No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow.
Alice Walker
In terms of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) rights and acceptance, it’s important to note that not all countries offer equal conditions. In some places, being openly gay or transgender can lead to discrimination, harassment, or even violence. But in other countries, LGBTQ+ individuals enjoy legal protections, social acceptance, and vibrant queer communities.
If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally planning to travel or move abroad, it’s important to know which countries are safe, welcoming, and supportive of diverse sexual and gender identities. In this, we’ll explore some of the top LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, based on factors such as legal protections, social attitudes, pride events, and queer-friendly nightlife.
Whether you’re looking for a place to study, work, retire, or just visit, these countries offer a range of options for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. From the bustling metropolises of Europe to the tropical paradises of Southeast Asia, you’re sure to find a destination that fits your lifestyle, interests, and values.
So pack your bags, grab your rainbow flag, and let’s explore some of the best places to be LGBT+ around the globe!
12 Safe country in the world for LGBTQ that also allow same sex marriage
1. Portugal
Since 2010, Portugal has permitted same-sex unions, being one of the most gay friendly countries. One of its characteristics places it among the nations that are most accepting of LGBT+ people.
The LGBT+(Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) Rights and Opinion states that if your partner lives in Portugal permanently, you can obtain a marriage visa valid for two years.
Marriage to a Portuguese citizen can enable you to apply for citizenship after obtaining a residence permit.Portugal came up at number 19 out of 79 countries, with a neighbour acceptance rate of 85%.
The cities of Portugal are good places to live, according to 53% of gays. What the LGBT+ community finds appealing – For Gay people, the capital city of Lisbon and Porto are excellent choices. Arroios, Bairro Alto, and Principe Real are some of the most gay-friendly areas in Lisbon. Some of the most gay-friendly bars, hotels, homes, etc. are located there. Principe Real is also where the pride parade starts.
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Leader’s Tip:
Create an inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ people can succeed both personally and professionally by cultivating empathy and understanding.
2. Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, same-sex unions became permissible as of October 2019. Despite the fact that Northern Ireland is a part of the UK and has its own parliament at Stormont, the UK’s Parliament in London was ultimately responsible for changing the island’s marriage rules. In January 2017, Northern Ireland’s political parties resulted in a deadlock, leading to the suspension of the Northern Irish parliament.This, along with the legalization of abortion, gave British parliamentarians a basis for their intervention.
The final region of the UK to forbid same-sex unions was Northern Ireland; in 2013, England and Wales made the decision to do the same, and Scotland followed in 2014.
3. Australia
Australia is considered to be an LGBT+ friendly country that allows same-sex marriage. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Australia is one of the 30 LGBTQ+ countries worldwide that permits same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage became legal in Australia on December 9, 2017, after a national postal survey resulted in a majority “yes” vote in favor of marriage equality.
Since then, LGBT+ Australians have been able to legally marry and enjoy the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples. The legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia marked a significant stride toward achieving equality for LGBT+ individuals, although more work remains for full equality.
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4. Taiwan
Yes, Taiwan is considered to be an LGBT+ friendly country, especially after it became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019.
In May 2017, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled that the country’s current marriage laws were unconstitutional and violated the rights of same-sex couples. The ruling gave the Taiwanese government a two-year deadline to amend the laws to allow same-sex marriage.
In May 2019, the deadline expired, and Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first LGBTQ+ countries in Asia to do so.The LGBT+ community in Taiwan and across the globe widely celebrated this move.
Taiwan has also made other significant strides in LGBT+ rights in recent years. In 2003, it decriminalized homosexuality, and in 2007, it began allowing transgender people to change their legal gender. The country also hosts a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with a number of gay bars, clubs, and events in cities like Taipei.
Despite these advancements, there is still some opposition to LGBT+ rights in Taiwan, particularly from conservative and religious groups.However, overall, Taiwan is widely viewed as a progressive and LGBT+ friendly country.
5. Germany
Yes, Germany is considered to be an LGBTQ+ friendly country, and same-sex marriage has been legal there since October 1, 2017.
Prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, Germany had recognized registered partnerships for same-sex couples since 2001. However, these partnerships did not grant couples the same legal rights as marriage, such as the ability to jointly adopt children.
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In June 2017, the German Bundestag (parliament) passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The bill faced some opposition from conservative and religious groups, but it ultimately passed with a large majority.
Since the legalization of same-sex marriage, Germany has continued to make progress on LGBTQ+ rights. For example, in 2020, the German parliament passed a law banning so-called “conversion therapy” for minors, and in 2021, the country’s highest court ruled that a third gender option must be provided on birth certificates for intersex people.
Overall, Germany is widely viewed as a progressive and LGBTQ+-friendly country, with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and many organizations and events dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
6. Colombia
After Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, Colombia became the fourth nation LGBTQ friendly nation in South America with a Catholic majority to legalise same-sex unions on April 28, 2016.
According to the wire service Agence France-Presse, the country’s Constitutional Court decided by a 6-3 margin that “all people are allowed to choose independently to have a family in keeping with their sexual orientation… enjoying equal treatment under the constitution and the law.” active voice
7. United States
The United States Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is guaranteed nationwide by the Constitution eleven years after it was first made lawful in Massachusetts. The court’s interpretation, forming part of the 5–4 judgment, alleges that restricting marriage to only heterosexual couples violates the promise of equal protection under the law in the 14th Amendment.
