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New lgbtq+ safety report ranks trans friendly travel destinations.

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Transgender rights are under attack in the United States and throughout the world. In the U.S. alone, there are currently more than 500 active anti-trans bills , and 83 that have been passed in 2023. The situation is even more grim in countries like Uganda , where being trans could result in a death sentence.

Journalists Lyric and Asher Fergusson—who run a travel site dedicated to safety—recently published a report called “203 Best (& Worst) Countries for Trans Rights in 2023,” which examines the state of transgender rights around the world. It’s a helpful resource whether you’re a trans traveler, a LGBTQ+ traveler—or just want to be an ally in the fight for global equality.

As lifelong allies of the LGBTQ+ community and avid global explorers, the Fergussons felt like there weren’t enough resources for LGBTQ+ travelers, which is why they started tracking safety for gay travelers in 2019 and have continued expanding and updating the report each year as new laws are introduced.

A new LGBTQ+ safety report ranks trans-friendly countries around the world. Pictured here: Cassandra ... [+] the Queen delivers an emotional speech and performance during a Trans Rights Are Human Rights Rally on June 25, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

They created the new trans safety index because there are even fewer resources for trans people than for the general LGBTQ+ community. “We want trans people to feel supported, seen and—most importantly—to be safe,” Fergusson told me in an interview. “We hope that this study is one step in the right direction toward increasing global trans visibility and awareness.”

The Highest Ranked Countries

Coming in at the top of the list as the most trans-friendly country on earth is Malta, a small island country that has consistently led the way in rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people in Europe and around the world.

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“Malta was the first country in the EU to add protections for gender identity to their constitution, which is huge for trans people,” says Fergusson. “Trans people can change their legal gender ID starting at age 16 without needing to file an application in court or obtain parental consent, and it was announced in 2022 that sex reassignment surgery would be free for citizens at some point in the future.”

A rainbow-painted park bench to celebrate diversity and gay rights in Malta, which is the highest ... [+] ranked country in the world for trans rights.

Rounding out the list of top five countries for transgender rights: Portugal, Canada, Sweden, Bolivia, which all have protections for LGBTQ+ people in society and allow for a legal gender identity change without the requirement of medical transition.

But Fergusson makes the point that while legislation is a step in the right direction, even the highly ranked countries have work to do, since many trans people still face intense discrimination and violence.

Also, according to the Trans Murder Map project , five of the top 10 countries on the list still had trans murders. “Trans people, even in the ‘best’ countries in the world, can feel frustrated by the ranking because it doesn’t always mean that the lived experience matches the legislation,” says Fergusson.

A scene from an LGBTQ+ Pride parade in Lisbon, Portugal, which is the second most trans-friendly ... [+] country in the world.

Trans Rights in the U.S.

According to Fergusson, one of the big surprises in creating the report was the ranking for the United States, which comes in at number 40. “Many are surprised by the United States’ ranking, and plenty of people think it should be way higher or lower,” says Fergusson.

Trans identity has also become a huge political talking point in the U.S., but unfortunately—says Fergusson—“it does seem like the discourse around trans rights appears to be regressing, not progressing.”

That said, Fergusson points out that the experience can vary: A trans person in San Francisco, for example, will have a wildly different quality of life than someone living outside major cities with large LGBTQ+ communities.

“Every country will have different experiences depending on where you live, but few have as much diversity as the U.S.” says Fergusson. “Our studies aim to be as objective and standardized as possible, which can be difficult for a country as large and diverse as the United States.”

The Pride flag flies during the 53rd Annual San Francisco Pride Parade And Celebration on June 25, ... [+] 2023. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images)

The Lowest Ranked Countries

On the other end of the spectrum are the lowest-ranked countries around the world, places where being trans can put your life at risk, whether you live there—or are visiting.

The lowest-ranked place in the world is Guyana, a country on South America’s north Atlantic coast. “Guyana is at the intersection of no discrimination protections, no ability to change legal gender, ‘cross-dressing’ was criminalized until recently and high murder rates per capita,” says Fergusson. “Vague laws about homosexuality and LGBTQ+ rights carry punishments including imprisonment. Legislation has been proposed to change these laws in the last decade, but it appears that change is slow-moving.”

According to Fergusson, there could be a case for many countries being worse than Guyana when it comes to trans rights. For instance, Uganda made headlines recently when it changed its laws. “The recent Uganda ruling is disappointing, not just for trans people but for the whole LGBTQ+ community,” says Fergusson. “We would like to hope that the world is getting progressively more accepting and safe for trans people, but this is simply not the case everywhere. Uganda is even risking sanctions and diplomatic ties to institute these laws.”

However, Guyana’s high murder rates pushed it down the rankings to the last spot on the index. “As much as we’d like to say, ‘Well, this country seems worse’ or, ‘This country has a worse public sentiment based on anecdotal evidence,’ we do our best to be objective and let the laws and data speak for themselves,” says Fergusson.

Guyana’s ranking also opens up a meaningful dialogue about trans laws and lived experiences. “Guyana may not have the same highly restrictive laws about gender expression and identity as other countries,” says Fergusson, who points out that many countries often force people into the “global closet,” a phrase used to describe how millions worldwide simply can’t live “out” without fear of imprisonment or death. At the same time, these highly restrictive countries report fewer trans murders.

“It begs the question,” says Fergusson. “Are there fewer trans murders because people aren’t safe to be ‘out’ and thus aren’t attacked for their sexuality or gender identity, or are the trans murders simply not reported at all?”

A gay pride rally in Budapest, Hungary, where trans legislation has been changing.

Trans Rights: The Changing Landscape

When researching this report, Fergusson says he was surprised by how few transgender laws exist worldwide. “Many countries don’t even address gender identity in their legislation at all, whether through deliberate omission or a simple lack of awareness,” he says. “This lack of legislation potentially puts hundreds of thousands of trans people in a terrible limbo for much of their lives. Some people in countries with confusing or no laws have been able to lobby the courts to change their legal gender on an individual level, but this process is confusing, expensive, and often doesn’t go anywhere.”

One example of a place with confusing legislation is Hungary, which changed its laws in 2020 to prevent people from changing their legal gender ID and upheld that law in 2023. “This means that trans people who applied before the law change are recognized, but anyone who has attempted to apply since can’t get that legal gender ID recognition,” says Fergusson. “Situations like this are frustrating for trans people, who are often left waiting for the next legislative change to move forward with their transition and their lives.”

Ultimately, education is vital. “The battle for equal rights is far from over and, in fact, hasn’t even begun in many countries,” says Fergusson. “June’s Pride month of celebration is a great time to reflect on and support the global LGBTQ+ community, many of whom are facing severe consequences for simply existing.”

Read on for the top 20 countries in the trans safety index, as well as the 20 lowest ranked countries.

The capital city of Valletta in Malta, which is the highest ranked country in the world for trans ... [+] rights.

20 Highest Ranked Countries For Trans Rights

• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Netherlands

A view of Georgetown in Guyana, which is the lowest-ranking country in the world for trans rights on ... [+] a new report.

20 Lowest Ranked Countries For Trans Rights

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Afghanistan
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Ranked: 20 Best Cities To Live In The World, According To A New Report

• Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World In 2023

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The Unique Anxiety of Traveling While Transgender

By Kam Burns

People tend to look at me funny when I tell them I love flying, but it’s true. I always have. I've gotten my packing process down to a science and airports give me an excuse to put my phone on airplane mode for a few hours and catch up on reading without distraction.

But as I left for a recent work trip, I was unable to ease my travel anxiety. My palms were sweaty, I felt vaguely nauseous, and the closer I got to the airport, the more my heart began to race. It was my first flight since I started my transition, so for the first time in a long time, I had no idea what to expect. Every trans person I know has an airport story, often involving an inadvertent misunderstanding with a TSA agent, others with more intentional malice and discrimination.

As it turned out, my experience ended up being pretty uneventful. When the agent scanning my boarding pass examined my passport, a flicker of recognition crossed her face before she let me go without a word. I went through the body scanner knowing I would probably be fine because I’ve had top surgery, and I was right. I’m one of the lucky ones.

Flying When You’re Trans or Gender Non-Conforming

ProPublica recently reviewed all data that’s publicly available regarding complaints against the TSA and found that five percent of civil rights complaints filed with the TSA between January of 2016 and April of 2019 were from trans and gender-nonconforming individuals, despite the fact that we make up less than one percent of the population. And that was just of the people who chose to report.

The TSA body scanners that are used in standard security protocols in airports were not designed for people with bodies that aren't gender-normative. TSA agents have just a few moments to hit a blue or pink button before a person steps into the machine. If there’s a penis or breasts where the machine thinks there should not be, an alarm goes off.

As of this year, TSA agents are now required to partake in training on how to work with transgender passengers. But resources are limited, so the training simply consists of a 30-minute online program, and the level of turnover in the TSA is high, with an approximate 17 percent attrition rate. Of the 174 people who spoke to ProPublica, one woman reported that after asking to be patted down by a woman, she was refused and instead patted down by two male agents. Others reported being forced to show their genitals to TSA agents. Some felt as though they're assigned agents based on the gender they identify as, while others felt as though how they identified was not respected.

