Traveling is a pleasure. A right. A way to discover the world and also to discover ourselves. But we don’t all experience it the same way. For many people LGTBIQ+, packing a suitcase also means preparing for possible glances, rules, laws or dangers. Where to go? What to take into account? How to take care of yourself without giving up the trip?
In this article we are going to go over together everything you need to know to move freely and safely as part of the collective. Without alarmism, but with eyes wide open.
🌍 What destinations can I go to if I am LGTBIQ+?
First the obvious: not all countries are equally safe for LGTBIQ+ people. The reality is that even today, more than 60 countries criminalize sexual or gender diversity in some way, and in several of them it can even lead to prison or death sentences.
That doesn’t mean you can’t travel, but it does mean you need to be well informed beforehand.
Some destinations recognized as safe and friendly:
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Canada: full legality, visibility, inclusive public policies and a great queer atmosphere in cities like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.
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The Netherlands: pioneers in LGTBIQ+ rights and epicenter of events such as Amsterdam Pride.
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Spain: one of the most legally advanced countries, with cities like Madrid, Barcelona or Sitges full of safe spaces and queer culture.
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Iceland and Sweden: not just legal, but proactively inclusive.
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Uruguay and Argentina: the most advanced in LGTBIQ+ rights in Latin America.
Now, there are also countries where there are no explicit laws against the group, but discrimination is still present in everyday life. And that must be taken into account.
🛑 And where should you avoid going?
This depends on each person and the type of trip. But if we talk about minimum security for LGTBIQ+ people, there are places that continue to be dangerous, either due to laws or the social climate.
Some high-risk countries:
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Saudi Arabia, Iran, Uganda, Nigeria, Yemen, Brunei: extremely punitive legislation, even with the death penalty in some cases.
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Russia: laws against “homosexual propaganda”, surveillance and habitual harassment.
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Poland and Hungary: although they are part of the EU, they have adopted LGTBIQ+phobic discourses and policies in recent years.
This does not mean that no one travels there, but if you decide to do so, it is essential to do so with information and caution. It is not a question of giving up exploring the world, but of knowing how and when.
📱 Apps that can help you (a lot)
Technology is on our side. There are applications specially designed for people in the group, whether to travel safer, meet people or ask for help if you need it.
The most useful ones:
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Equaldex: an interactive map with LGTBIQ+ legislation and security level by country.
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GeoSure: citizen security app that includes a security index for LGTBIQ+ people.
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Hornet or Grindr: beyond dating, they offer queer-friendly local guides in many cities.
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TripIt and Rome2Rio: they are not specific to the group, but they help a lot with safe routes and logistical alternatives.
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iPlaySafe: app to record sexual encounters and protect yourself against false reports or risk situations (ideal in countries where being LGTBIQ+ is illegal).
Remember to carefully review the permissions that you give to apps in hostile countries. Your digital security matters too.
🧳 Practical tips for safe travel
✅ Before the trip:
- Review local legislation on homosexuality, gender identity and gender expression.
- Investigate if there are LGTBIQ+ organizations in the country that can be of help.
- If you take hormonal medication or medical supplies related to your transition, make sure you have a translated prescription.
- Avoid overly visible symbols in risk countries (yes, sometimes hiding a flag is protecting your life).
✅ During the trip:
- Maintain frequent contact with someone you trust.
- Use geolocation apps like Life360 on solo trips.
- Do not assume that a cosmopolitan city implies freedom (many capitals have two faces).
- In personal meetings, prioritize public and safe places.
🤔 What if I just don’t want to have to think about all this?
And it is completely valid. In fact, here comes the uncomfortable reflection: why do we have to make lists, apps, alerts and maps just to be able to travel without fear? The heterocis world does not consider it. But sometimes, being realistic is the bravest way to resist.
This does not mean living in fear. It means knowing the board to be able to play on it freely. Ideal? No. Unfair? Yes. But until everything changes, taking care of ourselves is also political.
🌈 Queer-friendly spaces: beyond legality
Sometimes, what is legal is not the same as what is experiential. There are cities that, although the country is conservative, have safe spaces and vibrant communities. And the opposite also happens: legally inclusive countries with hostile or not very open rural areas.
Therefore, it is always useful to read reviews on queer forums, follow LGTBIQ+ traveling influencers or consult activist blogs. Direct experience remains the best compass.
Traveling is resisting with joy
Leaving the known environment and exploring new horizons being LGTBIQ+ is not just a tourist act. It is, many times, a way to claim space, visibility and the right to exist in all corners of the world.
You have to do it with your head, yes. But also with desire. Because the world is ours too. And each trip is a way to remind you.
