The safest countries for LGBTQ+ travellers – Times Travel – The Times
Things have got much easier over the past few decades for LGBTQ+ travellers, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Public opinion doesn’t always reflect legislation, so before booking a trip, members of the LGBTQ+ community should check for local legislation, morality laws and sexuality-motivated violence and discrimination. Thirty-one countries in the world have legalised gay marriage and many others have passed pro-LGBTQ+ legislation. These are the countries which embrace, uplift, and celebrate the queer community.
Main photo: Stockholm Pride (Alamy)
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1. Monaco
Same-sex relations are legal in Monaco and although same-sex marriage isn’t recognised, same-sex relations receive legal protections under the Free Union law. On the whole, Monegasque people embrace the LGBTQ+ community and hate speech and violence based on sexual orientation is illegal. Happily, the country was also the 2021 Featured Destination of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA). For a taste of Monaco’s luxury lifestyle, stay at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, gamble at the Monte-Carlo Casino and dine at Michelin-starred Elsa.
2. Uruguay
Uruguay, which legalised same-sex relations in 1934, is the leader of LGBTQ+ rights in South America. Since then, same-sex civil unions, marriage, adoption recognition, name changes for children over 12, military service and blood donation have all been legalised, while conversion therapy and discrimination based on sexuality is illegal. Go glamping and stay in a dome on the beach at BigBang Nature Stays and head to nearby Playa Chihuahua, a nude beach that’s a popular destination for gay men.
3. South Africa
The Rainbow Nation has plenty of LGBTQ+ accolades to be proud of: it was the first country in the world to have a constitution that protects sexual orientation; in 2006 it was the fifth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage; and in 1990 Johannesburg held the continent’s first-ever gay pride parade. Head on safari in Madikwe Game Reserve to spot the big five and bed down nearby at the luxurious Madikwe Safari Lodge.
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4. Aruba
The “One Happy Island” of Aruba is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming destinations in the Caribbean. Arubans are very progressive and same-sex relations and registered partnerships are legal, though same-sex marriage is only recognised if couples have Dutch nationality and are married in the Netherlands. Stay at the striking Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, which has been approved by the Travel Advocacy Group for supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
5. Sweden
The Scandinavian favourite is celebrated for being one of the most inclusive and progressive countries in the world and is recognised by the ILGA as an LGBTQ+ friendly country. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009 and EuroPride has been held in Sweden three times. The country doesn’t need designated gaybourhoods; LGBTQ+ people are welcome everywhere. Stay in the rainbow-coloured city of Gothenburg at Pigalle, visit the nearby archipelago, relax in a sauna and dance at Greta’s gay club.
6. Malta
Malta is the best country for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe according to ILGA and it is widely recognised as a safe destination for gay tourists. The island nation legalised same-sex relations in 1973 and has been recognised for LGBTQ+ liberties ever since — LGBTQ+ people have equal rights in the constitution. In 2016 Malta was the first country in the EU to ban conversion therapy. Book your stay in a 17th-century palace in the medieval fortified city of Mdina at The Xara Palace.
7. Colombia
Gay rights in Colombia are progressive for Latin America — here, same-sex marriage was made lawful in 2016 and sexuality-based discrimination is illegal. Come to party at one of the largest LGBTQ+ clubs in Latin America, Theatron, in the capital city of Bogota. You can also visit the charming walled city of Cartagena and stay in style at the Hotel Casa Lola. Include a visit to the Spread Your Wings event (every two months) to meet and party with Colombia’s gay community.
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8. Canada
Canada is a trailblazer of LGBTQ+ legislation: same-sex relations were legalised in 1969 and in 1995 sexuality was deemed constitutionally protected under the equality clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Canada was also the first country in the Americas to implement same-sex marriage nationwide in 2005. Gay travellers love exploring Alberta and trying out all of the activities the Canadian Rockies has to offer; make time too for Banff during the Pride events in October and bag a room at at the gorgeous Fairmont Château Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
9. Mexico
LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico vary by state, with 25 states having civil law that protects the LGBTQ+ community rights — among these are Nayarit, Jalisco, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, Quintana Roo and Yucatán. Mexico City was the first to approve same-sex marriage and adoption, in 2010. The cultural hub has endless incredible experiences from delicious, freshly prepared street tacos, world-renowned museums, and the colourful boats of Xochimilco. Splurge and stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City.
10. French Polynesia
French Polynesia has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ citizens and the French laws dictate that same-sex marriage is legal and sexual orientation-based discrimination is illegal. Gay people can adopt, donate blood and serve in the military. These LGBTQ-friendly islands, from Bora Bora to the islands of Tahiti including Moorea, Tahaa and Raiatea, are ideal holiday spots thanks to silky, white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral atolls. Stay in an overwater bungalow at the gorgeous Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
11. Australia
The gigantic island nation has federal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and allows members of the LGBTQ+ community to serve in the military and adopt children. Sydney is the heart of the action and a very open-minded city. Stay at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, which hosts the annual must-not-miss GAY-LIBI event with drag queen lip-sync battles on Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras weekend and has an on-site vegan restaurant, Alibi.
12. Israel
Tel Aviv is known as the gay capital of the Middle East and same-sex unions have been recognised here since 2020. In 1963 the Israeli attorney general stated he wouldn’t uphold laws against homosexuality, and same-sex relations became legal in 1988. Spend time in Gan Meir Park, the centre of the city’s gay community, and float in peace in the Dead Sea. Choose a beachfront stay at The David Kempinski Tel Aviv.
13. Taiwan
While almost half of all Asian countries penalise people for being homosexual, Taiwan is an exception: it has never had anti-LGBTQ+ laws and it was the first country in east Asia to legalise gay marriage in 2019. As of 2022, same-sex couples can adopt children. Stay at the landmark The Lin Hotel in Taichung to go for dips in its huge pool.
14. Saba
The Dutch Caribbean Island of Saba was the first Caribbean island to legalise same sex marriage and adoption in 2012. Sexuality-based discrimination is outlawed as the constitution of the Netherlands applies to Saba and guarantees equality. Take a trek through the Cloud Forest to the top of Mount Scenery or go scuba diving in Saba Marine Park, home to striking rainbow-hued fish, lobster, turtles, sharks and corals. Check in at the Queen’s Hotel for incredible views.
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