For any trans or gender non-conforming individual , being aware of the potential for any of these possibilities can cause anxiety before one even sets foot in an airport. But there are ways to make the experience a little less stressful without foregoing air travel altogether. And if you’re an ally, there are ways to support your trans and gender non-conforming friends so they feel safer in their travels.

Things You Can Do to Prepare and Feel More At Ease

If you fly frequently, consider getting TSA PreCheck. Your line to get through security will generally be shorter, which will give you more time to deal with any issues that might come up. You’ll have an expedited screening process and the perk of not having to take your shoes off in an airport, according to the TSA website . However, it does cost $85 for a five-year membership , so if that's prohibitive for you for whatever reason, there are other things you can do to ease anxiety.

If you’re a less frequent traveler (or even if you’re not), it’s a good idea to make sure you're packing and preparing correctly for your trip. Make sure you know what you can and cannot take in your carry-on, wear comfortable shoes, and double-check any items you’re unsure of. If you have a medication that requires syringes (like testosterone), have the prescription on hand so you can show an agent if the syringes are flagged.

For those who choose to wear a packer, a binder, or any other restrictive or enhancing garment, know that there’s a chance it will set off the machine. If that happens, respond as directly as possible and in a straightforward way. For example, if you’re wearing a binder, pull the agent aside and say, “This is a chest binder I wear to make my chest appear smaller, because of my gender identity and presentation.” Having a prepared response in advance can alleviate anxiety, and if you can provide an answer with confidence, you may be able to avoid further questioning. If the TSA agent continues to make it difficult for you to move forward, providing concise yet honest answers will also likely give you more success in filing a complaint later.

How to Be Helpful If You're a Cisgender Person Traveling With a Trans Friend or Loved One

If you’re cisgender and traveling with someone who is trans, be mindful they experience things you don't have to deal with or think about. Talk to them before booking travel if you're planning the itinerary, as some airports and airlines have better reputations with trans customers than others. Ask if they would like you to intervene should a case of misgendering come up. Go through security together, if possible, and if they have asked for your help, advocate for them when and where you can. In some cases, there won’t be much you can do (as people are often pulled into separate rooms if security is an issue), but just knowing there is a friend nearby can make things a little easier.

If you or a friend ends up having a negative or unsafe experience, it’s important to know your rights. The National Center for Transgender Equality has a guide on who to talk to and how to file a report in the case of discrimination. There’s even an app called FlyRights that will let you file a report from your phone immediately.

By Aliza Kelly

By Sarah Madaus

By Marci Robin

The way transgender people are treated in airports is unfortunately just a symptom of a much larger problem. Unfortunately, lack of awareness around gender is a huge issue, and though it's one that extends outside of the baggage claim, TSA body scanners and airports are designed for a binary society that puts anyone outside of the norm at risk. Luckily, there are people working to make those changes on a more systemic level. But in the meantime, do what you can to take care of yourself and your friends.

Read more stories about gender identity on Allure :

• Why I Marked "F" as the Gender on My License Even Though I'm Nonbinary
• What Reading Tarot Taught Me About Gender
• What It's Like to Be Transgender and Face Dysphoria and Body Dysmorphia at the Same Time

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Flying while Transgender or Non-binary? Here are 9 Travel Tips for How to Go Through the TSA Security Checkpoint Hassle-Free. (Updated for 2023)

Are you like I was? Excited to travel, but worried and not sure what to expect at the airport? As transgender women and gender non-conforming folx, we’re all too aware of the anxiety that can arise as you enter an airport.

This guide is full of things I wish I knew years ago. These simple, proven tips are the culmination of hours of research, customer feedback, and stories from community members and activists. Let’s dive right into some proven ways to make the air travel experience a little easier...

The 9 Ways To Make Trans Air Travel Less Stressful:

• Be prepared: know your rights as a traveler and how to communicate with the TSA
• Consider signing up for TSA Pre-Check
• Allow extra time to go through the TSA security check
• Make sure your airline reservation matches your ID card
• Pack medical supplies within reach in your carry-on in a resealable plastic bag
• Carry documentation for your prescriptions
• Complete and bring a discreet notification card
• Know what to expect from body scanners
• Be prepared for a pat-down
• (BONUS!) The Importance of Planning Your Destination + 3 Trans-friendly Travel Destinations

Quick Note: The Unclockable Tuck Kit is not expressly TSA-approved, nor has it been reviewed by the TSA for approval. The information on this website is not legal advice. You can find our full disclaimer statement here.

#1: Be prepared: know your rights as a traveler and how to communicate with the TSA

First, take a deep sigh of relief: Most of the time, trans people are able to proceed through security without incident.

In fact, The Federal Aviation Act prohibits such discrimination by airlines against passengers. That said, it’s always best to be cautious and to know your rights when traveling.

As a general rule, assume you’ll be required to undergo additional screening. This may not happen, but planning ahead for this "worst-case scenario" can reduce stress in the event that something does go wrong.

This section helps answer some of the most frequently asked questions trans people may have about airport security. It provides steps you can take to prevent issues and how to address problems if they arise.

Here are some pointers for Trans folks communicating with TSA agents:

• Keep Calm, Polite, & Respectful: Trans passengers have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and discretion. The TSA has to respect your rights. In turn, it’s best for you to assert your rights in a positive and respectful manner. We strongly encourage you not to get in a confrontation with TSA personnel. Things could escalate quickly, and acting aggressively can result in serious consequences, and even criminal charges. This doesn't mean that you can’t assert your rights—just that you should do so in as calm and polite a manner as possible. If you have any problems, calmly request to talk with a supervisor right away.
• Assert Your Right to Privacy: You may request a private screening or speak with a supervisor at any time during the security screening process. If you do move to a private screening area, know that you’re entitled to bring your choice of a witness, be they a friend or travel companion. If an issue arises, state it calmly and request that TSA personnel take appropriate action. If TSA agents are unaware of your rights, you can point to signs with general information such as the right to refuse entry into a full-body scanner, which are often posted throughout the airport security area. If that’s not enough, you can direct them to the Trans Passengers page on the TSA website , which outlines their commitment to treating Transgender people with “respect and courtesy." We’ve also created a PDF of this page that you can download here.
• Stay Calm If Approached: You might be approached while in the terminal, even if you’re past the checkpoint. TSA officers are stationed all around the airport, and some of these roving agents are known as Behavioral Detection Officers (BDOs). These agents walk around looking for various behaviors consistent with those who are trying to conceal criminal activity. If these officers approach you, they may ask questions about your destination and luggage. It is natural to feel anxious if you encounter these officers. Unfortunately, from the perspective of the agent, sometimes such anxiety can make a traveler appear suspicious. When asked questions by BDO agents, give simple answers. Because of the potential for encounters like these to “out” trans people in unsafe ways, remember that it may help to openly share that you’re aware that you might appear anxious or suspicious. If you are a person who is being treated for anxiety, you can opt to discreetly share your condition by presenting a Discreet Notification Card (below), which can be printed at home or carried in a photo on your phone. Always remember that you can ask to speak to a supervisor if you encounter any difficulties.

How to Communicate Discreetly with the TSA

For the purpose of communicating clearly and getting back on your way as fast as possible, consider using a pre-printed Discreet Notification Card to disclose specific personal information like medical conditions, or other considerations quietly with TSA personnel.

Call ahead: If you have specific questions about screening policies, procedures, or what to expect at a checkpoint before a flight, call the TSA Cares helpline at (855) 787-2227. You may request the help of a passenger support specialist, who will assist you when you arrive at the airport.

#2: Consider TSA Pre-Check

The TSA Pre-Check™️ program offers what's known as "expedited screening.” This program gets registered travelers through security quicker, and with less hassle.

Although the program does not guarantee that body scans or pat-downs can be avoided, participants usually walk through a metal sensor instead of a body scanner and experience pat-downs less often. Conveniences like leaving your shoes and belt on are also a plus.

Eligible passengers can register directly with TSA Pre-Check by completing an online application and paying a fee. That fee is $85 at time of writing. Please note that during the approval process, you may need to disclose prior names, and/or your dead-name.

Registering with Pre-Check can be something of a hassle in itself— still, this option may be worth considering if you travel frequently.

#3: Give Yourself Extra Time

Airlines, run mostly by cis folks living inside the binary (#noshade) are often optimistic about the time it takes to get through the airport and onto your flight. For domestic travel, most airlines say that if you're not checking luggage, you want to arrive at the airport 60 minutes before takeoff. If you're checking luggage, they say to arrive with 90 minutes to spare. For international flights, they say you should give yourself two hours. But here's the thing: the TSA actually disagrees with a lot of this. So, what do they recommend?

Your “3-2-1” approach to stressing less in the airport:

• 3 hours before your flight: Arrive at the airport ticket counter to check in
• 2 hours before your flight: Be in line at the airport security checkpoint
• 1 hour before your flight: Be at the gate. (Watch some Netflix or listen to an audiobook if you get bored!)

