Should LGBT Travelers Visit Anti-LGBT Countries?

I’ve added an LGBT column for the website to make the site more inclusive and talk about issues that affect some members of our community. In this column, we will hear from voices in the LGBT community about their experiences on the road, safety tips, events, and overall advice for other LGBT travelers to get the most out of their time on the road! Back again this month is our column leader Adam from travelsofadam.com.

At last count, there are 77 countries where homosexuality is illegal, with death sentences possible in at least 12 of those. As a traveler, it’s rare (but not totally unlikely) for LGBT tourists to get caught up in local antigay laws when traveling. But there are such stories out there: a gay British tourist jailed in Morocco, a gay Swedish tourist jailed in Tunisia, a couple facing harassment in Dubai, entrapment in Egypt…the list goes on. It’s not always safe or easy for gay travelers (and certainly even harder for LGBT locals living under those laws and customs).

There are ethical and moral issues in play, as well as safety issues. Out Now Consulting’s LGBT research shows that a key factor for LGBT travelers is determining how welcome they will feel in the places that they visit, and that many of those travelers are choosing purposefully not to visit places with anti-LGBT laws.

But as someone who believes in creating fewer borders, should my sexuality also control my travel plans?

For me, it’s a gray area. There’s no clear-cut answer for how or where I travel. There are some anti-gay destinations that I have zero interest in visiting to begin with, and their anti-gay laws just make the destination that much less attractive — for example: Dubai. But countless friends (gay and straight) have been there and go often. And I don’t judge them for it. My travel preferences are my own.

But then there are also some anti-gay destinations which I do have an interest in visiting. I may not make plans to travel there now, but I won’t cross them off my list either.

At the very least, I believe travelers need to learn about and understand a destination’s political restrictions before traveling — even when those laws don’t apply to you. Once you’re fully informed about the political and security situation, attendant risks, and necessary precautions, the decision whether to visit an anti-gay destination is yours to make.

But, by visiting anti-gay destinations, can we actually make a difference?

A 2012 UN World Tourism Organization report estimates that the economic impact of LGBT travelers in the USA alone is over $65 billion per year, and another source cites potentially over $200 billion for LGBT leisure spending globally.

So first, let’s address the issue of not traveling to a given destination. Travel boycotts are a contentious issue, and one that brings up as many questions as answers. Do you boycott an entire country for its anti-gay laws, or just a specific region or state? What if the people there aren’t universally anti-gay? For example, in the US, North Carolina and Mississippi recently passed anti-LGBT legislation. Do you then boycott the entirety of the USA, or just those states?

And there are always going to be LGBT individuals in every city, state, and country, many still closeted. By boycotting anti-gay destinations, are you hurting or helping those LGBT locals?

Ashton Giese, Outreach Director for OutRight Action International and editor of the weekly GAYography news brief, suggests that “boycotts don’t really work against dictators or authoritarian regimes. Democratic institutions have to exist, where people and businesses could actually have a voice to make change.”

By boycotting anti-gay destinations, however, you also miss out on the opportunity to support LGBT businesses that may exist there. Ashton recommends: “See if there’s some type of LGBT tour guide or safe space to assist. I visited Egypt in February. It was incredible to see the sights and interact with the gay community there.”

If you do want to visit a destination with anti-LGBT laws on the books, it’s still important to consider safety. Do you have to hide your sexuality, or can you just be mindful if and when to come out? You might want to book with travel agencies that specialize in LGBT tourism, as they’ll be more familiar with LGBT-friendly hotels, tours, guides, and specific activities. Independent gay group tour operators often have the most recent information regarding a country’s LGBT safety for tourists.

But it’s not just your own safety you need to keep in mind. Visiting an anti-gay destination to specifically seek out LGBT venues or groups can backfire. Sometimes giving a secret LGBT venue extra visibility can actually harm the small business, making it a potential target for hate crimes after you, the tourist, are long gone. As travelers, we’re often in a bubble with our “tourist privilege,” so it’s important to be mindful of privacy issues, not just for yourself but for the people you interact with when traveling.

Do you always have to be an activist?

If it’s possible to visit safely as an LGBT traveler, should we deny ourselves travel experiences because of who we are? Most LGBT travelers I’ve spoken to about this issue are conflicted. There’s a sense that you shouldn’t give your tourism money to notoriously anti-gay destinations, but where people draw those lines seems to vary. For example, Uganda may have horrible anti-gay legislation, but there are still LGBT people living there — and still LGBT tourists traveling there. Not to mention a thriving tourism industry.

