When we travel, it’s important to feel welcomed, regardless of who we are. For the LGBTQ+ community, safety is a top concern when exploring new places. Finding the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries can be tricky, especially in countries where laws might not be as accepting.
It’s important to keep an eye out for destinations that welcome LGBTQ+ visitors when traveling overseas. This guide explores some of the world’s most LGBTQ+ friendly countries, offering insights into their history of LGBTQ+ rights, vibrant Pride celebrations, and popular destinations within each country. So, if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or just a supportive friend, get ready for a trip to the most LGBTQ-friendly cities and see how beautiful acceptance can be across the globe!
Brazil
If you are wondering what country has the most gay people, Brazil is the gayest country in the world, with 15% of the population identifying as LGBTQ+. The Imperial Penal Code of 1830, signed by Dom Pedro I, took a step toward decriminalizing homosexuality by eliminating references to sodomy.
Despite entrenched homophobia and a powerful Evangelical movement in the late 1970s and 1980s, Brazilian gay organizations began to grow. In 2004, Rio Grande do Sul recognized same-sex civil unions, and São Paulo authorized a gay couple to adopt in 2006. However, challenges persist, particularly under the current government led by President Bolsonaro, who has expressed anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments.
Brazil celebrates Pride month with colorful parades in major gay-friendly cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte. The São Paulo Gay Pride Parade, South America’s largest, draws millions of participants annually.
Rio de Janeiro, a top gay destination, boasts numerous LGBTQ+-friendly options, including bars, nightclubs, saunas, and beaches. The gay area in Rio, on Farme de Amoedo Street in Ipanema, features many restaurants and cafes. São Paulo, another gay-friendly city, has its gay area in the Jardins section. Other cities like Salvador also have vibrant gay communities.
The best time for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit Brazil is during Pride celebrations, especially the São Paulo Gay Pride Parade in June. The Rio Carnival, featuring many gay revelers worldwide, is another popular time to visit.
Spain
Spain is the second gayest country in the world, with 14% of its population identifying as LGBTQ+. Spain decriminalizing homosexuality in 1979 was just the beginning. It pioneered LGBTQ+ rights when it legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, becoming the third country worldwide. Spain’s LGBTQ+ scene dates back to the opening of its first official gay bar in 1927 and the establishment of the COC, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ organizations globally, in 1946.
Pride celebrations in Spain extend from May to September. Madrid Pride, known as Europe’s largest, is the highlight, but other cities like Sitges, Barcelona, and Maspalomas also host notable events. These celebrations feature parades, cultural activities, and festivities.
Across Spain’s major cities, LGBTQ+ scenes thrive. Madrid’s Chueca district hosts the largest Pride parade in Europe, while Barcelona’s Eixample district, known as “Gayxample,” is famous for its gay bars, clubs, and rainbow crosswalks. Ibiza, known for its party culture, caters to the LGBTQ+ community, and offers romantic and festive experiences.
The best time to visit Spain is during summer, from May to September, to enjoy Pride events and warm weather. Madrid Pride in early July and Barcelona Pride are particularly noteworthy times to visit.
United States
Significant milestones and cultural shifts have marked the journey towards LGBTQ+ friendliness in the United States. The first documented gay rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, was founded in 1924 in Chicago. However, it faced political pressure and was disbanded soon after. The post-World War II era witnessed increased visibility and activism, leading to the Stonewall Riots in 1969, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
June is celebrated as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in honor of the Stonewall Riots. This month-long celebration includes pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, concerts, and memorials for those lost to hate crimes. The events attract millions of participants globally and aim to recognize the impact of LGBTQ+ individuals on history.
Some of the most LGBTQ+-friendly states in the U.S. include California, New York, Washington, and Colorado, each offering a unique array of events and attractions. California celebrates its LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June with historic parades, festivals, and concerts. New York, the gay capital of the world, with its iconic NYC Pride March, hosts a wide range of events throughout June under the theme “Strength in Solidarity.” Similarly, Washington and Colorado also embrace Pride events, with cities like Seattle and Denver standing out for their LGBTQ+-friendly atmospheres.
The best time to visit these states for LGBTQ+ events is typically during summer, coinciding with national Pride celebrations.
Canada
Canada is one of the most gay-friendly countries and has made big strides in becoming LGBTQ+-friendly with significant legal and social changes. Back in 1969, it decriminalized same-sex activity, and in 2017, it updated its Human Rights Act to ban gender-based discrimination, showing a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. Today, Canada is recognized as one of the most progressive countries in LGBTQ+ rights.
Pride Season in Canada runs from June to September, kicking off with the first Pride demonstrations in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971. Toronto’s Pride weekend in June is now one of North America’s biggest. These celebrations include parades, parties, and more, honoring the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions.
Canada boasts several LGBTQ+ friendly cities and neighborhoods. Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village hosts one of North America’s largest Pride events, while Montréal’s Gay Village offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Vancouver’s Davie Village is another hotspot known for its inclusive culture and beautiful beaches. Ottawa introduced its first ‘Gay Village’ in 2011, with commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the best time to visit Canada is during summer, when Pride events are in full swing.
Sweden
Sweden is one of the world’s trans-friendly countries, pioneering in LGBTQ+ rights for decades. It legalized homosexual relations in 1944 and equalized the age of consent in 1972. In 1972, it also became the first country to allow legal gender change, and in 2013, it removed the requirement for sterilization or surgery. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, with full adoption rights granted in 2003. Over time, Sweden has continued to improve its laws and societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride celebrations in Sweden are vibrant and widespread. West Pride Gothenburg, held in June, and Stockholm Pride, the largest in Scandinavia, draw thousands of attendees yearly. These events feature lectures, exhibitions, parades, and parties, creating a lively atmosphere in late July and early August.
