This month, the whole world is celebrating the diversity of sexuality and we would like to make our contribution as well. In our opinion, it is intolerable that members of the LGBTQ+ community are still discriminated against nowadays and we want to show you that there are many countries where your sexual orientation is not a restriction and you can enjoy the same rights as others.

 

Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you are thinking about a stay abroad? In this article we would like to present the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries around the world to inspire you to travel there.

 

These countries can vary depending on several factors, including legal protections, societal acceptance, and overall LGBTQ+ rights. While attitudes and policies towards LGBTQ+ individuals continue to evolve, here are some countries that are generally considered to be more welcoming and supportive.

 

1. Netherlands: The Netherlands has a long-standing reputation for LGBTQ+ rights, being the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. It has strong legal protections and a progressive society. Especially its capital Amsterdam is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world and it offers a huge variety of gay clubs, bars and hotels.

 

2. Canada: Canada is known for its inclusive policies and LGBTQ+ rights. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and has laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. Canadian cities like Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver represent safe spaces for many queer communities. Toronto hosts the Glad Day Bookshop, the world’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore and Vancouver is home to two wonderful gay villages, Davie Village and Commercial Drive.

 

3. Sweden: Sweden has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights for many years. It has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and recognizes same-sex relationships. Stockholm is particularly LGBTQ+ friendly. Here you can find an old ship named Patricia that turns into a gay club on Sundays. A restaurant, several bars and a nightclub are open until 5 am.

 

4. Denmark: Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize registered partnerships, which provided same-sex couples with almost all of the rights and benefits of marriage, in 1989. It has a strong LGBTQ+ community and progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Copenhagen, the capital, is known for its open-mindedness and does not only host its annual Pride week in August but also the Copenhagen LGBTQ Film Festival in October and a Winter Pride in February.

 

5. Iceland: Iceland is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly policies and legal protections. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and has a strong LGBTQ+ community. Iceland was the first country to elect an openly gay head of state and Reykjavik is home to Pink Iceland, which is an award-winning travel service for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

6. New Zealand: New Zealand has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights and protections. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and has anti-discrimination laws in place. Cities like Auckland and Wellington are known for their LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

 

7. Germany: Germany has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2017. It has strong anti-discrimination laws and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, particularly in cities like Berlin and Cologne. Since AuPair.com’s headquarter is located in Cologne, we can only recommend you to visit this amazing city which was even named the most sexually liberated city worldwide, according to new research. 

 

8. Uruguay: Uruguay is often regarded as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Latin America. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and has robust anti-discrimination laws.

 

9. Australia: Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 after a nationwide postal survey. The country has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights and protections, and Sydney hosts the Mardi Gras festival every year which is the largest Pride event in Oceania.

 

10. Spain: Spain has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in Europe. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and has comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Chueca neighborhood in Madrid and Eixample in Barcelona represent very famous queer districts. 

 

It's important to note that while these countries generally have more LGBTQ+-friendly environments, attitudes can still vary within different regions and communities. It's always a good idea to research specific cities and regions within these countries to get a better understanding of their LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

 

Fortunately there are many places nowadays where queer people can feel safe and welcome all over the world. We hope that we could inspire you for your stay abroad and wish you a wonderful and colorful Pride month! Let's celebrate love in all its varieties!