Troy Petenbrink, a journalist and blogger, wrote, “In general, I think we do more to help change anti-gay destinations’ attitudes and behaviors by rewarding destinations that openly welcome us. I believe destinations seeing the power of the LGBT travel dollar benefiting their competition can bring about change. Those who argue that gays and lesbians vacationing in a horrible anti-LGBT destination such as Jamaica will somehow bring about change are foolish — and potentially dangerous.”

****

In the end, travel is often political. And choosing to specifically not visit a destination is a political statement, hopefully formed out of a belief system and ideas based on reality. My best holidays have been ones where I’ve both had fun and learned something and I’ve found travel to be an amazing way to discover the many differences in our world.

When visiting homophobic places, it’s important to make yourself aware of the local customs and laws, while still being mindful of both your safety and that of the locals. Trust your instincts and make informed decisions.

For me, I don’t rule out visiting anti-LGBT destinations. Governments change and people’s attitudes don’t often reflect their government’s. While I think it’s important to be extremely cautious — and some countries aren’t on my bucket list because of their policies — I believe it’s just as important to take each country on a case-by-case basis and look at the overall situation.

The best we can do is be as informed as we can, but also remember that, while it is important to be cautious, if we believe travel can break down barriers, a blanket boycott of all anti-LGBT destinations won’t do that.

Adam Groffman is a former graphic designer who left a publishing job in Boston to travel around the world before settling in Berlin, Germany. He’s a gay travel expert, writer, and blogger and publishes a series of LGBT-friendly Hipster City Guides from around the world on his gay travel blog, Travels of Adam. When he’s not out exploring the coolest bars and clubs, he’s usually enjoying the local arts and culture scene. Find more of his travel tips (and embarrassing stories) on Twitter @travelsofadam.

August 31, 2016 at 2:09 am

Disappointing that you show, when talking “LGBT travellers”, no sign of understanding that “T” travellers face distinctly different issues. Legal recognition of gender is not international, so whilst one’s passport may have the appropriate name and gender marker, other countries may not recognise that at all if they get a clue, or it is obvious. One may become legally the old, “dead” gender upon crossing the border. In some countries presenting as “the other sex” is a specific offence whilst in others a heterosexual woman travelling with her husband might suddenly find herself being charged with illegal actions as if a gay man, for which she may be totally unprepared, and which might be doubly devastating.

There are many countries still who do not legally recognise gender or provide appropriate documents. Thailand is a particularly egregious example. Trans travellers from such countries face huge problems.

Ports of transit can be a huge unknown. What if a trans traveller from one safe country to another has to change planes, is diverted, or is on a ship that unexpectedly puts into port in a country where they are illegal? Very few gay travel agents would know how to advise on that.

Travellers seem to think that border police will have “respected their privacy” and not have checked incoming passenger lists with Facebook, Youtube, or even Google, in order to enforce their national laws. Such fora very easily reveal LGBT people, and in-country contacts. Whilst most anti-gay countries maintain the fiction that it is sexual behaviour they punish, not a person’s actual orientation, most will not block or arrest someone gay or lesbian until they are associating with others in-country, but for most T people (aside from, on the one hand, the very “stealth”, and on the other those who just cross-dress occasionally, perhaps especially when on holiday) it is their life which is illegal, and perhaps more of interest to border agents than they expect.

Some countries are becoming fairly good at being trans-aware in their travel advisories for their citizens – which all travellers should read – but all still need to be better. The US State Department is rather good on gay advice, but weaker for lesbians, and still low on the learning curve for trans, and certainly unaware of how the many trans diversities, especially those normally hardly at all related to gay and lesbian issues, may have different problems in different countries. No doubt their in-country consular staff would always do their best to help any traveller who falls foul of these problems, but the costs – of many forms, ranging from unscheduled travel to lawyers, hospitals, or imprisonment – would fall entirely upon the traveller, since no insurers would pay out on failure to comply with local law, however outdated.

22 Comments

Billy
August 29, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Absolutely yes! I have gotten great enjoyment out of travel to many Islamic countries. I didn’t have to disclose my sexuality to get the cultural experience I was hoping for. After all, there are still plenty places in the US that are still anti-gay. You just have to be smart and travel safe.
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:04 am
  
  100% agree that it\’s about traveling smartly and safely!
Nathan
August 29, 2016 at 4:50 pm

It’s tricky– you could argue both sides. Why go and spend your money and support a government or system that actively persecutes you. In the end I’ve traveled to many places considered not gay friendly (Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, etc.) and not had a bad experience. I generally just don’t discuss my sexuality and use gender neutral words when I discuss dating. It’s also always been interesting to meet local gay people and have them share their experiences as living in these countries.
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:04 am
  
  Yeah, there’s no arguing that it’s a tricky issue! That’s not a bad idea to use gender-neutral words when you don’t feel comfortable revealing the full story.
Kaitlyn
August 29, 2016 at 9:46 pm