Stockholm’s gay-friendly spots include the trendy Södermalm district and the historic Gamla Stan. Other notable venues include Moxy, a popular nightclub for women, and SLM, a men’s fetish club. Additionally, Stockholm hosts the Cinema Queer International Film Festival and the annual Gaygala Awards.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the best time to visit Sweden is during summer, especially in June for West Pride Gothenburg or late July to early August for Stockholm Pride, to experience the festivals and enjoy the long summer nights.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has a rich history of LGBTQ+ acceptance and progressiveness. Homosexuality was decriminalized way back in 1811, and the country has been a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ rights ever since. It opened its first official gay bar in 1927, and the COC, one of the world’s oldest LGBTQ+ organizations, was established in 1946. Notably, it became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage on April 1, 2001.
Pride month in the Netherlands is celebrated in June with various events honoring the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Amsterdam is one of the world’s largest Pride events, featuring the iconic Canal Parade, where boats decked out in fancy attire sail through the canals. This nine-day extravaganza includes parties, cultural events, and gatherings across the country, with cities like Eindhoven, Maastricht, and Utrecht hosting their own Pride events, adding to the nationwide celebration of equality and inclusion.
The most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the Netherlands include Amsterdam, the gayest city in the world. Amsterdam has an inclusive culture and scattered LGBTQ+ hotspots, especially in areas like Reguliersdwarsstraat. Utrecht boasts a kilometer-long rainbow path, while Rotterdam has communities for LGBTQ+ professionals and athletes. Maastricht is home to one of the first “straight-friendly hotels,” and Eindhoven’s De Regenboog pub is a popular LGBTQ+ venue.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the best time to visit the Netherlands is during summer, especially in late July and early August, for Pride Amsterdam. This period offers a chance to soak up the full spectrum of Pride events and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Dutch summer.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one the most gay-friendly countries globally, with LGBTQ+ history dating back to Celtic Britain. Decriminalization of homosexuality occurred in stages, starting in 1967 in England and Wales, then in Scotland in 1981, and finally in Northern Ireland in 1982. Equalizing the age of consent happened in 2001, followed by the introduction of legal gender change in 2005. Discrimination protections based on gender and sexual orientation were implemented in 2010, with same-sex marriage legalized in England, Wales, and Scotland in 2014.
Pride Month in the UK, celebrated in June, honors the Stonewall Riots and the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride in London stands out with its vibrant parade and festivities in Trafalgar Square, while other cities nationwide host their own Pride events.
The UK boasts many LGBTQ+-friendly cities and attractions. London, topping the Rainbow Cities list, offers a thriving nightlife scene, especially in the Soho neighborhood. Other cities like Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, and Liverpool are also LGBTQ+ friendly, with vibrant gay villages, bars, clubs, and cultural events.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, the best time to visit the UK is during summer, particularly in June for Pride Month, when most Pride events occur. February is also significant as LGBT+ History Month, featuring nationwide initiatives like exhibitions and events. The UK’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and its extensive calendar of events make it a welcoming destination year-round.
Australia
Australia is one of the LGBTQ-friendly countries in Oceania, where its states and territories gradually abolished laws against homosexuality from 1975 to 1997. In 2013, 79% of Australians agreed that homosexuality should be accepted, ranking Australia as the fifth-most supportive country surveyed worldwide.
Melbourne is recognized as one of the gayest cities in the world, with multiple gay-friendly neighborhoods such as Fitzroy, Collingwood, and St. Kilda. The city hosts the Midsumma Festival every year, a queer arts and cultural event.
Pride Month in Australia is celebrated annually in June, aligning with the historic Stonewall Riots anniversary. However, some parts, like Sydney, hold their main Pride events in March to align with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Throughout the year, diverse festivals and events across the country offer opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate and reflect on gay and lesbian life.
Australia’s inclusive cities make it a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Sydney hosts one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in areas like Oxford St and Taylor Square in Darlinghurst. Melbourne’s cultural scene and Brisbane’s lively atmosphere also cater to LGBTQ+ travelers. Other gay-friendly cities include Perth and Adelaide.
The best time to visit Australia depends on your plans. December to February offer beach days and festival vibes, but be prepared for crowds and higher rates. For Pride events, March is significant in Sydney with the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, while June is recognized as Pride Month nationally.
Thailand
Thailand is known as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in Asia. The nation has a long history of tolerance and acceptance towards the LGBTQ community, with homosexuality being decriminalized as far back as 1956. Over the years, Thailand has made significant strides in LGBTQ rights, including the passage of anti-discrimination laws and the recent approval of same-sex marriage legislation.
For LGBTQ travelers, Bangkok is often considered the top destination, boasting a vibrant and diverse queer scene centered around the Silom district. Other popular spots include Phuket and Pattaya, known for their LGBTQ-friendly beaches like Patong Beach in Phuket and Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, as well as their lively nightlife.
Additionally, on Koh Samui, Pride Bar offers a comfortable, modern-style LGBT bar experience where visitors can enjoy free pool tables, Giant Jenga, and a vast bookshelf. The bar is celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere and “breath of fresh air,” making it a great spot to unwind.
Thailand also hosts numerous LGBTQ-focused events throughout the year, with the Bangkok Pride Festival being one of the largest celebrations. The festival, held annually in June, features parades, concerts, forums, and other activities under the theme “Celebration of Love.”
Takeaway
The world offers a plethora of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations catering to diverse preferences and interests. Whether you’re drawn to cities with rich LGBTQ+ histories or bustling Pride festivals, these destinations have something for everyone. Always prioritize your safety and comfort, especially in countries where discretion may be necessary.
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