This may seem like a lot of extra caution, but when you arrive at the gate with enough time to grab snacks and a coffee, you’ll feel like master of the universe.

#4: Make sure your airline reservation matches your ID card

First, I want to acknowledge that not all of us have our documents changed to reflect our gender. I know this can cause a lot of stress, but we’re going to share how to minimize this as much as possible.

Now, I know what you’re thinking…

What If My ID Is Different From My Gender Presentation?

According to Transequality.org:

“All passengers 18 years of age or older are required to provide proof of identity at check-in and at the security checkpoint.

Booking your Flight: TSA rules require that you provide your name, gender, and date of birth when making an airline reservation. The Secure Flight program checks the reservation information against government watch lists. The gender information included in your reservation is used to eliminate false matches with the same or similar names – not to evaluate a person’s gender. To avoid hassles, the name and date of birth included in your reservation should match the government-issued photo ID you will provide at the airport. If your tickets are being booked by someone else, you should make sure that the person booking your tickets uses the information on the government-issued ID you plan to use at the airport.

Going through ID Checkpoint: At the airport, TSA Travel Document Checkers will check as you enter security to ensure that the name on your ID matches your boarding pass. It does not matter whether your current gender presentation matches the gender marker on your ID or your presentation in your ID photo, and TSA officers should not comment on this.”

Bottom Line: when it comes to making reservations, be sure to book your flight with the same name, gender, and birthdate as the ID you plan to travel with.

The bad news: If your current ID has your dead-name on it, that’s the name you have to use when booking your flight.

The good news: It doesn't matter if your current gender presentation matches your gender marker from your ID, or the presentation in your photo!

#5: Pack medical supplies within reach in your carry-on in a resealable plastic bag

For easy access, pack medical items in a toiletry kit, resealable plastic bag, or a hard case. Medical items include medicines, hormones, and syringes. Keeping these items in a separate bag near the opening of your carry-on luggage makes them easier to inspect, and that means you’ll be on your way quicker! (It also ensures you’ll be able to reach them during the flight, if needed)

#6: Carry documentation for your prescriptions

If you travel with medicines or hormones in your carry-on, bring proof of prescription from a doctor. This could be in the form of a pharmacy reciept or a letter from your physician stating the items are medically necessary.

If you’re traveling with syringes, note that you’re required to declare them to TSA personnel at the airport checkpoint so they can be inspected. You can tell the TSA agents directly or use the Discreet Notification Card mentioned earlier.

It’s important to keep prescribed medicines and medical devices with the pharmacy labeling intact. Note: You may be asked to explain the purpose of these items. This is where a letter from your doctor does wonders. Most MDs don’t mind writing a few words, and presenting a letter means you get to avoid an awkward verbal exchange in a crowded airport.

#7: Complete and bring a discreet notification card

How much you disclose to the TSA is up to you. When traveling, I personally find discreet transparency to be the way to go. One option for quietly communicating with TSA personnel is to use a preprinted “Notification Card” to disclose a particular personal item, medical condition, or other information. This card can be printed at home or carried in a photo on your phone.

TSA agents are trained to recognize this card, and to take action to provide the appropriate screening procedures. Above is an example I’ve filled out. Yours can say as little or as much as you’re comfortable with. Download the Notification Card template from the TSA website here

#8: Know what to expect from body scanners

Image credit: trans fusion, the blog of dr. cary gabriel costello, an intersex trans male professor at the university of wisconsin-milwaukee and and advocate for transgender and intersex rights..

Much has been written about the body scanners used at the checkpoint, and the ordeals and delays they’ve caused in the past. The software used in these systems has been revised several times since it’s introduction, but the options given to the operator of the machine are still binary: they require the agent to select from blue-for-boy or pink-for-girl scanning options.

The scanner looks for "anomalies" under the passenger's clothing that are "incongruent" with the operator's selection.

The image above shows what a TSA agent will see when many trans women go through a scanner: an "anomaly" in the groin area, which sets off an alarm.

Does Tucking Help Avoid The "Groin Anomaly" At The Scanner?

Tucking can help. here's how rose’s tuck kit made her return flight much less stressful:.

Ethics statement: Rose traveled safely with Tuck Kit prior to working with Unclockable on this partnership basis. Her story is authentic and represents her actual experience in the airport. Rose’s follow-up video sharing her experience and featuring our Tuck Kit was a paid ad.

Why might tucking help a trans woman avoid the groin anomaly issue? Well, the machine is looking for something down there . . .

When tucked, a trans woman's physiology —in this case the contours of her groin— will better match the pattern for "female". When we say pattern, we mean it will match what the programmer at the TSA encoded into the scanner software, where clearly there was a choice made that defined "female" as a person without a penis. This binary software choice effectively erases trans, intersex, and gender non-conforming people, but that's a topic for another post.

For the real nerds, here's more on the TSA's "Advanced Imaging Technology"

"(AIT) is TSA’s term for devices it uses to scan the contours of the human body to look for things under a person’s clothing that might be dangerous items. All TSA scanners are now equipped with software called Automatic Target Recognition (ATR). ATR analyzes the scan image of the body and displays an outline of a generic person with the location of anything the software identifies as an “anomaly” or "alarm" that TSA agents need to look at more closely. With ATR, according to the TSA, images of a traveler’s actual body are never viewed by humans.

TSA will not disclose details of how ATR detects anomalies, however in some cases, ATR software can register body contours not typical for a person’s gender as anomalies. Foreign objects such as prosthetics, binding garments, or even paper or change left in a pocket will commonly register as anomalies requiring further screening. Often this consists of a limited pat-down of the area(s) where an anomaly was detected, however it can potentially involve a complete pat-down."

You may opt out of AIT scans at any time, but if you do opt out of AIT screening, you will be required to undergo a thorough pat-down.

Source: transequality.org

#9: Be prepared for a pat-down

If the scanner sets off an alarm, you may be asked to step aside for a pat-down. Remember: Per TSA rules, you are able to request to any pat-down conducted in private, and you are legally allowed to bring a companion along.

You can’t be asked to remove your gender-affirming prosthetics or garments. According to the TSA website, trans travelers should never be asked to lift, remove, or raise an article of clothing to reveal or remove a prosthetic item. Ask to speak to a supervisor if a TSA officer asks you to reveal a prosthetic item.

Wearing a wig? If TSA personnel want to do a screening of your wig or hairpiece, you may request that a pat-down be limited to your hairpiece or that you be permitted to pat the area down yourself.

#10: (Bonus!) Plan Your Trip Carefully

Trans woman & YouTube star Gigi Gorgeous (video below) made headlines when she was detained at an airport in Dubai in 2016 for two hours and denied entry to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) for being Transgender. That’s right. In Dubai, trans folx are literally unwelcome. Critics of Gigi are quick to comment that it is “common knowledge” that LGBTQIA+ people in the UAE face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT people. In fact, according to Wikipedia, ”all sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage are criminalized in the UAE.” Suffice it to say that Dubai is definitely not a trans-friendly destination, and clearly, planning ahead can help you avoid a situation like the one Gigi faced.

Where to Go: 3 Trans Friendly Travel Destinations

New Orleans, Louisiana

NOLA makes this list because it hosts a number of gay and trans-friendly events throughout the year. This city has a uniquely diverse history: Freed slaves, French, Caribbean, and Spanish immigrants have made NOLA a melting pot that’s less a Southern metropolis than a town wholly its own, inclusive of all. For a more bookish experience, check out the Saints and Sinners literary festival that takes place every year in May.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is the LGBTQIA+ capital of Ireland. The Irish celebrated marriage equality in late 2015, thanks in part to the work of Rory O’Neill, who fiercely rallied supporters as her drag alter ego, Panti Bliss. Here’s an LGBTQIA+ travel guide to Dublin.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is home to one of the world's greatest—if not the world's best—Pride festivities, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which takes place annually in February.

Enjoy your flight 🛫

Have a question or a story to share? Or even a travel tip that we didn't mention here? Let us know in the comments below!

Further Reading:

What can i do about discrimination at the airport.

If you experience discrimination at the airport, here's what you can do. From Transequality.org:

• You have the right to file a complaint. Both the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have separate civil rights offices that accept complaints of discriminatory treatment by TSA. You may file a complaint with either office or with both.
• Information and an optional form for filing complaints with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties can be found here: http://www.dhs.gov/file-civil-rights-complaint . Fill it out and email it to [email protected] , or, if you cannot save the form, email the same information it asks for to that address.
• Information and an optional form for filing complaints with the TSA Office for Civil Rights and Liberty can be found here: http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/civil_rights_liberties . You can submit a complaint by sending the form or an email containing the same information to [email protected] .
• We encourage you to file complaints immediately after the incident, or as soon as you are able, and provide as many details as possible. You should include the airport, date, time, and as much information about the incident and people involved as possible.
• Also consider sending a copy of your complaint to [email protected] to help us better understand the problems facing trans travelers and advocate for improvements.
• You can @AskTSA on Facebook or Twitter , however we do not recommend this as a substitute for filing a formal complaint.
• You may also contact TSA prior to travel through “Talk to TSA” or the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289- 9673 and [email protected] . Here are some Tips / Suggestions on what to say:
• I experienced an AIT alarm in the [groin/chest] area that was apparently caused by my being transgender.
• I experienced an AIT alarm in the [groin/chest] area that was apparently caused by my being transgender and wearing a chest binder.
• I can imagine no other reason for this alarm to have occured./There was no foreign object there, just my own body.
• Describe the pat down and/or other additional screening you received as a result and how it made you feel.
• While the officers were polite and appeared to be just following procedure, this experience caused by TSA's scanners was not acceptable.
• [If applicable:] This is not the first time this has happened to me./This happens to me regularly.

