9 LGBTQIA+ friendly countries you must visit in 2022

After decades of struggles, many countries have made significant progress towards more LGBTQIA+ friendly communities in recent years. Unfortunately, not the case everywhere. LGBTQIA+ students may encounter prejudice, harassment, and even arrest in some nations.

On the other hand, several countries have implemented excellent laws and regulations to support the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. People can be honest about their identities in these socially advanced countries and are free to be themselves.

Countries are establishing safer spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community on a global scale. There are many incredible tourism and study destinations to explore for anyone from this community planning to study abroad. 

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best LGBTQIA+ friendly countries you should know!

The Netherlands

• The Netherlands was the first country that came to support the LGBTQIA+ community and passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage. 
• Amsterdam, the capital, has opened a few LGBTQIA+ friendly cafes, restaurants, and clubs. This has become the center of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Sweden

• This country is ‌one of the most progressive and liberal in the world, ranking second on the 2021 LGBTQIA+ Safety Index. 
• This is not surprising, given that Sweden was the first to legalize gender change in 1972.
• Universities in Sweden continue to make strides in LGBTQIA+ student inclusion, from obtaining LGBTQIA+ Certifications for their libraries to hosting Academic Pride seminars and partnering with Pride events. 
• Sweden also hosts some of the world’s most popular pride events, including Stockholm Pride.

Canada

• Canada was the first country outside of Europe to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005. 
• Since then, the country has taken significant steps to expand its support for LGBTQIA+ rights.
• The British Commonwealth is the safest destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers, per the LGBTQ Travel Safety Index. 
• This is due to the country’s excellent quality of life for LGBTQIA+ people, supported by legal protections under the Canadian Human Rights Act. 
• This was amended in 2017 to include gender identity and sexual orientation rights.
• There are also various LGBTQIA+ events held in Canada throughout the year. 
• During June, Toronto hosts a 10-day Pride Festival. 
• You can also attend the Fairy Tale Queer Film Festival in Calgary in May.

Belgium

• Belgium, the home of the International LGBTQIA+ Youth Organization, is ranked sixth on both the LGBTQ Travel Safety Index and the LGBT Global Acceptance Index. 
• In 2011, the country made history by naming the world’s first openly gay Prime Minister.
• People here celebrate queer culture throughout the year, with the Brussels Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in January, Belgian Pride in May, and the Rainbow House as the country’s leading LGBTQIA+ event organization.
• In Belgium, finding your place at events like these would help you meet other LGBTQIA+ people, both foreign and local, during your stay.

Spain

• Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, enacted an anti-homophobic law in 2014, making hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people illegal. 
• LGBTQIA+ community will not stop raving about Spain as a place where they felt comfortable with their sexual orientation and gender identities, with no prejudice and discrimination thrown at them. 
• Following the end of the country’s fascist dictatorship under Francisco Franco, the country committed to becoming a secular society with an emphasis on inclusion. 
• This is just one of the many reasons Spain is eighth on the LGBTQ Travel Safety Index for 2021.

The United Kingdom

• The United Kingdom was recently named one of the top three LGBTQIA+ friendly countries in Europe. 
• It has long decriminalized homosexuality.
• Additionally, it has been cultivating a more accepting culture of the LGBTQIA+ community ever since.

Mexico

• Mexico has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture, which is most visible in cities, such as Mexico City and Guadalajara. 
• Although the country has rights and protections for sexual orientation, it still has a long way to go regarding gender expression. 
• A vibrant community of trans activists, Drag Queens and queer people of all ages are in Mexico City’s Zona Rosa and Guadalajara’s Prisciliano Sánchez sector.
• Many consider Mexico City to be the gay capital of Latin America. 
• This explains why the annual Pride event draws approximately one million people from all over the country and the world every June.

Malta

• Older Maltese may still harbor anti-LGBTQIA+ prejudices stemming from Malta’s history as one of Europe’s most religious countries.
• However, they would never act on those prejudices since the country outlawed insults and hostility towards LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups in 2004. 
• Malta is one of only five countries in the world with constitutional protections for LGBTQIA+ people. 

Taiwan

• This country is regarded as a leader in LGBTQIA+ rights, having been the first on the continent to legalize same-sex marriage.
• Not only that but homosexuality has never been legally prohibited in Taiwan.
• Taiwan, regarded as one of the safest places in the world to tour even during the Coronavirus pandemic, hosted the largest in-person Pride event since the pandemic’s inception in 2021, attracting thousands of people.

Uruguay

• Uruguay is one of the world’s foremost advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights. 
• It legalized homosexuality in 1933, and since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2013. 
• The country has made strides to promote LGBTQIA+ rights across the country and continent. 
• The queer community will be easy to find in Uruguay, especially with the visibility of LGBTQIA+ events throughout the year.
• Feminists, youth, and the LGBTQIA+ community are the agents that work as catalysts behind these policy changes and rights.
• So, Uruguay is the place to be if you’re looking for a community among like-minded individuals.

Key takeaways 

• Many countries are becoming open and safer for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• There are some incredible study abroad and travel destinations that are inclusive for everyone. 
• Choose a study abroad destination that not only supports your dreams but also who you are.
• The countries mentioned all have a high ranking in the LGBTQIA+ Travel Safety index. 

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FAQs

Q1. Which LGBTQIA+ friendly country provides the best job opportunities?  

Canada comes on the top without any doubt. The country has amended and implemented some laws to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community, so you can consider Canada for great job opportunities.

Q2. Is Germany not an LGBTQIA+ friendly country? 

Even though the country has not been mentioned in the article above, it is among the LGBTQIA-friendly countries which offer a low cost of studying for students.  

Q3. What does A stand for in LGBTQIA?

LGBTQIA+ is a genus expression for people who are not solely heterosexual in their sexual orientation. Every letter of this word signifies different sexuality, such as L stands for lesbians, T for trans, and likewise, A stands for asexual people.

Q4. Do Swedish Universities organize LGBTQIA+ related campaigns?

Universities in Sweden continue to make strides in LGBTQIA+ student inclusion, from obtaining LGBTQ Certifications for their libraries to hosting Academic Pride seminars and partnering with Pride events. Sweden also hosts some of the world’s most popular pride events, including Stockholm Pride.