Gay and lesbian travel
GLBTs sometimes pursue special travel destinations or events or activities in their travel planning. At the world's largest travel fair, the ITB in Berlin, traveling for homosexuals was one of the main topics. In addition, there are travel countries where homosexuality is illegal or even punishable. All are good reasons to give this clientele of travelers their own space on Wikivoyage. This article gives an overview of everything you need to know as well as some particularly popular travel destinations and some special country information. Further details can be found in the special country articles.
Africa
Asia
- Thailand is quite liberal and has a very established gay scene. Especially big tourist places like Bangkok or Pattaya have meanwhile an unmanageable number of trendy bars and accommodations, it is also a kind of business.
Gay and lesbian travel in Cambodia
Australia and Oceania
Europe
Every European capital is a worthwhile destination for GLBTs. Especially Amsterdam, Berlin, London and Paris are known for their scene, but this may also be subjective and everyone should answer for themselves. There are also some popular holiday destinations in Europe.
Greece
- Mykonos - an island of Cyclades
- Lesvos - an island of North Aegean Islands
Spain
- Sitges - on the Mediterranean coast southwest of Barcelona.
- Maspalomas - South of Gran Canaria.
North America
Especially on the west coast and in the northeast of the United States gays and lesbians are widely accepted.
- Fire Island - off the south coast Long Islands, new York.
- Key West - the southernmost point of the USA is also a very liberal destination.
- Galveston - small island town before Houston (Texas), some gay only hotels and beaches.
- Miami Beach - a very open lido.
- New York City - Birth town of the American gay movement.
- Ogunquit (Maine)
- Palm Springs - Little Desert Mecca, two hours east of los Angeles, has the highest proportion of gay and lesbian people in the United States.
- Provincetown - at the top of Cape Cod. A well-known pilgrimage destination for years, since the introduction of gay marriage in Massachusetts also a popular place to close the ribbon.
- Rehoboth Beach - small seaside resort on the coast Delaware, large and active community.
- San Francisco - the "gay mecca" of the United States.
- West hollywood - in the heart of the metropolitan area los Angeles.
South America
Argentina: The situation in the formerly very Catholic-conservative country has greatly improved after democratization in 1983. In 2010 gay marriage was introduced. In the big cities Buenos Aires, Rosario and Cordoba as well as in liberal tourist places like Mar del Plata (where there is a GLTB beach) and Carlos Paz there is an active scene and lots of events, too gay-only-Hotels have opened in recent years. In large parts of the population, male homosexuals in particular are still discriminated against, especially in rural regions and especially in the north of the country.Status of homosexuality worldwide
Laws on Homosexuality
Although there are no problems traveling in most countries, in some countries in Africa and the Middle East it is better not to come out completely. The map above gives you an overview. Below you may find specific information about individual regions and travel destinations. You can also find additional information in the individual country and city articles.
Homosexuality is a punishable offense
The following countries impose the death penalty on homosexuality:
Some countries impose penalties for homosexuality or same-sex sex:
- Jamaica - Punishment with up to 10 years in prison, as well as violent attacks from the population.
Major GLBT events
North America:
- Miami Beach and Palm Springs - held annually White party (in Miami in November, in Palm Springs at Easter time).
South America:
- Parada do Orgulho GLBT de São Paulo, now the world's largest gay pride event in São Paulo. It has only been held since 1997 and takes place on the Sunday after Corpus Christi.
- Marcha del Orgullo Gay Buenos Aires