TSA & Department of Homeland Security Links

Additional Reading: TSA Transgender Passengers page: https://www.tsa.gov/transgender-passengers TSA Security Screening overview: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening TSA 3-1-1 Liquid Guidelines: http://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule TSA Traveler Notification Card: http://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf TSA Traveling with Children Overview: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children TSA Pre-Check Overview: http://www.tsa.gov/precheck/ TSA Contact Information for Advance Travel Questions:

• TSA Cares Hotline (for medical questions): 1-855-787-2227
• TSA Contact Center: 1-866-289-9673 and [email protected]
• “Talk to TSA” webform: https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/information

DHS Civil Rights Complaint Information: http://www.dhs.gov/file-civil-rights-complaint TSA Civil Rights Complaint information: http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/civil_rights_liberties

Sources for this blog post

Disclaimer statement: the content on this post is provided "as is;" no representations are made that the content is error-free. the information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. this website contains links to other third-party websites. readers should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. no reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed..

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fiona mayfair on March 22, 2023

I work for a major US airline and one of only a few transgender personnel but also act as a liaison between the company and the community. Something that I helped develop for persons who have to use a legal name which may be different than their appearance is to call customer care or see a gate agent and ask for an other special service request for a preferred name to be used.

While your legal name will still be printed and will most likely be paged, the flight attendants and other personnel who have access to those special service requests will see them.

It’s not perfect, but it’s something .

Odette on August 07, 2021

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Passing Thru Travel

How Transgender Travelers Are Revolutionizing the Tourism Industry

Posted: April 17, 2024 | Last updated: April 17, 2024

Ever wondered how a travel guide could both tickle your funny bone and expand your worldview? Neither did I, until I stumbled upon the fascinating ways transgender travelers are reshaping the tourism industry. This isn’t your grandma’s travelogue, folks. Buckle up for a journey through the unexpected, the eye-opening, and the downright inspiring, peppered with a dash of wit that even your cynical cousin can’t help but smirk at. We’re about to embark on a roller coaster ride of insights and innovations, proving that when it comes to tourism, the status quo is so last season.

1. Pioneering Inclusive Spaces

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dmitry Kalinovsky

From boutique hotels to mainstream resorts, the travel industry is finally getting the memo: one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it anymore. Transgender travelers are leading the charge in advocating for accommodations that not only respect gender identity but celebrate it. It’s not just about slapping a rainbow sticker on the lobby door; it’s about creating spaces where everyone can truly relax, unwind, and be themselves.

2. Demanding Better Safety Standards

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov

The days of playing it safe are over—literally. Trans travelers are pushing for higher safety standards, and destinations are listening (or learning the hard way). It’s not just about adding more security cameras; it’s about training staff, implementing inclusive policies, and fostering a culture of respect. Because let’s face it, the real adventure should be in your travel itinerary, not in navigating discrimination.

3. Transforming Travel Marketing

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tint Media

Forget the cookie-cutter family ads; the future of travel marketing is as diverse as it gets. Trans influencers and advocates are taking over the spotlight, showcasing destinations through a lens transcending traditional gender norms. This shift enriches marketing content and challenges stereotypes, inviting everyone to explore the world on their own terms.

4. Advocating for Gender-Neutral Facilities

Image Credit: Shutterstock / John Arehart

The quest for gender-neutral bathrooms and amenities isn’t just a political statement; it’s a practical one, especially in the travel context. Trans travelers lead the conversation, urging airports, hotels, and attractions to adapt. It’s a move that benefits not just the trans community but families, disabled individuals, and anyone who values privacy and convenience.

5. Revolutionizing Loyalty Programs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Stefanovic Mina

Gone are the days when your gender dictated your travel perks. Thanks to the advocacy of trans travelers, loyalty programs are becoming more inclusive, ditching gender-based assumptions for rewards that actually matter to the individual. Think personalized experiences over generic freebies, proving that loyalty isn’t about demographics—it’s about recognizing each traveler’s unique journey.

6. Encouraging Cultural Exchange

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com

Trans travelers are not just tourists; they’re ambassadors of cultural exchange, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding across borders. By sharing their stories, they’re enriching their travel experiences and enlightening the communities they visit, proving that travel is indeed the ultimate education.

7. Rethinking Travel Documentation

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ken Durden

Navigating travel documentation is a bureaucratic nightmare for many, especially for trans individuals. However, the tide is turning, with more countries and airlines adopting policies that respect gender identity, from X gender markers to simplified name change procedures. It’s a win for privacy, dignity, and hassle-free travel.

8. Shaping Eco-Friendly Travel Trends

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Borri_Studio

Sustainability is the buzzword, and trans travelers are at the forefront, advocating for eco-friendly practices that go beyond ditching plastic straws. From supporting local economies to choosing sustainable accommodations and transport, they’re proving that responsible travel is not just possible but essential.

9. Elevating the Solo Travel Experience

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Travel man

Solo travel is being redefined thanks to the trans community, highlighting the importance of self-discovery, autonomy, and the freedom to explore without constraints. It’s a powerful reminder that the best travel companion is sometimes yourself.

10. Expanding Family Travel

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Yaroslav Astakhov

Family travel is getting a much-needed makeover, moving beyond the nuclear model to embrace all kinds of families. Trans travelers lead by example, showing that family trips can be inclusive, enriching, and fun for everyone, regardless of how or with whom you define family.

11. Innovating Travel Tech

Technology is the great equalizer, and trans travelers are leveraging it to create safer, more inclusive travel experiences. From apps that rate destinations on LGBTQ+ friendliness to virtual reality experiences that preview destinations, tech is making travel more accessible for everyone.

12. Championing Accessibility

Image Credit: Shutterstock / SARATSTOCK

Inclusivity goes beyond gender; it’s also about ensuring travel is accessible to all. Trans travelers are vocal advocates for disability rights, highlighting the need for accessible travel options catering to diverse needs and abilities.

13. Influencing Travel Education

Image Credit: Shutterstock / frantic00

Education is key to understanding, and trans travelers are educating the industry on the importance of sensitivity training, cultural competency, and anti-discrimination policies. It’s not just about creating a safe space for trans travelers but enriching the travel experience for everyone involved.

14. Inspiring Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mazur Travel

The road less traveled is getting new footprints, thanks to trans travelers who are exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and sharing their unique perspectives. It’s a call to adventure that challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and discover the undiscovered.

15. Advocating for Inclusive Event Planning

Image Credit: Shutterstock / lucky boy studio

From conferences to retreats, event planning is undergoing an inclusivity overhaul. Trans travelers remind organizers that diversity goes beyond the guest list, encompassing everything from programming to facilities, ensuring every attendee feels welcome and valued.

16. Pioneering New Travel Literature

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pranithan Chorruangsak

Move over traditional guidebooks. Trans writers and bloggers are penning a new chapter in travel literature, offering insights and advice that speak to a diverse audience. It’s a refreshing take that makes travel more accessible, informative, and inspiring for all.

17. Fostering Global Community

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mircea Moira

In the age of social media, trans travelers are building a global community, connecting like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploration and advocacy. It’s a digital nomad’s dream, creating networks that span continents and cultures.

18. Leading by Example

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nikita Burdenkov

Ultimately, transgender travelers lead by example, demonstrating the power of living authentically and traveling courageously. They’re not just changing the game; they’re redefining it, proving that the journey of self-discovery doesn’t have to end when you reach your destination.

The Future is Inclusive

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sabrina Bracher

As our whirlwind tour comes to an end, it’s clear that transgender travelers aren’t just navigating the world; they’re changing it. With each passport stamp and boarding pass, they’re rewriting the rules of the road, proving that travel is for everyone. So, the next time you pack your bags, remember: the most impactful journey is one that embraces diversity, champions inclusivity, and celebrates the unique stories we all bring to the table. Happy trails, fellow trailblazers.

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The Liberating Power of Solo Travel As a Trans Woman

Solo travel as a transgender woman can be a joyful, liberating experience — here's one writer's experience.

Much of the writing about traveling while transgender is decidedly negative. I would know — I've written some of it. Travel as a trans person can be frustrating, heartbreaking, and even dangerous; from the indignities of airport TSA checkpoints to the constant stares in small towns to outright discrimination and violence, there's much to persuade one to simply remain safely and comfortably at home. But those struggles are not the whole story; solo travel as a transgender woman can also be an incredibly joyful, liberating experience.

