5 LGBT+ Friendly Countries To Visit

It really is no fun if everyone can’t have some. Here are a few options for destinations that understand that love is love.

Canada

The friendlier part of North America, Canada, offers South Africans a six-month visitors’ visa and an exchange rate lower than that of the US Dollar. For the LGBT+ community, Canada is known for being one of the only countries to host a national pride event. Canada Pride began in 2017, and Toronto Pride is one of the largest pride events in the world, boasting a crown of around 1.5million people. Canada was the fourth country to legalise gay marriage, doing so in 2005.

Toronto is known as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Experience this during their Pedestrian Sundays, that features live music and food from around the world. If the hustle and bustle of a market isn’t your thing, perhaps a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, which boasts beaches and an amusement park, might tickle your fancy.

Spain

Madrid is known as the gay capital of Europe, and rightfully so. The city hosts one of the largest pride events in the world and offers a wide variety of gay-friendly nightclubs and beaches. In 2005, Spain became the third country to legalise same-sex marriage.

With every region offering something different, Spain is a country you’ll want to keep going back to. Enjoy the coast of Galicia, known for some of the best seafood and beaches in the country, watch bull running in Papiona in July, or party until you forget your responsibilities in Ibiza. For sports lovers, Camp Nou in Barcelona or Santiago Bernabeu is a must.

Sweden

“Gay since 1944” is what you will hear often in Sweden, a country that boasts some of the most comprehensive, progressive LGBT+ laws in the world. Their gay-friendly policies range from marriage and adoption to strict anti-discrimination laws. You are sure to find a pride event, with Sweden hosting more pride festivals than any other country in the world (seriously, they host more than 30 per year!).

Sweden is for nature lovers. Go horseback riding in the Scandinavian mountains, explore Viking history in Uppsala or spend a night at the world famous ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi (you don’t have to say it, just go) and of course, no trip to Sweden can be complete without a trip to the Northern Lights. If you’re a foodie, Sweden has you covered as well. The coastal city of Gothenburg is known for being one of the country’s best food destinations, with the freshest seafood you can find.

New Zealand

New Zealand is known for being one of the most gay and transgender friendly countries in the world, passing progressive anti-discrimination laws from as far back as 1993. Theirs is a country where their politicians reflect society, with many openly gay ministers in parliament, and people like Georgina Beyer, the first transgender mayor in the world.

New Zealand’s countryside is nothing short of iconic, boasting over 500 hiking trails through rainforests, lakes and granite mountains. Make sure you visit the Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest national park in the country, but arguably the most beautiful, with turquoise water that literally glows in the dark. Find a designated driver and explore the vineyards of Waiheke Island, or dive into the world of fantasy with a tour of Hobbiton (those who know, know).

Argentina

The first country in Latin America to legalise gay marriage (in 2010) and with the introduction of gender identity laws in 2012, Argentina is known as the world’s most transgender-friendly country. They even have an express marriage package in Patagonia, where anyone, regardless of nationality, can get married in five days.

The home of Lionel Messi, Argentina boasts a gorgeous balance between the serenity of nature, and the hustle and bustle of big cities. If you’ve got an ice box where your heart used to be, Glacier Perito Moreno might call out to you, as one of the most accessible ice fields in the world. If you’re into something a little warmer, Iguazú Falls offers the most breathtaking views, perfect for replacing the pictures of your food on Instagram. If your allergies keep you away from nature, Buenos Aires, the capital city, is sure to tantalise your taste buds with the wide variety of markets, or get moving to some tango classes which you can show off in their nightlife that never stops.