The Importance of LGBTIQ+ Friendly Travel

After four years of writing about LGBTIQ+ friendly destinations for Couple of Men, we love to travel more than ever. From the windy and isolated volcanic plains in Iceland to the buzzing metropolis of Japan’s capital city Tokyo, to the perfect sunset over the Pacific at the Costa Rican coast – travel has opened our minds to different and colorful ways of life.

At a first glance, using the acronym LGBTIQ+ might seem outdated; however, it remains essential for those who do not fit into the box of hetero-normativity, which can lead to challenges that are often overlooked. Many individuals, especially those from privileged backgrounds, may struggle to understand these experiences. This highlights the continued necessity for the LGBTIQ+ community to receive special consideration while traveling.

Being able to traverse the globe and share insights that encourage members of the LGBTIQ+ community to travel freely and safely represents a dream realized. Our journey started about four years ago, evolving from Karl’s personal travel blog into a shared one aimed at narrating the stories of our adventures as an openly gay couple from two different European countries.

“We Do Not Travel to Countries That Are Dangerous for Us”

In 2018, we were interviewed by a prominent German news platform to discuss our experiences. The published article’s headline: “We do not travel to countries that are dangerous for us,” resonated deeply and encapsulated the limitations faced by many LGBTIQ+ travelers, including ourselves. To gain further insights, we initiated a survey to gather accounts of negative experiences others in the community have encountered while traveling.

Instances such as facing hostility, being assigned separate accommodations instead of pre-arranged doubles, or avoiding public displays of affection for safety reasons demonstrate ongoing concerns within the LGBTIQ+ community when it comes to travel. Shouldn’t vacations be the highlight of the year?

LGBTIQ+ Travel Businesses

There are secure alternatives within LGBTIQ-operated travel businesses, such as accommodations managed by LGBTIQ+ individuals, certified and labeled LGBTIQ+ friendly tour operators, and niche vacations like gay-men-only cruises or resorts. Our firsthand experience at a “gaycation” highlighted how such options enhance the travel experience, allowing individuals to express their true selves without reservation. Nevertheless, adopting the “LGBTIQ+ friendly” label comes with responsibilities, as each community within the acronym has unique needs.

Staff training is essential for delivering tailored experiences to the diverse LGBTIQ+ community. Thus, it is crucial to evaluate whether an accommodation genuinely embodies inclusivity or merely employs the labels for marketing benefits.

Avoiding Pinkwashing

Many tourism boards claim to support the LGBTIQ+ community, yet some fail to comprehend our specific needs. Consequently, our efforts have shifted towards educating these entities to prevent pinkwashing. During a recent journey through Sweden, Germany, and Austria, we encountered instances of homophobia that demonstrated the necessity for proactive advocacy.

When questioned by a destination marketing employee about why the LGBTIQ+ community requires “special treatment,” we urged them to consider whether their CEO had ever advocated for marriage equality, safety on the streets, or the acknowledgment of personal gender identities. The answer remains clear: equality is a basic human right, relevant to all.

Despite advancements, including in supposedly “LGBTIQ+ friendly” cities like Berlin or Amsterdam, LGBTIQ+ individuals still face significant risks. In 2020, eleven countries still enforce the death penalty for consensual same-sex activity, and various nations restrict gender identity and expression.

A Diverse Community

The LGBTIQ+ community constitutes a rich tapestry of individuals vying for equal human rights, and advocates have played crucial roles in enhancing the recognition of queer individuals. Nevertheless, discrimination, imprisonment, and violence continue against many within this group. As allies and advocates, there is a responsibility to amplify marginalized voices and foster connections with supportive allies across the globe.

Our participation in Pride events reflects our commitment to equality, advocating not only for ourselves but for all who face injustices.

LGBTIQ+ Storytellers

The art of storytelling serves as a means of celebrating the LGBTIQ+ community. It creates space for beautiful narratives highlighting the experiences of queer couples and inspiring individuals from the community. From reflecting on our favorite gathering spots to showcasing the creativity of talented artists, our mission is to recognize the kaleidoscope of voices that enrich our society.

We define ourselves as gay travel bloggers, LGBTIQ+ storytellers, and queer activists while also acknowledging the privileges we hold as gay white cis-men from Western Europe. Despite ongoing challenges, we avail ourselves of opportunities to advocate for visibility of all factions within the LGBTIQ+ community. It is crucial to recognize shared humanity above all else.