Trans Invisibility

When I touch down at an airport or cross over into a city's limits, I have an opportunity I don't get at home: anonymity. I get to be just another face in the crowd, a stranger — an outsider because of my origin, not exclusively because of my gender.

One of the reasons gender transition can be a traumatic experience is because even supportive friends and loved ones knew you as a different person — often for much longer than they've known you as your current self. Despite their best efforts, they'll likely continue to think of you as that person until a considerable effort has been made or amount of time has passed. But when I introduce myself to someone in a new city or country, they only know the name, gender, and backstory I give them.

Omission of unnecessary truths is a soothing reprieve from reality, but it gets better: There are also few, if any, consequences if I outright lie. To my new acquaintances, I'm a professional travel writer, a copyright lawyer, and a singer-songwriter. I essentially have carte blanche to creatively remake myself in every new location, to try on new identities if I choose — and then, whether or not it works, I'm off to the next location, nothing but a fabulous memory.

Trans visibility is a frequent media discourse item. But one of the primary joys, for me, of travel? Trans invisibility .

Activism Through Existence

According to many mainstream narratives about trans lives, including much of that made by trans women ourselves, we're essentially doomed . We're destined to hardscrabble lives of ostracization and struggle, desperate for love, but unable to find it, and at consistent risk of murder. No wonder so many people are terrified their kids will be trans and want to prevent this by making it illegal . In February of this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott called on the general public to report the parents of transgender minors receiving gender-affirming medical care, stating in a letter that it's "child abuse."

Depending on who you listen to, trans women of color have a life expectancy of only 30 or 35 years . Though this statistic is spread primarily by allies and even members of our community, it's not only untrue , but it's a damaging falsehood with major unintended consequences.

I've been thinking a lot about that statistic, lately. I turn 35 this year.

Just by not dying in the next few months, I'm providing a counter-narrative. By getting out into the world, I'm evidence that there's hope. I am a trans woman of color and I'm happy. I have a great job and am on vacation traveling the world. I occasionally have access to and enjoy nice things. By existing, I'm living proof that being trans isn't anywhere close to the worst thing that one can be. I always hope a young trans or questioning child will see me out and about, smiling, laughing, and thriving, and question what they've been taught.

The Beauty of Trans Embodiment

I've been to Rome and Florence; to Santiago and Bogotá; to Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Washington, DC. But my favorite travel experiences have been far outside major cities.

Whether backpacking through Yosemite to the top of El Capitan, trekking through the jungles of Colombia to the "Lost City," or standing less than 30 meters from a herd of wild elephants in Mole National Park in Ghana, my primary motivation when traveling is to experience nature. Doing so both adds beauty to my life and reminds me of the power and pleasure of trans embodiment.

The aforementioned mainstream narrative also says trans people are all "born in the wrong body" and experience life-threatening body dysphoria. It's often even required to self-report as much in order to access transition-related medical care. Now, that is true for many of us. But not me. I love my trans body.

It takes me across the world. And by traveling, I write a love letter to my body just by being in it and continuing to walk the Earth. When I'm in nature, I'm at peace. There's no criminalization, no discrimination, no discourse. Just animals, trees, and mountains — and me, walking or hiking among them. I'm treated by nature as a human being without qualification. Active embodiment like this is, for me, the purest form of self-love.

I'm not interested in sugarcoating reality. I have countless extra preparation steps to make when I travel — for my own safety — that most cisgender people will never have to consider. And yet, I prioritize travel because in doing so I experience the joy and liberation those who hate me would love to see me denied. Traveling solo as a trans woman, like transition itself, carries risks. But it also carries exhilarating potential — and in both cases, taking the risk has always been worth it.

Trips can bring joy to trans travelers. Here are tips to make the most of your getaways.

Travel can be frustrating and complicated for anyone, but for transgender people there’s an entirely separate list of considerations to add. It can take some extra research and planning to make sure trans travelers are going somewhere they won’t be targeted during vacation.

According to research from Booking.com , 74% of trans-identifying travelers say they feel like some destinations are off-limits to them because those places are potentially unsafe.

“Do your homework and make sure it’s going to be safe for you,” C.P. Hoffman, senior policy counsel at the National Center for Transgender Equality told USA TODAY. “There are a lot of places in the world where people are incredibly transphobic.” 

But that doesn’t mean there’s no trans joy in travel. It does mean, however, that finding that joy can take a little extra preparation.

What are the biggest barriers for trans travelers?

Airports can be especially fraught for trans travelers, with both security checkpoints and passport control presenting potential points of conflict.

“The way that (the Transportation Security Administration has) the software built, it makes assumptions as to items of clothing, body parts, etc., based on whether the TSA agent pushes a blue button for if they think you’re a boy or a pink button for if they think you’re a girl,” Hoffman said. “If they push that pink button, it’s not going to flag that you’re wearing a bra, and if they push that blue button it’s not going to flag that there’s a little bit more stuff in the front of your pants.” 

But if TSA agents push the wrong button for a trans traveler, the result can be a more intensive security screening, including a pat down in some cases.

“It’s deeply, deeply frustrating,” Hoffman said. “It’s something that a huge number of trans people know that if they go to the airport, they’re just going to have to deal with this.” 

Hoffman acknowledged that such issues are becoming less common over time.

Going through customs and even renewing their passport can be an exercise in frustration for trans travelers too. Even as the U.S. allows nongendered identification markers on official documents now, Hoffman said using them isn’t always the best choice for everyone.

“Do you want an ID that identifies you to whoever will be seeing it as trans?” Hoffman said. “Passports are the things that nonbinary folk end up going with a binary gender marker on because a lot of us are worried about just what might happen in a foreign country.” 

Beyond that, concerns about safety rank high for trans travelers. 

Barber said 87% of transmasculine (male presenting) and 89% of transfeminine (female presenting) travelers feel they have to consider the safety landscape of the destinations they want to visit. 

“They do face a disproportionate rate of violence, of hate crimes than the rest of us do,” Kristofer Barber, Booking.com’s director of global communications, told USA TODAY.

How can trans travelers optimize their travel experiences?

Even with some extra obstacles to navigate, trans travelers can go and experience joy in many places.

Hoffman and Barber both said that the key to great travel, especially for trans folks, is to connect with the destination’s local queer community and try to have authentic experiences. 

“Search the local groups in the area and see if there’s cool, queer clubs that are around and what the great stuff is locally that people go to,” Hoffman said. “There are things that don’t end up in the Rick Steeves guidebook or whatever.” 

For example, Hoffman said they’re planning a trip to Uruguay to visit an “extremely queer beach” they read about in a novel . 

“The beach is a real place," they said. “These lesbians from Montevideo found this little space for themselves away from the city where they could go and be themselves.”

Hoffman added that Uruguay is routinely ranked as one of the most queer-friendly travel destinations in the world. It was among the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage nationally. They also said they've been taking tango classes with their partner at the Uruguayan Embassy and found the environment there very welcoming.

Hoffman also offered some practical tips.

To avoid those more invasive pat downs, they said, trans travelers can enroll in the PreCheck program, although they acknowledged that it’s frustrating to need to pay extra.

“You go into a different line where they don’t use those same machines,” Hoffman said. “Basically, all the trans people I know who travel frequently, especially for work, they’re like, ‘this is a tax on trans people, I just have to do this in order to not be harassed all the time.’”

They also said it’s important to remember to pack necessities like medicine in carry-on bags.

“If you’re on hormone replacement therapy, put that in your carry-on so if your bag is lost or delayed, you won’t find yourself without access to your medicine,” Hoffman said.

In general, Hoffman said, understanding the culture of where you're visiting is important to having the best experience.

“I definitely want to make sure that I’m safe for wherever I’m going," they said. "At different points, that’s meant different things. Earlier in my transition, that would mean appearing a way I didn’t necessarily appear every day while going through airport security so I wouldn’t have to deal with the (hassle) ... or making sure I do research so I can know how receptive the local community is to queer people flirting or being smoochy in public.”

Barber added that many brands like airlines and hotels are trying to boost their inclusive profile, and said it could make for a better travel experience to seek out those brands when possible.

Cruising Altitude: The fastest way to board planes is an option you'd hate

What are the best destinations for trans travelers?

While firm data doesn’t exist on the most trans-friendly destinations specifically, Booking.com’s data shows that New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles are among the most welcoming domestic destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers more generally, and Kyoto, Japan, Nice, France; and Chiang Mai, Thailand, are among the best for queer travelers abroad.

Hoffman also said they’ve recently heard of more queer travelers visiting Latin America and Canada.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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Explore > Company > News > Traveling While Transgender in 2020

Traveling While Transgender in 2020

UPDATE: This article was refreshed in June, 2020 with new information on updated TSA regulations, US state-licensed, non-binary identities, and more. A new link to the Orbitz LGBTQ Welcoming Hotels hub page was also added in February, 2021.

Mark Twain once famously said, “ Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime. ”

By public acclaim, the evidence for this appears to be true, or at least it is so for those who have the wealth, privilege and social position to travel.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice” – Mark Twain

But what about those who are outside of the social mainstream, especially those whose gender identity might not match their original birth certificate designation or even the physical features of their face and/or body? For them, the enlightenment and joy of travel presents a host of difficult obstacles that most gender normative people have never considered.