Awe, that’s so scary and something I’ve never even thought of before. But like you said, being aware is the best thing you can do when visiting anti LGBT countries. I wish for a safe and enjoyable vacation for everyone, no matter your sexuality!
Mr Adam
August 30, 2016 at 6:15 am

Great post! This is something many straight people just don’t consider. I’m comfortable with my sexuality, however it does mean you have to consider things like this – both at home and while travelling.
I still travel to countries that are “anti-LGBT”, I just don’t come out to people as much. Though in saying that, sometimes it’s fine – especially in certain areas. EG. Morocco – in the cities I didn’t feel comfortable coming out, but camping in the Sahara Desert with nomadic Berbers was totally fine – they couldn’t care less.
I usually travel alone, so it’s fine – though my partner and I wanted to go to Egypt and decided to change our destination. This was because while on holiday together, we wanted to actually be together – share a double room etc. without any issues.
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:09 am
  
  Thank you Adam! That’s really interesting about your experience in Morocco. My basic presumption would be people in cities might be more open-minded and comfortable with LGB people rather than in the more rural places – interesting to note that you had the exact opposite experience!
  And you’re right – I think the issue is very different when you consider whether you’re traveling alone or as a couple. When traveling on a romantic holiday, I think it’s just so much easier to stick to LGBT-friendly destinations so you can really do your best to make sure it’s a safe and relaxing holiday, rather than one full of worry and stress.
Corinne
August 30, 2016 at 6:15 am

My wife and I we travel in non-gay friendly countries and we never have a problem about it. We just pretend we are friends and all is good. We don’t feel that the whole world needs to know that we are a couple anyway. Of course there are a few countries we would not go to because of really harsh anti- gay laws and attitude and it’s just not worth it to take any chance!
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:14 am
  
  I think what’s important is determining what you and your partner are most comfortable with when traveling to these kinds of destinations and going from there. So much of how/where/why/when we travel is a personal decision and I totally can understand your reasoning!
Lynn
August 30, 2016 at 4:33 pm

Theoretically speaking, I think traveling to countries with differing viewpoints is important, both for them and us. Make foreign things familiar, etc. Practically speaking, it makes my heart hurt to think of friends of mine being caught in a dangerous situation or jail. Everyone has to make up their own mind on this one.
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:14 am
  
  100% agree Lynn – and you’re right, I think travel really opens people up for cultural exchange, so as long as you’re safe, I don’t see why it should stop someone from exploring the world…
O
August 31, 2016 at 2:09 am

Disappointing that you show, when talking “LGBT travellers”, no sign of understanding that “T” travellers face distinctly different issues. Legal recognition of gender is not international, so whilst one’s passport may have the appropriate name and gender marker, other countries may not recognise that at all if they get a clue, or it is obvious. One may become legally the old, “dead” gender upon crossing the border. In some countries presenting as “the other sex” is a specific offence whilst in others a heterosexual woman travelling with her husband might suddenly find herself being charged with illegal actions as if a gay man, for which she may be totally unprepared, and which might be doubly devastating.
There are many countries still who do not legally recognise gender or provide appropriate documents. Thailand is a particularly egregious example. Trans travellers from such countries face huge problems.
Ports of transit can be a huge unknown. What if a trans traveller from one safe country to another has to change planes, is diverted, or is on a ship that unexpectedly puts into port in a country where they are illegal? Very few gay travel agents would know how to advise on that.
Travellers seem to think that border police will have “respected their privacy” and not have checked incoming passenger lists with Facebook, Youtube, or even Google, in order to enforce their national laws. Such fora very easily reveal LGBT people, and in-country contacts. Whilst most anti-gay countries maintain the fiction that it is sexual behaviour they punish, not a person’s actual orientation, most will not block or arrest someone gay or lesbian until they are associating with others in-country, but for most T people (aside from, on the one hand, the very “stealth”, and on the other those who just cross-dress occasionally, perhaps especially when on holiday) it is their life which is illegal, and perhaps more of interest to border agents than they expect.
Some countries are becoming fairly good at being trans-aware in their travel advisories for their citizens – which all travellers should read – but all still need to be better. The US State Department is rather good on gay advice, but weaker for lesbians, and still low on the learning curve for trans, and certainly unaware of how the many trans diversities, especially those normally hardly at all related to gay and lesbian issues, may have different problems in different countries. No doubt their in-country consular staff would always do their best to help any traveller who falls foul of these problems, but the costs – of many forms, ranging from unscheduled travel to lawyers, hospitals, or imprisonment – would fall entirely upon the traveller, since no insurers would pay out on failure to comply with local law, however outdated.
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:49 am
  
