Strolling through a shopping promenade holding hands or enjoying a romantic picnic in the park – you wouldn’t have to ask us twice, would you? Unfortunately, for some couples this is not as carefree as one would wish. We are talking about queer people whose vacation planning is like running the gauntlet – homophobia is unfortunately still too widespread in other cultures and countries. According to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2021, the death penalty for homosexuals even applies in eleven countries. Spartacus evaluates the legal situation and living conditions for members of the queer community in the countries listed. So that you can sunbathe and relax on the beach as an LGBTQ+ member (with or without a feather boa), we reveal the most queer-friendly vacation destinations in the world:
1. canada
According to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2021, Canada is currently the most queer-friendly travel destination and also the only one outside the EU to make it into the top 10. But that wasn’t surprising – we’ve always liked the friendly Canadians. If you like to explore the LGBTQ+ scene on vacation in Canada, you’ll find a queer mecca in Toronto or Quebec.
2. Malta
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Malta is: party hot spot. On closer inspection, the island offers much more than sweaty crowds and cocktails: we spend our vacation just like in the travel brochure with breathtaking sunsets, dives, sea views and beaches. The archipelago in the Mediterranean was also the first European country to officially ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity – it could hardly be safer.
3. portugal
The larger Portuguese cities such as Lisbon or the island of Madeira have a very lively gay scene. Same-sex couples have been able to get married here since 2010 – so nothing stands in the way of a romantic wedding on the beach. The locals are also extremely friendly and will be happy to show you the way to the nearest queer-friendly restaurant or hotel. Our insider tip: The Queer Lisboa International Film Festival will next be showing from 22. until 30. September 2023 exclusively the best LGBTQ flicks in history.
4. spain
In liberal Spain, everything is done with twice as much passion and sangria. They are also very open and tolerant towards all forms of love. Diversity is flourishing in Barcelona and Madrid in particular, but also in Ibiza and Gran Canaria. Linger in one of the many gay bars, enjoy a Mediterranean paella with a view of the sea, or make friends with locals in the park, who are always happy to make new acquaintances from all over the world.
5. austria
Austria stands out in terms of queer friendliness, especially in larger cities. Anyone strolling through the streets of Vienna will not only encounter men and women holding hands at the traffic lights. As long as you like Wiener Schnitzel and Conchita sausage, they don’t really care what you like. Meet like-minded people for a coffee at the Lesbian and Gay House or marvel at queer history at the QWien Museum.
6. denmark
Tall, muscular, long blonde hair and a face like a sexy Viking: the Danes are more of an attraction than the country itself. The open culture towards the LGBTQ+ community is almost older than the Vikings. The Centralhjørnet gay bar in Copenhagen, for example, has been around for over 100 years. The registered partnership was introduced back in 1989. By comparison, the canton of Appenzell did not even have women’s suffrage at that time.
7 Sweden
We skip through green meadows, past hundreds of fishermen’s huts and a fjord that couldn’t be more beautiful. Let yourself be guided through Sweden’s nature on an organized “guys’ trip” with like-minded people, or fill your stomach with Köttbullar in the city. Sweden is one of the most liberal countries in the world and welcomes you and your partner with open arms.
8. Great Britain
If you sit on the London Tube, there is a message on the wall from the Mayor himself: “Here in London you’re free to love whoever you want to love and be whoever you want to be”. Exactly what we should expect from every country in the world. In the larger British cities such as Brighton, Manchester or Liverpool, you don’t have to think twice about holding hands in public. Quite the opposite: in some places, it feels like there are more queer bars than stores.
9. uruguay
Uruguay is the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in South America. Blue water, palm trees, hot weather and correspondingly hot Uruguayans abound here – you don’t have to hold back on the flirting here, because queer people are welcomed by the cosmopolitan residents with a glass of vodka mate.
10. australia
The Aussies have always had better things to do than attack minorities. Everything from death adders to crocodiles live on the island anyway, so a colorful bird of paradise like you doesn’t even stand out. In Sydney, Canberra and the like, there are as many queers as ants in the dunes. Melbourne goes one step further with its Pride, hosting a 22-day celebration of LGBTQ+ arts and culture every January.
Teaser photo: ©Pexels
Photos: ©pa picture alliance
You can find more information about the Gay Travel Index Spartacus here: gaytravelindex.pdf
