Travelling is definitely one of the most exciting ways through which people can discover other cultures, and have fun in their lifetime. As a gay couple, going on an adventure abroad has its challenges and prejudices that one has to consider when it comes to security, tolerance, and etiquette. This way, one is able to fully appreciate local cultures and avoid any incidents that are likely to cause discomfort. In this guide, you will learn some crucial tips for gay male travellers to avoid offending people in different cultures without meaning to.
Safe Travel Tips For Gay Couples
Research Your Destination
Spending time to learn about the perception and policies on the side of the LGBT community in your chosen destination is not a bad idea. Is it possible to find some organizations for LGBTQ+ rights where I can get more information? These groups can be beneficial in analysing the current atmosphere and whether there is any possible threat present.
It is also important to explore for gay friendly places, places to eat, and events for the trip. Other sources include misterb&b- a vacation rental for gay travellers. The Gay Travel Index provides a rating of destinations accepting of our community. When you know your way around your new environment, you will understand where to find other LGBTQ people. This way you can easily relate to them.
Be Mindful of Local Customs
It is always good to be polite when in new countries. This means that you should learn how to conduct yourself in a certain culture. This has been seen especially regarding dress codes and physical affection, such as hand-holding or kissing in public. Although you should not have to disguise yourself and your intentions, accustoming your demeanour to that of the locals can help you avoid becoming the centre of attention. In some cases, this prevents being a target of aggression.
In some conservative countries, it is advised to dress more conservatively. For example, wear trousers and baggy shirts. Regarding the PDA, use the people around as your guide. It might be even more effective to just shake their hand or put your arm around their shoulder instead of a kiss. If you are aware of these aspects, then you can respect the culture of the country you are visiting without losing your own identity.
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Learn Basic Phrases
It is always wise to meet the people of the country and avoid any misunderstandings by having some few words of their language. Basic words like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ are some ways you can show respect for the culture. It is also important to practice how to ask for directions or help in case of an emergency or confusion.
If you are using dating or social apps while travelling, watch the use of pronouns used in your profile. It may be possible to accidentally ‘out’ yourself by using a different structure of a language or a gendered word. For this reason, it is important to have some guidelines. This will help you avoid awkward or dangerous situations when communicating.
Find Your Community
Wherever you may find yourself, whether it’s at home or abroad, people should feel connected and have a place they can call their own. The best way to do this is to visit places that the LGBTQ+ community frequents, such as bars, cafés, or community centres. These spaces can offer a safe environment to meet other gay travellers, find new friends, and learn about the best and most popular venues in the area.
We deep dive into exactly this topic in a post about meeting other gay couples or members of our community in this blog post
Before you go, it is also important to check what special events for the LGBTQ+ community are scheduled in your chosen destination. Gay pride parades, movie theaters, and art galleries are perfect places where locals and tourists can enjoy themselves. They also provide opportunities to communicate with representatives of the gay community.
Trust Your Instincts
If there is one thing that can be said about travel, it is to always keep an open mind. This is crucial, but there’s another side to the coin, where one should listen to their instincts and avoid places that are dangerous. If a situation feels unsafe or makes a person feel uneasy, it’s perfectly alright to get out of it. This could mean leaving a bar that seems hostile or refusing an invitation that you do not feel is comfortable.
One should also have the phone numbers of personnel that can be contacted during an emergency. These could be the police or the embassy. In case you have some issues, it helps to know who to turn to for help and where to seek assistance. Just remember, your health is your wealth, and safety is paramount.
Be an Ambassador
When travelling, you have the chance of being an envoy in the way of the gay community. Being friendly and open-minded towards cultural differences allows you to discourage negative prejudices. This promotes tolerance.
Spend time with the people and ask them about their culture. They might inquire about yours and this can help society embrace people like us. Indeed, it will be wise to remind ourselves that every contact is a potential contact. Therefore, every contact is an opportunity to change others’ lives and leave a positive stamp.
Embrace the Adventure
To sum it up, travel is a process of personal discovery, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and making incredible experiences. While being gay and a foreigner in the United States, one may experience some degree of awkwardness at some time. But by doing so, you are making these challenges into adventures. Adventures that define your personality and shape your character.
Learn to be open-minded, take on challenges that you never thought you could do. Let yourself be changed by the things that you encounter and the people you meet in the process. Whatever you are doing, whether visiting the pyramids, eating the local delicacies, or drinking and dancing at a gay club, always take time to enjoy the moment.
Conclusion
Cultural sensitivity issues when a gay male is travelling are quite complex. These would require research, respect, and an open mind. By avoiding risk, listening to the local people, finding friends and support, and trusting your own intuition, one can make travel a safe and worthwhile venture.
Just a note, travelling is a luxury as well as a chance to be an inspiration to the world. In becoming a good role model for the LGBT community, one can change society’s perception. This can help society embrace the community with open arms.