  Hi, Thank you so much for the detailed and thorough comment. There’s no question that trans travelers face unique challenges when abroad, and you’re right to point out the different safety and cost issues involved. This is something we plan to cover in future articles, so please stay tuned!
William
August 31, 2016 at 7:49 am

For starters – I didn’t know that Morocco and Dubai have anti-gay laws. I have lots of gay friends and a few were planning to visit Dubai soon. I guess I should warn them.
Faye
September 1, 2016 at 12:42 am

This is very scary. If you are an LGBT member and all you want to do is to have fun visiting with anti-LGBT countries, try to hide your true identity. I guess this is the safest thing to do. This is very hard coz we each have the right to show off what we are but they have their law and we have nothing to do to change it. I know this is unfair but this is the best thing to do , I guess.
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:50 am
  
  It’s a very complicated issue – because while some people *can* hide their sexuality, not everyone can And not everyone wants to nor should they necessarily have to…
Stacia
September 1, 2016 at 9:48 am

While I congratulate Matt for trying to include diversity in the articles on his site, this post comes off as myopic. This article reads to me like it is written for white men that can pass as straight. And if that’s you, that’s great! You can probably travel to any country you want to without trouble, but the ability to choose if/when to disclose your sexuality is a privilege that not all of the LGBTQIA+ community shares.
However, I think the worst oversight in this article is the fact that the unique travel dangers that trans travelers face aren’t even mentioned. I’m tired of the acronym LGBT somehow ending up only meaning “G”.
Matt, I hope you consider this and find a trans traveler to write a more thorough article that could help this portion of your readership.
- Adam
  September 9, 2016 at 5:53 am
  
  Hi Stacia,
  Thanks for your comment. You’re right that not every LGBTQIA+ person has the same privilege but I have tried to include diverse opinions & experiences where possible in this LGBT travel series for Nomadic Matt. We have future upcoming stories to address the diverse world of LGBT travel, so stay tuned for more.
Claire
September 11, 2016 at 5:07 am

Interesting article. My wife and I gave this a lot of thought when we were booking our honeymoon a few years back and wanted the typical palm-tree tropical beach destination. So many typical choices (Maldives, Mauritius, much of the Caribbean) we ruled out because we wanted the freedom to act like any other honeymooning couple and not hide who we were.
We opted for Thailand in the end because that seemed pretty gay-friendly and we had absolutely no problems when we were there. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and we were treated to lots of honeymoon perks (free champagne with meals, cute celebration cakes in hotel rooms etc). I was sorry to read in the comments above that it’s seen as a terrible example of how not to treat trans visitors – that saddens me.
Honeymooning aside, I guess my wife and I could visit non-gay friendly destinations and hide our relationship. But for us, there are so many gay-friendly places to visit, that it seems silly not to start with them! I figure, you never know, give it 10 years or so and attitudes in some of these countries may have changed significantly. Pretty much all countries have been aggressive towards gay people at some point, and many have changed markedly.
One thing which strikes me is the lack of awareness among straight, cis types about this whole issue. I get (and I’m sure many others do)comments from family, friends or colleagues saying I simply have to visit this or that place, and it’s just not on their radar at all that some of these places could pose real problems for two women travelling together as a couple.
I’d also like to point out that for a lesbian couple there is an added issue of safety to consider – the issue faced by women travelling without men in some areas of the world.
Diana
September 14, 2016 at 4:52 pm

Most of those same countries that have anti-LGBT laws have laws on the books for straight people too. No women traveling alone without a male escort, Women must cover their heads/ arms/legs etc; No kissing or public displays of affection, Couples who are not married not permitted to share the same room. Women don\’t have any rights apart from a male family member. Those of us who choose to travel to places with these laws need to obey the laws or at least be discreet. I don\’t have any desire to travel to these places. I just don\’t think I would enjoy myself if I have to walk on eggshells all the time to avoid being arrested or harrassed. It is up to you.
pete
September 28, 2016 at 1:52 am

I believe in voting with your wallet. If it is an oppressive country where you could be thrown in jail for being yourself, I’d skip it.
In a simple example, Chick Fil A gives tons of money to their anti-LGBT causes. I choose not to eat there and have a portion of my money go to support those causes. Do they care? No. Millions of people eat there. I can sleep better at night. And this is a restaurant, not a country that could throw you in jail or execute you.
Plenty of other places on the planet that welcome LGBT travelers. Homophobia is everywhere – but when it is state sponsored…no thanks.
Mark Weber
November 10, 2016 at 4:47 pm

What I learned from this article is that other foreign country’s need to accept people for who they are and not judge a book by its cover people can’t help there sexuality. Foreign country’s like Dubai and many other’s need to make a law that LGBT people can be free in there country’s.

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