass anti-discriminatory laws such as banning the removal of LGBTQ+ people from the military, the right to change legal gender, and permitting gay marriage.
A country such as New Zealand that protects its LGBTQ+ citizen is safe for gay people to travel to.
Safest Countries to Travel to as LGBTQ+ – Conclusion
There have been events where LGBTQ+ people have been discriminated against to the extent of experiencing physical torture. These cases have been reported from the individual’s country as well as from tourist destinations. To avoid such incidents, LGBTQ+ people should research safe countries to visit. There are lots of safe countries to visit worldwide, and the above mentioned are just a few.
Read more: Here are Some Safe Queer Destinations to Travel to.
