As a top priority for LGTBQ travelers, safety should remain a top priority, so sometimes, you’ll need to make special considerations when traveling to destinations. Unfortunately, there are still some foreign destinations that discriminate against the LGTBQ community and travelers may face risks when traveling abroad.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 LGTBQ foreign travel advice tips before planning your next vacation.
1. Before Traveling
Before traveling, LGTBQ travelers should choose a destination where they feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed. When traveling to foreign countries, you should think twice about booking trips to destinations where you’ll be open to harassment or discrimination.
Some things you can do before traveling are check for updates, read up on the laws and regulations in countries you’re visiting, and know how to reduce risks if issues arise.
2. Laws & Customs
When visiting a foreign country, you’re subject to any laws & customs that are enforced at your destination. While some countries may have harsher laws & customs than others, some behavior may be illegal and more conservative in certain areas.
LGTBQ travelers should be aware of laws that criminalize same-sex relationships and discriminate against travelers based on their sexual identity.
3. Same-Sex Relationships
When booking a vacation to a foreign destination, be aware of destinations where same-sex relationships are illegal and may pose some serious discrimination. Some foreign destinations may prohibit same-sex relationships for men, but not mention bans when it comes to women.
In addition, some foreign countries may not offer particular services for couples, such as healthcare facilities and certain healthcare chains.
4. Trans & Non-Binary Travelers
Some foreign destinations have laws that don’t address trans or non-binary people, whereas others will criminalize same-sex relationships and outlaw gender identities. Some countries prohibit cross-dressing or people who dress as their opposite gender.
In some foreign destinations, trans and non-binary people aren’t addressed and you could face entry restrictions if your passport has the gender “X” on it.
5. Violence & Discrimination
In foreign countries, some people may consider the LGBTQ community to be offensive, and this may land you in hot and uncomfortable waters. In many conservative areas, you could be targeted for being part of the LGBTQ community, where you could be assaulted and subjected to verbal abuse.
Some law enforcement will ignore crimes against the LGTBQ community, and having a crime reported against you may land you arrested or even in jail.
6. Overlapping Risks
Some aspects of being part of the LGBTQ community may come with overlapping risks that you might face when visiting a foreign country. Some areas of your identity may include your color, race, religion, gender, age, and sexual orientation.
As an LGBTQA traveler, you should be reading up on advice about disabilities, race, gender, and mental health to be educated on some of the risks you may face as part of the LGBTQ community.
7. Reducing the Risk
To reduce the risks when traveling to a foreign country as an LGBTQ traveler, you should understand the laws, what they say, and what you can’t do while you’re there. You should be aware of the protections that are available in the countries you’re visiting, where some areas may offer protections, but not enforce them.
In addition, as an LGBTQ traveler, you should learn about the social attitudes toward the LGBTQ community, research travel guidebooks that cover issues, avoid public displays of affection, and consider the type of clothing you wear in the culture of where you’re visiting.
8. Be Social in a Safe Way
For LGTBQ travelers, to find the safest areas for social activities in foreign countries, you should converse with other LGTBQ travelers before traveling. When traveling, be aware of the new friendships you make, especially those you meet through online dating apps.
Some criminals try to target the LGTBQ community through the apps to do them harm, knowing it would make it much harder to report the criminal activity.
9. Leave Your Contact Information Behind
When traveling to a foreign country as a LGBTQ traveler, you should leave your contact information behind to a trusted friend or family member who has your detailed travel itinerary, including the names of anyone you plan to meet in advance.
If an emergency occurs, it’s helpful to have a friend or family member who has important information such as the name of your hotel, flight number, and any planned events.
10. Search for LGBTQ-Friendly Business
Even if you’re visiting an LGBTQ-friendly country, the level of welcome you receive from particular businesses may vary depending on the business. Ensure you’re researching your accommodations carefully and any businesses you plan to visit to make sure you’re choosing businesses that are friendly towards the LGBTQ community.
When traveling, you can use the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association to find LGBTQ-friendly businesses.
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