As an American transgender woman myself who has traveled, both before and after transitioning, I’d like to share some of the experiences we face so that you, as a potential ally to our community, may both better understand and help to make our voyages as enjoyable as yours.

Transgender traveler concerns

Public travel today is a far more complicated experience than it was in the past. The needs for heightened security on public transportation, especially in the air and at sea, has led to very strict, invasive security measures that are an unpleasant annoyance for most folks, but can be profoundly humiliating to the trans community. We face such issues as:

1. TSA Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scans that reveal our bodies in which many of us have so much shame

2. Aggressive, invasive and intimate TSA pat-down searches

3. Going through TSA checks with body prosthetics

4. Traveling with prescription hormone medications (especially injection supplies)

5. Traveling before our ID has been updated for name and gender

6. Getting misgendered (sometimes intentionally) by airline and hotel staff or TSA officers

7. Being forced to sit for an extended period of time next to someone who is overtly transphobic

8. Public humiliation or overt outing by TSA officers, travel services staff or hotel front desk staff

9. International (or domestic) travel to destinations where transgender people are not socially or legally accepted in their identified gender, especially when the travel is required for work

It doesn’t begin and end at the airport, either. Even taking road trips by car can be a source of deep worry over issues such as:

1. Traveling to/through a place that is hostile to trans people (by legislation or culture, both inside the US and international)

2. Having to visit public rest stops, stores, restaurants, and gas stations in unfriendly areas on road trips

3. Facing confrontations for using the public restroom of the gender in which we identify while traveling

4. Visiting potentially unwelcoming rural areas vs. the anonymity of large urban areas

5. Going to public swimming pools, saunas or into public changing rooms

6. Being confronted with verbal abuse and, all too often, unthinkable physical violence by intolerant, local people

7. Traveling for a variety of transgender surgeries where, on the return trip, we will appear/be different than when we departed

For the trans community, all these issues and more are significant obstacles to be prepared for, dealt with, and overcome, one at a time, over and over. You simply cannot know how much mental and emotional energy it takes for trans people to get ourselves ready to leave our safe space and venture out into the unknown. It can be excruciatingly hard.

How to cope as a trans traveler

But trans people need not abandon the personally enriching experiences of travel in their lives. While the safe world is quite a bit smaller for us, there are still places we can go and things we can do to both protect ourselves and our civil rights as traveling citizens.

1. Know your rights!

Review the  TSA Transgender Policies webpage and install the  FlyRights  app on your mobile device.

2. Consider applying for TSA PreCheck membership

The TSA PreCheck application process runs a thorough background check on all applicants. As a result, the level of trust TSA has in TSA PreCheck-identified passengers is greatly elevated, and reportedly this benefits the process of transgender passengers passing through airport security with less hassle due to lessened scrutiny at the security gate. There is a cost for this, however. For a 5-year membership, it’s $85. The Trusted Traveler program includes TSA PreCheck and other pre-screening programs that can be bundled together to help assist international travelers shorten their wait to see Customs officers.

3. Remain positive, gracious and respectful while working with TSA officers

Be so at all times in your interactions. Calmly answer all reasonable questions directly. Never shout or threaten a TSA officer. Jokes are highly discouraged as well. The goal is to get through the security screening process safely and quickly with minimal hassle, then be on your way. If necessary, calmly ask for a supervisor if the interactions with TSA officers become unreasonable.

4. Consider self-identifying to the TSA as transgender

You may consider privately self-identifying as trans to a TSA officer before going through their millimeter wave advanced imaging technology screening booth (they choose between separate, binary-gender image screening settings and “unexpected anomalies” may raise a red flag, resulting in a more thorough, body pat-down search )

5. Opt-out of body scanning

You can opt-out of the AIT body screening and ask instead for a pat-down search.

6. Carry a TSA Notification Card

Consider carrying a  TSA Notification Card if you carry prescribed, injection medications or wear a prosthesis .

7. Ask for a pat-down in private

If you are selected for a pat-down search, you can ask for it to be done in a private screening area with a witness or companion of your choosing.

8. Ask for a same-gender officer as you identify for a pat-down

You can ask for a TSA officer of the same gender as your gender identity to perform the pat-down search.

9. Let TSA know if you are wearing prosthetics

You may wish to self-identify if you are wearing prosthetics prior to a screening or pat-down. If you are asked to either show a prosthetic or a body part, or lift, raise or remove any clothing, ask for a supervisor. Note that if the prosthetic alarms in the screening, the TSA requires that you conduct a self-pat-down followed by an explosives test of your hands. If those results are positive, a more thorough pat-down will be conducted, but still under the same rules as above.

10. Politely correct accidental misgenderings

Politely correct a person who initially misgendered you by mistake. If you are repeatedly misgendered or are shown disrespect, calmly ask for a supervisor.

11. Ask for a TSA Supervisor

If need be, calmly ask to speak to a TSA supervisor at any time.

12. Ask for a private luggage check screening

If your carry-on baggage is selected to be opened, you may ask for a private screening.

13. Bundle all prescription medications & supplies in one bag

If you are packing  prescription medications , including hypodermic needles and hormones, inside your carry-on bag, TSA regulations require you put them all together in a separate bag, preferably in their original packaging with prescription labels.

14. Gender presentation is not relevant to your ability to travel

How you present, gender-wise, is not relevant to your ability to travel. The only thing that is relevant is matching your ID documents’ name and gender marker to your reservations. The TSA cannot reject you for your gender presentation.

15. Update your ID photo

If necessary, consider updating your government photo ID with a current photo if you haven’t had a legal name change.

16. Update your legal IDs if you have legally changed your name

If you have legally changed your name and/or gender designation, follow up by updating your driver’s license, passport, and TSA PreCheck card with new personal identity data. Note that many US states have now begun enabling their citizens to select alternative gender designations to the binary options of female and male, and more are planning to follow suit. Also, at the time of this post update, a bill has been brought before the US Congress proposing that the US State Department allow alternative gender markers on US passports.

17. Make travel reservations using your legal name

Make your flight reservations in the name based on the legal ID documents you will bring to the airport for your flight. They must match, as required per law.

18. Make travel reservations using the gender marker on the ID you’ll use

Like with your name, you’ll need to make your flight reservations using the gender marker based on the legal ID documents you will bring to the airport for your flight. They must match. Note that per the TSA, there are several forms of identification you can use. This includes your REAL ID , a secure, state-issued identification (in some cases known as an enhanced driver’s license or EDL). But as noted in an earlier question above, some US States offer alternative gender markers beyond the binary, while US passports are still (as of this post update) only offered in binary gender markers. In addition, some airlines also accept alternative gender markers. So here’s the key to making this complex system work:

• Domestic only travel. If you are flying within the US only, you can use the gender marker listed on your REAL ID to book your flight. Present your REAL ID at airport security for your ID. The new deadline date for getting a REAL ID is October 1, 2021, so if you don’t get your driver’s license upgraded to a REAL ID/EDL by that time or you don’t bring another approved form of ID with you to the airport, you will not be allowed to get through security!
• International travel. If you are going to cross any international border, even Canada or Mexico, on your trip, you will be required to use your passport instead of a REAL ID, and thus be required to book your flight using the gender marker on your passport. Even if you have a US connection in the same trip, it’s still part of the international flight trip, and the passport supersedes the REAL ID.

19. Consider carrying medical letter for HRT & gender

You may opt to carry a copy of your medical letter for prescription hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender designation.

20. Consider bringing a medical letter for other medical supplies

If you are bringing dilators or syringes in a carry-on, it may be helpful to bring a letter of medical necessity.

21. Consider carrying your name change court document

You may also consider carrying a copy of your name change court order document. You might also consider carrying your old ID just in case.

22. How to file a complaint for mistreatment

If need be, you can file a civil rights complaint with the  TSA and/or  DHS immediately after the incident or as soon as possible afterward.

23. Stay at known LGBTQIA-friendly hotels

Stay at hotels and resorts that are explicitly LGBTQ friendly. Orbitz has a huge number of them in our lodging inventory, one of the largest LGBTQ-Welcoming hotel inventories in the travel industry , and that list continues to grow weekly.

24. Travel to known safe destinations for LGBTQIA people

Consider traveling to known  LGBTQIA-safe country destinations , or known  LGBTQIA-safe cities in North America .

For additional details, check out  Know Your Rights: Airport Security  by the National Center for Transgender Equality .

