Out Travel
A vacation in paradise for some is a warm, sunny destination, turquoise waters, fine white sandy beaches, and endless drinks with pink umbrellas. For others, it’s ancient ruins and castles, exploring narrow, cobble-stoned alleys in some of the oldest cities in Europe. Regardless of what paradise is, for members of the LGBT community, that escape from reality can be dangerous.



Seventy-two countries and territories worldwide have outlawed same-sex relationships, criminalizing them. Amongst that number include 45 which specifically forbid sexual relationships between woman. In eight of those countries, homosexuality can ead to a death penalty, with dozens more where homosexual acts will result in a prison sentence. Recently, travel insurance provider WorldNomads.com released a color-coded map of tolerant and intolerant countries.
Jamaica and southern neighbor Trinidad are the only red islands in the Caribbean
Closer to home, Jamaica is coded red, which means homosexuality is illegal and the death penalty may apply. The country has laws that criminalize homosexual acts and several rights groups have warned that LGBT people face frequent discrimination. Transgender citizens are not lawfully allowed to change their legal name and gender, which could undermine their privacy and open them up to discrimination and harassment. Despite the law, Jamaica celebrated its third annual Pride celebration last year. Of the Caribbean destinations, Jamaica and southern neighbor Trinidad and Tobago are the only red islands.
Russia is Europe’s second least LGBT-friendly country
This summer marks the first time Russia has hosted the World Cup, international soccer’s biggest event, and a huge tourism draw. Not surprisingly, Russia was coded yellow by WorldNomads.com, meaning homosexuality is legal but it is not protected by law and members of the LGBT community often face hostility from the public. Hate crimes against LGBT people in Russia have doubled since the country banned the spreading of “propaganda for non-traditional sexual relations” in 2013. The ‘gay propaganda’ law has been used to stop Pride marches and to detain gay rights activists. This makes Russia Europe’s second least LGBT-friendly country.
Budapest has a small and thriving nightlife for LGBT travelers
Hungary, which has stringent hate crime laws, allows homosexual activity for both men and women. Though Hungary legalized gay marriage in 2009, well ahead of America, Hungarian Prime Minister and right wing conservative Viktor Orban gladly welcomed the 11th World Congress of Families summit meeting to Budapest last year. The WFS has been classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center because of its role in pushing through Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law. Despite the current government’s conservative stances, Hungary’s capital Budapest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes all travelers and has a small and thriving nightlife for LGBT travelers.
The Netherlands was the first country to legalize gay marriage in 2001
Amsterdam also has a long history supporting its LGBT citizens, openly promoting gay rights since decriminalizing homosexuality in 1811. The first gay bar opened there in 1927 and the COC, one of the world’s first gay rights organizations, was founded there in 1946. In 1987, the city unveiled the first-ever ‘Homomonument’ as tribute to the gays and lesbians who were killed during World War II. The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage in 2001 — the mayor of Amsterdam officiated the first legal marriages there.
LGBT travelers looking for a more exotic, further flung destination should definitely exercise caution in large portions of Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. With the exception of South Africa, nearly all of the African continent is flagged red, with a handful of countries coded orange and fewer still showing yellow.
Middle Eastern countries are considered dangerous for LGBTs
In the Middle East, homosexuality is punishable by public canings or all the way up to stoning, an archaic death sentence.
Travel guides, such as those published by Lonely Planet and Frommers, are excellent resources for those seeking adventure and relaxation. Both publishers do include sections and recommendations for LGBT-friendly areas and venues. It is advisable to read up on a potential destination, to see what is tolerated and what is not before digging out the passport and packing that bag.
What the color codes mean:
RED: Homosexuality is illegal, severe punishments and even death penalties (Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea)
ORANGE: No laws against homosexuality but attitudes are intolerant, no protections exist (Vietnam, Madagascar, Venezuela)
YELLOW: Homosexuality is legal, attitudes moderately intolerant, no other protections exist (China, Dominican Republic, Russia, Turkey, Indonesia, Panama)
GREEN: Homosexual acts are legal, some legal protections such as anti-discrimination laws exist (Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Nepal)
BLUE: Homosexuality is legalized and a wide range of protections are in place (Italy, Poland, Greece, Czech Republic, Romania, Lithuania)
PURPLE: Same-sex marriage is allowed, homosexuality is legal, offer a full compliment of protection of rights ( United States, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Iceland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands)