Before the decision, 36 states and the District of Columbia permitted same-sex marriage. See a timeline showcasing state policy developments from 1995 to 2015.
8. Finland
Finland is regarded as an LGBTQ+ friendly country, and same-sex marriage has been legal there since 2017.
Before the legalization of same-sex marriage, Finland had recognized registered partnerships for same-sex couples since 2002. However, these partnerships did not grant couples the same legal rights as marriage.
In November 2014, a citizens’ initiative was launched in Finland to legalize same-sex marriage, and it rapidly garnered widespread support. Additionally, In December 2014, the Finnish Parliament approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, but the President vetoed it. In February 2015, the Parliament approved a revised bill, which the President signed into law in March 2015.
Same-sex couples were able to register for marriage starting in March 2017, and the first same-sex marriages took place in Finland on March 1, 2017.
Since the legalization of same-sex marriage, Finland has continued to make progress on LGBT+ rights. For example, in 2019, the Finnish Parliament passed a law simplifying the legal gender recognition process for transgender and non-binary people.
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Overall, Finland, with its expanding LGBT+ community and numerous organizations and events dedicated to advancing LGBT+ rights and visibility, is widely perceived as a progressive and LGBT+ friendly nation.
9. Spain
Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005, becoming the third country in the world to do so, after the Netherlands and Belgium.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Spain followed years of advocacy and activism by LGBT+ groups in the country. In 2004, Spain’s Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, won a landslide victory in the general election, and one of their campaign promises was to legalize same-sex marriage.
In 2005, the Spanish Parliament passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, despite opposition from conservative and religious groups. The bill granted same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including the right to adopt children.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in Spain was a significant milestone for LGBT+ rights not only in the country but also in Europe and the world. Since then, Spain has continued to make progress on LGBT+ rights, including the passage of laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Spain is widely viewed as a progressive and LGBT+ friendly country, with a vibrant LGBT+ community and many organizations and events dedicated to promoting LGBT+ rights and visibility.
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10. Norway
Norway is a welcoming country for Homosexual people. In addition to allowing LGBT people to enlist in the military, it legalised same-sex marriage in 2009. We can argue that Norway is one of the nations in the world that is most accepting of LGBT people.
In 1972, the LGBT+ Rights and Opinion Norway voted to allow same-sex relationships. It is also one of the nations whose anti-discrimination laws cover sexual orientation. Since 2009, about 754 LGBT relationships have become unions.
Leader’s Tip:
Promote the rights of LGBTQ+ people, back laws that guarantee equality, and persuade people to join you as supporters for the community’s survival.
Since 2009, committed individuals of the same gender have been authorised to adopt children, and lesbian couples can even use artificial insemination.
Go to places like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim if you’re seeking for LGBT-friendly clubs, lodging, and other events. Here are some occasions to go to: Oslo Pride, Skeive ski, Oslo Fagottkor.
11. Belgium
One of the safest places for LGBT people to live is in Europe, and Belgium is one of those places. In 2021, ILGA-Europe ranked Belgium as the second-best country globally for protecting LGBT rights. One may say that Belgium is a welcoming nation for LGBT people.
LGBT+ Issues and Rights
In Belgium, changing your gender is legal and doesn’t require surgery.
Also, In Belgium, 84 percent of the populace favours same-sex unions and other forms of legal recognition.
In 2000, same-sex couples were eligible for domestic partnership privileges, and same-sex marriage became legal in 2003.
What the LGBT+ community finds appealing
If you intend to visit Belgium, there are numerous activities you might engage in, including:
- La Demence and Dolores bars
- restaurant Bruit qui court
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12. Denmark
Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize registered partnerships for same-sex couples in 1989, and it has also been legalizing same-sex marriage since 2012.
Although registered partnerships in Denmark granted same-sex couples many of the same legal rights as marriage, it wasn’t until 2012 that Denmark legally allowed same-sex couples to marry. The Danish Parliament passed a bill in June 2012 legalizing same-sex marriage, and the law came into effect on June 15 of that year.
Since the legalization of same-sex marriage, Denmark has continued to make progress on LGBT+ rights. In 2014, Denmark became the first country in the world to officially remove the diagnosis of “transsexualism” from its list of mental disorders, and in 2017, the Danish Parliament passed a law allowing transgender people to legally change their gender without a medical diagnosis.
Overall, Denmark is widely viewed as a progressive and LGBT+ friendly country, with a long history of supporting LGBT+ rights and a vibrant LGBT+ community. The country also hosts one of the largest Pride events in Europe, the Copenhagen Pride, which attracts tens of thousands of participants every year.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How can I find resources or support as an LGBT+ individual in a new country?
There are many resources available to LGBTQ+ individuals in most countries, including support groups, advocacy organizations, and social groups. Some good places to start include online resources such as ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) or local LGBT+ centers.
Can LGBT+ individuals still face discrimination in LGBT+ friendly countries?
Unfortunately, yes. While LGBT+ friendly countries have enacted laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, prejudice and discrimination still exist in many forms.
Key Takeaways
- LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage are given priority in these nations.
- Inclusivity promotes acceptance and societal growth.
- Global initiatives are essential to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.