Many countries have made tremendous progress in creating a friendly atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community in recent decades by enacting new anti-discrimination legislation and supporting rights groups. More hotel brands are setting the way to prioritize safety in the hospitality industry as the value of the LGBTQ+ travel and tourism market grows. LGBTQ+ travelers are typically more visible and safe than ever before.
All of these countries have made LGBTQ+ marriage and gender reassignment legal, as well as encouraging LGBTQ+ possibilities. As a result, career and housing opportunities are essentially identical to those of a cisgender straight individual, and hate crime reports are fewer in these places.
The ten safest countries for LGBTQ+ individuals are listed below, along with their scores.
Each country was analysed against 10 categories and given an overall score out of 10. The categories were: societal acceptance, homosexual activity, same-sex marriage, censorship, gender reassignment, discrimination, employability, housing and ability to adopt a child.
10. Belgium
Score: 9.69
Belgium has a strong legal framework in place to defend LGBTQ+ rights. It was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage and has stringent anti-discrimination laws.Belgium has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and in late spring, Brussels hosts the country’s most colorful celebration of the year, Brussels Pride Week.
9. Malta
Score: 9.70
Malta is frequently regarded as a European leader in LGBTQ+ rights, with tremendous progress made in recent years to secure the safety and protection of the LGBTQ+ population. Malta, for example, legalized same-sex marriage after becoming the first country in Europe to outlaw conversion therapy. The government also has strong anti-discrimination laws in place and has taken initiatives to educate the public on LGBTQ+ concerns, such as gender-neutral restrooms and customized healthcare services.
8. UK
Score: 9.75
The United Kingdom entered the top ten due to its tremendous efforts in recent years to promote the safety and rights of the LGBTQ+ population. The Equality Act of 2010 established regulations to protect the community by preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education, and other areas. There are also efforts to educate and raise awareness about hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.
7. Denmark
Score: 9.80
Denmark is regarded as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries, with a long history of advocating and safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQ+ population. Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex partnerships in 1989, and years later, same-sex marriage. Denmark also forbids sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in work, education, and housing. Furthermore, many resources and support networks for youth include LGBTQ+ communities.
6. Spain
Score: 9.82
Sun-beamed Spain is one of Europe’s most culturally open countries, particularly for LGBTQ+ travelers. There is no censorship in the community, and there are plenty of safe areas as well as severe regulations against homophobic behavior. The thriving gay bar scenes on the Balearic Islands, particularly on Mallorca and Ibiza, attract in the queer populations.
5. Canada
Score: 9.85
For decades, Canada has been at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ rights. Not only was it the first country outside of Europe to legalize same-sex marriage, but it also boasts extensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ persons, including anti-discrimination laws. Unsurprisingly, three Canadian cities ranked in the top ten greatest places to live in the world in 2022.
4. Sweden
Score: 9.88
Sweden is considered as one of the world’s most progressive countries, continually campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights and safety through educational and awareness campaigns. Since 2009, same-sex marriage has been legal, and same-sex couples can adopt children. In addition, the country has gender-neutral marriage rules, which allow people to legally change their gender without undergoing surgery or hormone treatment.
3. Norway
Score: 9.91
Norway, often ranked as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world, was among the first to pass anti-discrimination legislation. Every summer, the capital hosts Oslo Pride, the country’s largest LGBTIQ+ festival, for ten days. Over 150 unique events will feature concerts, displays, and film screenings.
2. The Netherlands
Score: 9.92
In 2001, the Netherlands became one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Furthermore, it has strict anti-discrimination legislation and a long history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Throughout the year, the LGBTQ+ community hosts a variety of events aimed at promoting and supporting the community, such as Amsterdam’s popular Canal Pride.
1. Iceland
Score: 9.97
While Icelanders are known for their love of hot springs and geothermal pools, the country is also one of the most progressive in the world when it comes to LGBTQ+ acceptance. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2010, and anti-discrimination rules to safeguard the community were put in place.Iceland also boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with Reykjavik Pride being one of the country’s largest queer festivals.
–CNTraveller UK
