LGBTQ+ Travel Resources
Being safe and comfortable when going abroad is so important. At Kaya, we want to make sure that we address issues that concern all of our participants. Attitudes, customs, and laws towards members of the LGBTQ+ community are different around the world. Legislation and acceptance or discrimination are likely to differ from your home country. But you’re unlikely to have any problems on your travels if you research and prepare before you go.Things to Consider Surrounding LGBTQ+ Travel
- What are the social attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in my destination country?
- Are there laws relating to same-sex relations, ‘public decency’ or public displays of affection in my host country?
- Have same-sex relationships been legalized, or accepted in my host country?
- What LGBTQ+ groups or establishments exist where I’ll be traveling?
- Will my sexual orientation be acceptable to my host family or roommates if I choose to come out?
- Are there safety and legal issues for LGBTQ+ individuals in this area?
Useful Resources Surrounding LGBTQ+ Travel:
- Collated by travel writers Asher and Lyric Fergusson – this incredibly helpful “LGBTQ+ Danger Index” is designed to inform people of the safest, and least safe places to travel as an open member of the LGBTQ+ community
- The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) offers Sexual Orientation Laws in the World maps, which detail LGBTQ+ laws globally
- Diversity Abroad also provides useful Destination Guides, and Equaldex may be useful as well!
- Another invaluable report from ILGA is their global Homophobia Report. As well we knowing your rights, it is good to know what people’s attitudes are likely to be in the country you are traveling to
- Other useful information is available throughout their website, which is full of helpful resources, and latest news surrounding LGBTQ+ legislation, discrimination, progress, terminology and more
- You may also wish to check out the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association
- The National Center for Transgender Equality provides useful information and resources for transgender people planning on traveling. Specifically they cover useful issues such as knowing your rights in airport security
- The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers some guidance for LGBTQ+ travel abroad. They also recommend you read the ‘Local Laws and Customs’ section surrounding the country you are visiting – found here
- The US Department of State’s US Passports & International Travel Department has LGBTQ+ Travel Information for LGBTQ+ individuals going abroad
- Depending on which program you choose, you may be eligible for the NAFSA Rainbow Sig Scholarship, so we would suggest reading up on it!
- If you’re looking for peer support as a youth, you may want to check out TrevorSpace
- Kaya Tip 9 on Considerations for LGBTQ Travelers for how to be a responsible traveler – whether part of the LGBTQ+ community or not!
We encourage you to do plenty of research surrounding LGTBTQ+ travel – especially regarding local attitudes, and knowing your rights!
You can speak to our placement advisors surrounding any concerns you may have. We have knowledge and experience of the countries and the projects which we support. We can help to answer your questions, and prepare you for your travels.
Make sure to read our Kaya Tip 9 on Considerations for LGBTQ+ Travelers for additional information.