Are you an LGBTQ traveler who is keen on exploring the world and joining Pride events everywhere? Pride events held in various countries can be the most transforming event in life. However, the gay, lesbian, trans, and queer traveler should remember that his or her safety and health must come first.
In this article, we will be discussing some of the important tips and resources you should have to ensure that you can celebrate Pride safely in any location you travel to.
Research Your Destination Thoroughly
When planning to travel to international gay Pride celebrations, you should make sure to find out everything you need to know about your destination city, what that means for you, and your identity. Gay rights and the legal recognition of same-sex unions differ across the world.
First of all, it is necessary to look through the U. S. State Department’s LGBTI Travel Information page and other resources of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. These sites give an outline of the local legislation, public acceptability, safety and LGBT-friendly businesses in a variety of nations.
Pay particular attention to:
- Legal status of same-sex relationships and gender identity
- Anti-discrimination protections (or lack thereof)
- Social climate and cultural attitudes toward LGBTQ people
- Any recent hate crimes, harassment, or violence targeting LGBTQ locals or travelers
Based on that, honestly answer yourself whether you would feel safe and comfortable visiting the location as an out LGBTQ person. If there are high risks or limitations, then the choice should be made on organizing the Pride somewhere else.
Connect With Local LGBTQ Organizations
Once you have decided on a destination, contact the local LGBTQ advocacy groups, community centers, Pride committees, or tourism boards. Say you’re a same-sex couple or a trans person planning to travel to the country for Pride and if they have any safety tips or advice for your trip.
Locals can share important information regarding their city and main attractions or, for example, share their list of friendly neighborhoods and gay-friendly places or draw attention to dangerous areas or situations. It can also be useful to connect with the local LGBT population to make your Pride event more personal and enjoyable.
Book LGBTQ-Welcoming Accommodations
The other important factor to consider is the safety that comes with being welcomed as a member of the LGBTQ community at the place you are staying. It is your right to be able to express yourself without fearing discrimination from the staff or from other guests.
If you are in a location where there are numerous hotels and rental properties, then try to book at hotels and rental properties that promote themselves as LGBTQ-friendly. Use resources such as the IGLTA’s hotel guide, World Rainbow Hotels, Purple Roofs and others.
Companies which are not specific to the LGBTQ community and have a reputation for being LGBTQ-friendly should be booked, if possible. g. Marriott, Hilton, and Accor). Make sure to contact the property via email or phone to check if they accept gay or homosexual guests.
When renting an apartment or a room for a share, carefully check the people you are renting from. Read their bios and reviews to know if they are friendly or not.
Lodging With Your Partner
If you are gay or lesbian and traveling with a partner or spouse, make sure to clarify the relationship when reserving a room. Ask for one bed and not two to avoid the uncomfortable situation of being in the same room as someone of the opposite sex. At the same, some same-sex couples carry copies of their marriage license to ascertain their relationship state.
This said, when homosexuality is illegal or where there is discrimination in the act, two same-sex individuals sharing a room might be cause for concern. There, it might be better to ask for double rooms or reserve two rooms. Additionally, research social attitudes toward same-sex couples at your destination to determine what approach is best.
Take Precautions With Public Displays of Affection
We know you want to be able to grab your date’s hand and walk together during the Pride parade or sneak a peek during the fireworks. However, even in LGBTQ-friendly destinations, gay and lesbian travelers may face harassment or worse for being affectionate in the streets.
The only form of touching that can be avoided as a baseline measure is the use of overly romantic touching (hand-holding, kissing, hugging your partner) in crowded public places such as trains, buses, restaurants or even any tourist attraction – especially in countries where homosexuality is frowned upon. No kissing and cuddling in straight-friendly places.
Extra care must also be taken when touching and embracing at night when the streets are virtually deserted and inhibitions may have been lowered by alcohol. Avoid deserted places and opt to take a cab or ride-share to your lodging facility instead of walking.
Gauge Your Surroundings
However, this does not mean that this advice must be followed – you should feel free to change it depending on the atmosphere and attitude in a particular environment. This situation is probably not the case if you are in a gayborhood with rainbow flags everywhere and a lot of same-sex couples walking around holding hands.
However, if an area is conservative, including a place that is welcoming to the LGBTQ community in general, it is best to be conservative with the public displays of affection. I have learned to follow my intuition if something doesn’t feel right.
Be Strategic About Outness
Being in Pride rallies in other countries can be a liberating experience as one has to be in queer crowds in specific areas. But remember: that fantastic outfit you chose for Pride could earn you a few glances or a few slurs back at the hotel or on the plane.
As a general rule, be less open about demonstrating your LGBTQ identity in situations where it is not directly pertinent or accepted. That may mean being careful with what you say about your partner or speaking in low tones when you are telling your coming out story at a restaurant.
However, do not feel the need to lie or suppress your true identity. It is best to be careful about when you publicly reveal your identity, as this will also make you safer. If you are put on the spot, ask yourself whether or not you want to do it, and if it’s dangerous, stay silent.
Packing Considerations
When preparing for the trip to Pride, it is better to pack in such a way that your clothing would not make you stand out when you are outside queer areas. If you choose to rock statement pieces such as a statement necklace or a pair of earrings at Pride events (years), then ensure that you have a cover-up for the journey home or perhaps change at the venue.
It is also wise to avoid taking expensive pieces of jewelry and other accessories to minimize the risk of both theft and regret in case the rainbow clothes are lost or stolen.
Lean on Trusted LGBTQ Resources
In addition to the resources linked throughout this article, there are a few other go-to sources of info and support for queer travelers:
- Equaldex: Searchable database of LGBTQ rights and laws worldwide. Check the situation at your destination before booking.
- OutRight Action International: Advocates for LGBTQ equality around the globe. Their site has the latest news on progress and battles in different countries.
- Refuge Restrooms: Crowdsourced database of gender-neutral restrooms worldwide. Especially useful for trans and non-binary travelers.
- ILGA World: Provides maps of sexual orientation laws worldwide and updates on the global LGBTQ rights movement.
- National Center for Transgender Equality: Resources on trans travelers’ rights, airport procedures, and dealing with discrimination on the go.
Bookmark these sites on your phone for easy access should questions or issues arise abroad.
Make Smart Choices – But Celebrate Proudly!
Travel stress is the opposite of the happy, accepting message Pride should represent for LGBTQ people. It is possible to reduce the chances to 0 and, thus, concentrate on having fun.
But go celebrate Pride at festivals in distant lands! Always apply common sense, refer to sources that can be relied on, and remember to take care of yourself on the road.
Keep Exploring – And Tell Us Your Tips!
This article provided basic safety guidelines and organizations to consult for LGBTQ travelers who are interested in traveling to participate in Pride. But we know every queer traveler has their personal checklist of needful items, favorite safe practices, and learned tips to share.
Tell us: How do YOU plan to stay safe during Pride celebrations in destinations far from home? Which resources would you recommend for your LGBTQ travelers?
Leave your tips in the comments below, and let’s all travel across the globe with some courage and a little more self as we truly are.