Advice for service workers who interact with trans travelers

So much of the above puts the onus on trans people to be compliant with and aware of the regulatory rules and laws as well as standing up for our rights against discrimination. However, for transgender allies and just kind-hearted people who work in government jobs in TSA, Customs, and law enforcement, as well as workers in the travel and hospitality industries, there are things you can do as well to help make our travel experience be so much easier. This includes:

• Be discreet about bringing public attention to someone who may be transgender.
• Avoid using gendered salutations, such as “sir”, “ma’am”, “Mr.”, “Ms.”, “gentleman” and “lady”, in your speech, especially if there is any possibility of perceived ambiguity in the person’s gender expression.
• Discreetly ask the traveler how they want to be identified (including their personal pronouns , name, salutations, etc.).
• Never ask a transgender person deeply personal questions about surgery, genitalia, medications, their “real” name, or anything else not relevant to their travel.
• For TSA: Proactively provide options to the traveler on who can do a pat-down search if one is needed.
• Treat transgender people with the same respect and dignity as you would any other person.

Ultimately, transgender travelers are just travelers. We travel because we have to be somewhere else and have to use public transportation facilities and services to get there. Along the way, we may have to visit the bathroom. This is no different than anyone else. If you show us the same respect and dignity that you expect from us, everything will be so much easier for everyone involved.

Travel can be such a positive, even life-changing, experience. In a perfect world, transgender travelers, like everyone else, would share another one of Mark Twain’s musings resulting from the amazing experience of travel: “ There is no unhappiness like the misery of sighting land (and work) again after a cheerful, careless voyage. ”

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#TravelingWhileTrans: The trauma of returning to ‘normal’

As flights take off again, trans travelers detail past experiences and call for change in tsa protocol.

When preparing for an upcoming flight, most transgender people would far prefer simple stressors like zipping shut an overstuffed suitcase or remembering to pack a cellphone charger. Oftentimes, though, traveling while trans means carrying a lot of other baggage — worrying about verbal and physical harassment, toting medical equipment and prosthetics, and generally wondering how safe a destination is for trans people. Perhaps the most stressful step of all happens before the journey even begins: passing through airport security checkpoints.

For trans people, trips to the airport commonly conjure serious anxieties about millimeter wave scanners — which routinely trigger false alarms about trans bodies — and the repeated discrimination trans travelers have experienced at the hands of the Transportation Security Administration.

Concerning reports about TSA’s treatment of travelers with marginalized genders date back nearly 20 years to the early days of the federal agency, which was established in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. In 2019, a ProPublica investigation found that trans travelers are frequently subjected to “pat-downs” of genitals, misgendering, pressure to expose private body parts and invasive screenings. Such stories have become so widespread that there is a hashtag — #TravelingWhileTrans — that travelers have used to share encounters with TSA.

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“Whether it be by perceived gender, race, ethnicity, religion or disability, the TSA has a long record of singling out and terrorizing folks who are just trying to catch their plane,” says Shawn Thomas Meerkamper, senior staff attorney at the Transgender Law Center , in an email.

Currently, as the hospitality and transportation sectors focus on the “return to travel,” many trans travelers are feeling anxiety about once again lining up at airport checkpoints.

“There’s always anxiety when you travel, but it’s amplified by knowing I’m going to have this unique experience,” says Jessica Wadleigh of the Portland, Ore.-based independent press Zines & Things. “As I’m planning my trip, I’m simultaneously planning how I’m going to interact with airport personnel: How am I going to handle it this time?” she tells me.

This past spring, Wadleigh published a zine titled “ #TravelingWhileTrans ,” in which she detailed several traumatizing incidents with TSA agents at Portland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Its release coincided with the vaccine-driven travel resurgence and a key TSA milestone.

With this year marking two decades since the TSA’s creation, I spoke to more than a dozen trans activists, policy experts and travelers who say the agency has failed to meaningfully address these widely established problems . The past year’s activism against the discrimination embedded in America’s policing systems has only intensified calls for more sweeping changes. “It is long past time for TSA to de-gender its screening processes,” Meerkamper says.

TSA horror stories are commonplace in the trans community

More than 40 percent of trans travelers have experienced a problem at airport security checkpoints simply due to being trans, according to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). Respondents reported misgendering, pat-downs and being required to expose their undergarments or bodies. It’s for these reasons that NCTE publishes TSA resources to help transgender people navigate airport security.

This is “not only a matter of personal dignity,” says Olivia Hunt, senior policy counsel for NCTE, in a written statement. “While that is a factor, the main reason why it is a problem for a Transportation Security Officer to misgender someone, or otherwise draw attention to their status as transgender or nonbinary, is that it potentially exposes them to verbal and physical harassment from other Transportation Security Officers, airport personnel and their fellow travelers.”

Every trans person I spoke to for this report shared traumatizing episodes with the TSA, which makes the prospect of post-pandemic air travel especially fraught. “Traveling pre-covid was simply hard being a trans disabled person of color,” writes poet , performer and educator Kay Ulanday Barrett in an email. “The level of policing can just be harassing, hurtful and time consuming. Let’s say you go on a vacation or have to see loved ones; the obstacles beforehand are an onslaught of discouragements.”

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These experiences make many trans people apprehensive when thinking about booking a flight. “I definitely am not super comfortable going through TSA because I pretty much always set off the scanners as having some sort of ‘anomaly,’” says Rosalynne Montoya, a model, actor and public speaker who more often goes by Rose. While traveling from Phoenix to Los Angeles to visit their partner, Montoya had to navigate their latest humiliating experience with TSA, which they shared in a viral TikTok viewed by millions. Their videos have sparked yet another conversation on social media about how commonplace such incidents are.

“I don’t feel safe. I don’t expect TSA agents to have my best interests at heart,” Montoya says. “I’ve been sexually assaulted, groped, grabbed, forced to remove my clothing [at TSA checkpoints]. I remember those times every time I go through TSA.”

They recently purchased TSA PreCheck in the hopes of a smoother screening process through metal detectors instead of the millimeter wave scanners, but PreCheck does not eliminate the risk of pat-downs. So Montoya remains “really hesitant to fly” because of these “horrible memories” at security checkpoints.

Treating trans bodies as threats — it’s by technological design

Everyone who flies to and within the United States must pass through airport checkpoints that are more invasive than many other countries. The TSA’s public guidance to trans people states these screenings are “conducted without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability.” However, the system requires TSA agents to make a snap binary decision about a traveler’s gender every day.

New York recently became the latest state to pass legislation for gender-neutral state identification . But for the TSA, it does not matter if a trans person’s gender is correctly marked on government IDs, as the machines are “built on a [cisgender] binary system that requires TSA screening officers to make a determination of gender based on a passenger’s visual presentation prior to screening,” a TSA spokesperson says in a written statement. That takes the form of a blue “boy” button and a pink “girl” button that agents tap as you approach the machine.

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In their 2020 book, “ Design Justice ,” the scholar Sasha Costanza-Chock shares their own TSA encounters to detail how gender nonconforming people experience the TSA’s “advanced imaging technology.” After pressing one of the pink or blue buttons, the scan of your body will be algorithmically compared to two binary models: one based on a cisgender man with a penis and without disabilities; another based on a cisgender women with breasts and a vagina and without disabilities. When the artificial intelligence (AI) finds someone’s anatomy does not match what’s coded into its algorithm, yellow boxes pop up on the corresponding parts of the digital model body, indicating that agents must search you there.

“What that means is for a lot of trans or gender nonconforming people, you are going to get flagged by the system for being ‘nonnormative,’ for being ‘nonconforming,’ because the shape of your body is likely to fall outside the assumptions of that construct,” Costanza-Chock says. In other words, the system operates as if trans, intersex and gender nonconforming travelers do not exist.

‘Security theater’ might not keep anyone safer

The TSA acknowledges the burden its systems place on trans travelers. “TSA is committed to treating each traveler with courtesy and respect,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “The agency regularly engages with transgender/gender diverse communities while seeking to mitigate the impacts that advanced imaging technology screening can impose on these travelers.”

The advanced imaging technology does not harm the trans community alone. Reports have, for example, documented how TSA scanners repeatedly flag Black people’s hair — particularly Black women’s — as suspicious. This means the system places an even greater burden on Black trans people.

The TSA confirms it is exploring “appropriate and effective security screening technologies and procedures not predicated on binary gender identification,” the spokesperson said, without committing to any timeline or sharing details of such plans.

Some say that amounts to taping a tiny bandage to a much larger wound. “I don’t think that just including trans people’s bodies or Black people’s hair or other marginalized communities in the models of risk assessment in millimeter wave scanners is the solution,” says Costanza-Chock, who notes that the problem of systemic transphobia, racism and ableism goes much deeper than the online training TSA agents receive or the AI’s data set.

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The question of whether to keep this system in place is one the agency seems to have been asking itself, as its own secret investigations have proved that its screening systems might not be effective at keeping the public safer. In 2015, for example, a leaked TSA report found that security checkpoints at America’s busiest airports failed to catch 95 percent of bombs and weapons secretly smuggled by undercover investigators. Similarly, countries such as France and Germany have avoided using millimeter wave scanners because of the false positive rates exceeding 50 percent and the overall high operating costs. It’s why some critics and former agents say the TSA practices “security theater,” not security .

For these reasons, experts increasingly call on millimeter wave scanners to be removed — especially when the TSA already implements alternative screening measures such as PreCheck , which typically does not employ advanced imaging technology.

