Traveling as a member of the LGBTQI+ community comes with unique challenges—and these challenges vary widely from country to country. Safety and acceptance of LGBTQI+ individuals can greatly vary depending on the destination’s culture, legal framework, and prevailing social attitudes. Awareness of these risks and proactive planning are crucial for safe travel.
In this piece, On Call’s Global Security Team shares some important considerations regarding LGBTQI+ travel safety as well as resources to support and assist LGBTQI+ travelers before and during trips abroad.
Important to Note: The United States (U.S.) Department of State’s recent worldwide caution urges the LGBTQI+ community to exercise increased caution and awareness both domestically and abroad. Visit www.statedepartment to learn more.
Pre-Departure Planning & Research
Researching a destination’s legal and social environment is essential for LGBTQI+ travelers to understand potential risks and legal challenges. Travelers do not necessarily have to avoid certain locations, but they should be aware of local laws and cultural attitudes that could affect the LGBTQI+ community in their destinations of interest. While local laws might permit LGBTQI+ identities, societal attitudes could still pose significant threats. Before the trip takes place, travelers should inquire about the safety of their destination before departure:
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What are the legal rights and protections for LGBTQI+ people in the destination?
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Are there any laws that criminalize or restrict LGBTQI+ identities, expressions, or behaviors?
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Are there any laws that recognize or support LGBTQI+ rights, such as marriage equality, anti-discrimination, or hate crime laws?
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What are the social and cultural attitudes towards LGBTQI+ people in the destination? Are they generally accepted, tolerated, or rejected by the majority of the population? Are there any specific groups or regions that are more or less LGBTQI+-friendly than others
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Are there any visible signs of LGBTQI+ presence or activism, such as pride events, pride flags, or LGBTQI+ organizations?
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Are there any previous reports or incidents of violence, harassment, or discrimination against LGBTQI+ people or travelers? How likely are they to occur and how severe are they?
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How do the local authorities and the general public react to such incidents? How can LGBTQI+ travelers avoid them?
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Local Laws
Understanding local laws is crucial, as some regions may enforce laws against LGBTQI+ expressions or falsely prosecute individuals under public indecency laws. In many countries, identifying as LGBTQI+ is illegal. In certain destinations, individuals can be barred from entering a country or face arrest if they are suspected of engaging in or promoting certain behaviors. For example, in past instances, members of the LGBTQI+ community have been detained for waving the LGBTQI+ pride flag at events, while others have been entrapped by local law enforcement, and even blackmailed, for using LGBTQI+ dating apps. For some countries, specifically identifying as LGBTQI+ is not illegal by law, but individuals could still be prosecuted under indecency charges. Due to threat of legal action, some hotels may even require LGBTQI+ couples to book a room with two beds rather than one.
Societal Attitudes
While conducting research on a destination’s legal stance toward the LGBTQI+ community is important, travelers should also be aware that local laws and societal attitudes are not the same. Although identifying as LGBTQI+ may be legal in a specific country, it could still be frowned upon. Displays of affection considered innocent in some locations, like touching or holding hands, may be against cultural or religious practices (even for heterosexual couples) in other countries.
Travel Documentation & Medication
Transgender travelers face additional risks if their documents do not align with their presentation, potentially leading to travel disruptions. Prior to travel, all documents should be up to date with the traveler’s gender and name. If two documents vary in information, there may be increased difficulties and stops/checks at security points. If a passport shows an “X” in the sex field, especially when crossing international borders, it may result in impediments by immigration officers.
If a traveler is carrying medication that may correlate with reassignment therapy, it is advised to discuss alternative explanations for the medication with a doctor prior to travel. The medication may be questioned while abroad in certain countries.
Other Safety Best Practices
As a general rule for travelers, staying aware of surroundings, being mindful of accepted dress codes, and remaining discreet is the safest option when traveling to any new location. Additionally, travelers could use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when using the Internet and Social Media Platforms to help keep their personal information safe and secure; however, it must be noted that the use of such technologies could be deemed illegal in some countries. As a precaution, travelers should be very careful of any information uploaded to social media and always use discretion when disclosing personal information.
Additional Trip Planning Resources
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is a trusted LGBTQI+ professional association, representing travel and hospitality providers on six continents. IGLTA’s approved members include LGBTQI+ friendly accommodations, transport, destinations, service providers, travel advisors, tour operators, events, and travel media in over 75 countries around the world.
Open Dialogue
Risk management professionals should establish confidential channels where travelers can express concerns and seek guidance, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey. Establishing such channels can encourage LGBTQI+ individuals to ask questions and address concerns prior to their travels. Furthermore, organizations should leverage liaisons with a travel risk management partner who is available to assist LGBTQI+ travelers, should they feel unsafe abroad.
Want to Learn More?
On Call’s Global Security Team can provide your travelers with explanations of societal norms, laws, and restrictions towards members of the LGBTQI+ community for any destination in the world–we also offer pre-travel consults and individual briefings where travelers can ask questions and receive in-depth advice tailored to their specific trips and situations. For more information, contact us today.
About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common accident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 25 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com to learn more.
