I just came across this article…
15 Most Dangerous Countries For Gay Travelers
Insider Monkey
September 13, 2020
While things have drastically improved across the West for the LGBTQ, even now many countries across the world are not so receptive, including the 15 most dangerous countries for gay travelers. Click to skip ahead and see the top 5 most dangerous countries for gay travelers.
The world is made up of hundreds or thousands of cultures, norms and beliefs. This is why while one culture may believe in one thing, the other decries it. The same is true for homosexuality. While some cultures encourage it, others accept it silently while other still consider it one of the most heinous crimes possible.
However, even a few decades ago, homosexuality was considered taboo and frowned upon across most societies in the world. Even in the global superpower known as the United States, coming out as gay can often still lead to devastating social consequences, despite the LGBT civil rights movement which led to all 50 states legalizing same sex marriage between 2004-2015. However, more and more people are now feeling accepted when they come out, as shown in the percentage of people who knew homosexuals, which was just 24% in 1983 and 73% in 2001. This will steadily keep on improving as its generally the elder population which is more conservative and against homosexuality. The acceptance also varies strongly among states and you’ll have a better idea if you check out 11 states with the biggest gay population in America.
As a trans person I look on this a guide but realize that these are do not hold true for us and that it also depends up how well you can pass, whether you trans or lesbian or gay.
I like to quote the 2015 US Trans Survey…
Visual non-conformity is a risk factor in causing anti-transgender bias and its attendant social and economic burdens.In other words those who can integrate into society will face less discrimination and violence than those who cannot.
The article doesn’t even mention the former Iron Curtain countries nor South America countries. From our Transgender Day of Remembrance the names from countries like Brazil make up the majority of the murders of trans people. It also makes a difference if you are a trans woman or a trans man, at a TDoR how many trans men have you heard that were murdered?
The article The Worst (& Safest) Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in Asher & Lyric has tips for trans travelers…
8 tips from a trans travel expert
Aaron Edwards, an FTM trans travel blogger, shares the following helpful tips on staying safe while traveling.
1. Remember to bring all your documents
If possible, try to travel with documents that reflect who you currently are. (Or as close as you can be given the laws where you live) Photo, name, gender marker, etc. AT MINIMUM, make sure your photo reflects how you currently look.
2. Research your destination thoroughly
Read up on local laws regarding LGBTQ+ people. Some places are much more restrictive than others and it is better to know your rights and not need them than to be stuck in a jail cell somewhere.
3. Knowing your next bathroom stop is must
Always know where your next bathroom stop will be or have a backup bathroom plan in case you are not comfortable with the situation.
4. Some destinations are best to avoid
Do your research and know which locations are best to avoid.
5. Have a letter from your doctor handy at the airport
If you are on HRT (hormone replacement therapy), always try to bring a doctor’s note to keep with your medication in your bag in case you have issues with airport security.
6. You will probably be questioned
Brace yourself to be questioned. A lot of cultures are known for their bluntness. Even people who pass extremely well can get stopped and asked questions based on documents, appearance, etc.
7. If possible, travel with a friend or a group
When in doubt, be with people. There is safety in numbers, especially if they are your friends and people who will stand up for you if it is needed. This applies whether you’re on a camping trip, staying at Airbnbs or at regular hotels.
8. Network via LGBTQ+ Facebook groups
Join transgender or LGBTQ+ related Facebook groups. It is an easy way to find other trans people who LIVE where you are traveling. They can give you their personal experiences, ideas of places to go, or even offer to hang out with you and give you a local tour.
Overall I found this research by Asher& Lyric to be really great. The good old land of the free only gets a B-. My first thoughts on reading this article on your site is how dangerous it can be for Trans folks in this country. One need only to count our dead in November and know where this country ranks. I also thought the 30 Trans women murdered in the U.S last year might as well have been murdered in Nigeria, (top dreadful place) as dead is dead and being murdered is being murdered. I have no plans to travel but found this survey to be very helpful in seeing how it is around the world. How do our people fair in other places. I think that is the most important idea I took from this research. I don't give on rats bottom if L and G folks can get married, but if folks can get a job, be sheltered, have enough food and water and have respect from all people not just by law. One other interesting thing I found was where the thieving hordes of the British Empire roamed that their Christian interpretations were put into practice by law. All in all this is a great work and Asher & Lyric should be given an award.
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