When booking your vacation, choosing a destination is one of the hardest parts of the process, and for those of the LGTBQ community, it may seem even more challenging. When it comes to acceptance, gay awareness, and having a thorough understanding of the LGBTQ community, it’s essential to know what you’ll be walking into when traveling abroad. Although every country varies in its acceptance, there are many countries that remain at the top of the list.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 LGBTQ-friendly countries you must visit.
1. Argentina
Argentina is a country that is home to many Catholics who have strong beliefs. When it comes to same-sex marriages and policies that are in favor of the LGBTQ community, Argentina remains one of the countries that are at the top of the list. Argentina legalized same-sex marriages back in 2010, and since then, Buenos Aires has been the capital that welcomes the LGBTQ community with open arms from all over the world.
2. Netherlands
Known for its wild nightlife and laws, it is no surprise that the Netherlands is also very open-minded regarding being an LGBTQ-friendly country, especially if you’re studying abroad. Back in 2000, the Netherlands was the first country that legalize same-sex marriages, so being LGBTQ-friendly and having certain rights and policies that appeal to the community isn’t anything new. The Netherlands proudly stands for LGBTQ rights, so anyone from the community wishing to travel there should consider visiting Amsterdam to attend their Gay Pride Week.
3. Canada
The country is filled with diversity and continues to remain one of the top countries that welcome the LGBTQ community, along with any of their beliefs and way of living. Canada was way ahead of the game when it came to legalizing same-sex marriages, getting its start in 2003. In addition, Canada also supports many anti-gay policies to protect its citizens and those who are traveling from other countries, making this one of the top go-to travel destinations.
4. Sweden
Even though Sweden was late to the party and didn’t legalize same-sex marriages until 2009, they’ve had civil unions for couples in the LGBTQ community for around twenty years. Sweden is very familiar with civil rights laws concerning the LGBTQ community, making this one of the friendliest destinations for those who wish to travel and study abroad. The only thing that would keep away members of the community is how much it costs to travel and live there.
5. Spain
If you want to be a part of some of the largest gay pride parades in the world, pack your bags and head to Spain! The majority of citizens living in Spain are Catholic; however, in 2005, the country legalized same-sex marriages, and it continues to remain a top favorite of the LGBTQ community. In 2017, Madrid held one of the largest World Gay Pride events in the world.
6. Belgium
Belgium continues to remain a front-runner when it comes to being in support of gay rights and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. In Brussels especially, you’ll find pride signs on just about any corner to turn to. If anyone apart of the LGBTQ community plans to travel to Belgium for studying purposes, it’s an amazing country to find employment, especially since it has anti-employment discrimination policies for its work, ensuring that your beliefs will never be held against you.
7. Uruguay
Uruguay is one of the less-visited countries by the LGBTQ community, but you shouldn’t rule it out just yet. Uruguay was only the second country in Latin America that legalized same-sex marriages, and surprisingly, has a stable economy. For those of the community who want to visit the country to brush up on their Spanish-speaking skills, you should consider traveling to Uruguay, preparing yourself to embrace Latin America and enjoy its affordability.
8. Norway
Known for its policies for socialization and standard living practices, Norway is one of the hidden gems of countries when it comes to supporting the LGBTQ community, but it doesn’t mean the Norwegian citizens have anything against the community. When referring to decriminalizing gay relationships and marriages, Norway continues to have one of the largest stances during international debates, fighting for LGBTQ acceptance worldwide.
9. Brazil
Did you know that Brazil was only the second country in the region to legal same-sex marriages, with Rio de Janeiro being a prime location for students of the community? Brazil hosts many LGBTQ-friendly events, with Sao Paulo still keeping the top spot as having one of the biggest pride celebrations in the world. If visiting Brazil, we recommend traveling to either Sao Paulo or Rio to ensure the best experience possible.
10. Ireland
Rounding off our list is Ireland, a country that only recently hopped aboard the train to legalize same-sex marriages, and they were embraced with celebrations all across the region and, obviously, with many marriages. Ireland continues to trend upward in support of the LGBTQ community, and as a nation that speaks English, it’s one of the top traveling destinations for the community.
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