The Safest & Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ Travelers in 2023

Planning your next getaway? If you’re an LGBTQ+ traveler, safety is a top concern. Our expert travel journalist, Kevin Erickson, has the inside scoop on the safest and most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ travelers in 2023.

TL;DR:

• Canada tops the list as the most LGBTQ+ friendly country for the third year in a row
• Brunei is the most dangerous country for LGBTQ+ travelers, followed by Saudi Arabia and Nigeria
• The United States ranks 25th on the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, dropping one spot from last year
• Legislation and societal attitudes continue to evolve, impacting LGBTQ+ travel safety worldwide
• Transgender and non-binary individuals face unique challenges in many countries

🌈 The Safest Countries for LGBTQ+ Travelers

According to a report by Lyric and Asher Fergusson, Canada is the most LGBTQ+ friendly country for the third consecutive year. Other top-ranking countries include Sweden, the Netherlands, Malta, and Norway. These countries boast strong legislative protections for LGBTQ+ rights, with Canada being one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage.

However, even the safest countries have work to do. For instance, Canada reported 0.24 trans murders per million population over the past decade – a number that should be zero.

🚨 The Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria are the most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ travelers in 2023. These countries have severe punishments for LGBTQ+ individuals, including the death penalty, lashings, and imprisonment. In Nigeria, even discussing LGBT rights and gender expression is criminalized.

🇺🇸 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety in the United States

Ranked 25th on the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, the United States has a mixed record on LGBTQ+ rights. While some states are progressive and safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, others remain hostile. There has been a troubling increase in political violence targeting the LGBTQ+ community in the US, more than tripling between 2021 and 2022.

🌏 The Changing Landscape for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legislation and societal attitudes continue to shift around the globe, impacting the safety of LGBTQ+ travelers. While there have been positive developments, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in several countries, transgender and non-binary individuals still face significant challenges in many places.

Ultimately, true change requires shifts in society and increased acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Laws alone cannot guarantee safety.

Top 20 Safest Countries for LGBTQ+ Travelers

1. Canada
2. Sweden
3. The Netherlands
4. Malta
5. Norway
6. Portugal
7. Spain
8. Denmark
9. Belgium
10. United Kingdom
11. France
12. Iceland
13. Switzerland
14. Ireland
15. Luxembourg
16. South Africa
17. Germany
18. Chile
19. Uruguay
20. Austria

Top 20 Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ Travelers

1. Brunei
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Nigeria
4. Kuwait
5. Malawi
6. Guyana
7. UAE
8. Malaysia
9. Sudan
10. Libya
11. Yemen
12. Oman
13. Mauritania
14. Somalia
15. Gambia
16. Afghanistan
17. Qatar
18. Tonga
19. Tanzania
20. South Sudan

As an experienced travel journalist and LGBTQ+ advocate, Kevin Erickson encourages travelers to stay informed and remain vigilant in their journeys. Remember, safety should always be your top priority, no matter where your travels take you.

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