Where To Go Right Now As a Queer Traveler

Pride Month may be halfway over and you might not even be traveling right now. That’s okay, because there are places you can visit all year that are safe, welcoming, and help you engage with new people in the queer community. It can be scary going to a new place, especially as a minority, woman, or LGBTQ, so I wanted to do a little research for those of you who want to travel, but aren’t entirely sure where you should go.

You don’t want to keep going back to the same places you’ve been to before, even if it is tried-and-true, you can only visit those places so many times before you’re longing for something else. Yes, this is coming from someone who visits Las Vegas multiple times per year, but it’s not the only place I visit and it’s also never my big trip of the year. It’s just one of the smaller getaways I take, but unlike a lot of destinations, Las Vegas is continually changing. 

Some countries that are moving towards a more inclusive environment are:

• Barbados – while British Colonial law seems to have been cemented in this country’s history, and gay & lesbians haven’t always had the easiest time, Barbados lifted their ban on same-sex activity just in 2022. I’m not sure how they enforce a law without being in people’s bedrooms, but this is a big step towards more accepting society.
• Chile – a pioneer in the queer acceptance front (in South America), Chile legalized same-sex marriage in 2022 and has created a number of laws since 2019 surrounding gender equality, trans rights, and the outlaw of conversion therapy. Santiago’s pride month is the 3rd largest in South America and prohibits for-profit brands from participating.
• Estonia – the Baltics are a bit behind when it comes to marriage equality and rights, but Estonia became the first of them to legalize same-sex marriage (2024) and public opinion on same-sex relationships is on the rise as well. There’s no Pride Month here, but Baltic Pride rotates country (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) each year. It’s not ideal, but it’s possible that changes in the future and maybe other Baltic countries will take their lead.
• Greenland – last year saw the passing of the Law on Equal Treatment and Anti-Discrimination, but same-sex marriage has been legal in Greenland since 2016. Greenland finally has a direct flight from the U.S., establishing itself as a tourist destination, but it also launched this Pride Month and welcomes queer travelers to its progressive environment for equal rights.
• India – though same-sex marriage isn’t legalized (yet), India has been evolving on acceptance of the queer community over the years, officially ruling that same sex couples could be recognized as familial units and also qualifying for social security. Their KASHISH Pride Film Festival in Dubai has over 150 films and 10,000 attendees.
• South Africa – same-sex marriage was legalized in 2006 and last year they passed the “Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill”, which has largely been met with enthusiasm, especially among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Cape Town is also slated to hold World Pride in 2028.
• Thailand – the second Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage is not only warm, but also very affordable. The new law that grants same-sex couples equal legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples. It also gave them adoption and inheritance rights.

Personally, I enjoy visiting destinations that are progressive or are attempting to do better when it comes to the treatment and equality of people. All people. I’m a strong ally for marginalized people and I want to support places that are doing what is right and are supporting people of all types. Those are the communities I feel should get my tourist dollars.

Make sure to use Equaldex and Global Change Data Lab to help you plan your trips when you’re unsure of safety, laws, and public opinion scores. You can also use these tips and resources, and use social media to ask your friends about their experiences.

Travel well and happy, knowing you chose the best places for you. Tell me your favorite cities/countries that are welcoming to all.

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