While the TSA did not answer questions about any specific changes or reforms it has made in the past several years, Costanza-Chock sees hope in the rising calls for change. “We’re in a real moment of reckoning in terms of people’s understanding of how race and gender and disability and other forms of structural inequality are being built into technology,” they say.

“We need to gather together across the different communities that are harmed — and people who don’t face this experience but want to be in solidarity with us — to demand some shifts from TSA and from airport security systems.”

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

Transgender Travel Safety Guide and Resources

By Soren Rivero

Some countries around the world have seen a rise of progressive acceptance towards members of the LGBTQ+ community within the past few years. But while more places have become more tolerant of different sexualities, the world at large still remains an unsafe place for transgender people. Thus, specific precautions must be taken to maintain safety while traveling as a transgender person.

This guide will provide a brief rundown of some precautions transgender travelers can take to help stay safe..

Research the Destination

Research the Area You’re Going To + Surrounding Areas

How to stay safe as a transgender tourist is a difficult enough question to answer, as it relies on you knowing the laws of your target destination. The issue becomes even more complex when layered with other personal features such as race, appearance, country of origin, assigned gender at birth, and others. The best thing that you can do for yourself or another’s safety is to do ample research on wherever you travel, particularly about their LGBTQ+ laws . It's also good to remember that you must adhere to the laws and regulations of the country you're in, regardless if you're a tourist and/or how you identify. Though some places may be more lenient towards foreigners due to embassy issues, that doesn't at all mean that you're 100% safe. Always do your research before travelling.

You'll also want to consider researching the surrounding areas as well. Your vacation might take you through multiple states or cities, and while your target destination may be trans-friendly, another city you pass through may not. To help avoid any unwanted conflict, we highly recommend sticking to traveling to destinations that are well-known for being LGBTQ+ friendly .

Keep All UPDATED Documents on You

A general safety tip is to make sure you have all necessary travel documents on you available at all times. This includes your ID and passport among other items. Make sure your name, gender, photo, and country of origin are updated to match your government-issued photo ID. If the items are not updated with your current name, photo, and gender, then please make the necessary steps to update those to avoid any issues while at the airport or in another country. Any items that are not matching (e.g. the gender on your passport does not correlate to the gender on your ID) may cause issues when traveling.

It’s also important to know that Airport Body Scanners are designed to check “anomalies” on a person, which can mean things like binders, prosthetics, or generally any item that is deemed as "suspicious." These items may be flagged for removal or disposal if it does not match the traveler’s assigned-gender. Some airports around the world are more lenient and will allow you to pass with these items. Just be aware that certain types of prosthetics, clothing, jewelery, etc. might require extra checking. Other items such as gel-filled prosthetic breasts may be considered a medical necessity and not subject to the three-ounce liquit limit. Again, be prepared for extra inspection.

Should you need (or want) a Pat-Down instead of going through a Body Scanner, be aware that you will more than likely be assigned a TSA officer that matches your gender representation. Use your best judgement when asking for specific help if need be.

Let Someone Know Where You Are

Always let someone you trust know where you are. This can be a close friend, family member, lawyer, partner, or travel buddy. All it takes is a simple call, text, or other form of e-communication. It is vital that your designated emergency contact will know where you are headed. There are even built-in tools on most phone to share your location, so be sure to take advantage of them.

Some additional tips: Take pictures of where you are if you feel unsafe. Let your emergency contact know who you were with, at what time, and what you were wearing. The more details, the easier it would be to find you if something were to happen.

Consider Buying Travel Insurance

Opting for insurance is always recommended when it comes to travel, but it's especially important for LGBTQ+ travelers due to increased risks of hate crime and ridicule. Insurance can help cover medical evacuation and other emergencies that may happen while abroad. We definitely recommend transgender travelers to consider getting travel insurance— especially if you're traveling to a country that's not LGBTQ+ friendly.

Philippines Embassy in the U.S. (Washington D.C.)

Be Aware of Embassies

Some countries may treat tourists differently to avoid dealing with a foreign embassy, which makes it vital to know where your country’s embassies are whenever you travel abroad.

If you are a United States citizen/national traveling abroad or living in a foreign country, you can take advantage of the FREE Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which enrolls your trip to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in whichever country you are visiting!

Take an Objective Look at Your Appearance

Preface: This next step requires you to be completely honest and rational in your decision making. This section is by no means advocating for you to change who you are or how you choose to express yourself. Rather, it is intended to keep you safe by providing information about laws and social norms around the world that might get you into unwanted trouble.

A shocking number of countries put specific targets on transgender (and other LGBTQ+) folx simply for the way that they look. As sad and unfortunate as it is, this is the harsh reality that we live in. If you feel like your safety is in jeopardy at anytime while travelling due to your sexuality or gender, please try your best to not draw attention to yourself. Your safety should be prioritized before anything else.

Aside from not drawing attention which could result in hateful remarks or assault, it is also downright illegal in some countries to wear clothing that does not match one’s assigned gender at birth. For example, Saudi Arabia issues up to three years in prison (criminal offense) for cross dressing or "imitating the other sex" in terms of attire, behavior, appearance, and speech. Please be sure to learn about your destination's dress codes ahead of time to avoid unwanted problems.

Person Holding Transgender Flag

PDA, Gestures, Signals, and Methods of Communication

Being a tourist doesn't mean you can behave in a way that is not in line with the standards. It's just a matter of kindness to respect the behavorial norms and cultural traditions of anywhere that you visit. With that being said, you have to be more cautious as an LGBTQ+ traveler. Certain places have set forth societal expectations purposely designed to eliminate LGBTQ+ representation. If not adhered to, the results can be quite unpredictable. For example: because same-sex marriage is illegal in some countries, public displays of affection could result in taunts, assault, or even arrest. Be mindful of your gestures, behaviors, and speaking patterns.

Additional Resources: * Crisis Abroad (24/7 EMERGENCY Hotline for Travel): 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 * Human Right's Watch Country List * Official U.S. Department of State LGBTQ+ Travel Flyer * ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws Across the Globe (FREE Downloadable PDF available in multiple languages!) * National Center of Transgender Equality - Airport Security * Asher & Lyric Fergusson

Please don't let the information in this article deter you from living out your travel dreams – everyone deserve to have access to safe travel. Though there are extra precautions for LGBTQ+ – particularly transgender – travelers, there are still tons of places around the world that are LGBTQ+ friendly, and some may even surprise you!

Updated as of February 2023

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Know Before You Go: Tips for Transgender and Nonbinary Travelers

For people whose gender identity doesn’t match the one assigned to them on their birth certificate, dealing with air travel can present a host of obstacles. here’s what u.s. travelers need to know about flying outside of the binary..

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The Transgender Pride Flag consists of five horizontal stripes: two light blue, two pink, and one white.

Illustration by Shutterstock

If you’re a transgender or nonbinary traveler, making your way through the airport can feel like a journey in itself. Different airlines and airports enforce varying policies when it comes to harassment and discrimination, but all air travel requires in some way that travelers “declare” a gender as part of their identification. For transgender people and nonbinary folk (those whose internal sense of self isn’t exclusively male or female), this means effectively outing yourself to every TSA official you encounter.

To offset the anxieties that come with navigating the airport as a transgender or nonbinary person, it can be helpful to know what to expect before traveling in order to prepare your documents and review your answers to security questions. These tips will give you the information you need to make smart decisions and figure out what works for you while preparing for air travel.

Navigating gender markers on travel documents

According to the U.S. State Department website , changing the name or gender marker on a U.S. passport requires submitting a DS-11 application form complete with a recent form of government-issued identification and a passport-appropriate photo (both of which must resemble your current appearance), proof of legal name change (for those changing their names), and a medical certification indicating that you have received—or are in the process of receiving—clinical treatment for your transition. Templates for this medical certification, which must be signed by a licensed physician, can be downloaded from the government agency’s website . It’s important to note that a description of the specific “treatment” is not required in the medical certification and need not be limited only to gender confirmation surgery—the State Department intentionally leaves it open for interpretation.

Still, some trans women have reported encountering unexpected roadblocks in getting their names and gender markers changed on their passports in the United States. In these cases, it took the intervention of a sympathetic politician to sort out a simple bureaucratic error. It’s unclear how widespread this problem is, but just in case, nonbinary and trans people hoping to use their correct names and gender identities on their travel documents should start updating their passports well in advance of their intended travel date.

Whether or not you’re able to change your name and gender marker, the main thing is that your passport photo somewhat matches your actual physical appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly since starting your transition, you may want to renew your passport with an updated photo and carry an additional piece of I.D. that matches the information on your passport. (Across the United States, rules regarding name and gender changes on drivers’ licenses vary. The National Center for Transgender Equality has a helpful search tool that spotlights policies specific to each state.)

While the United States doesn’t currently offer gender neutral passports, many other countries do provide some variation for travelers who don’t identify with the the “male” or “female” binary gender options. For instance, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Malta, New Zealand, and Pakistan also have an “X” category, while India, Ireland, and Nepal provide various third gender options. My Canadian passport has an “X” (undetermined), along with an “M” (male). Sure, it’s a bit of an unsatisfying compromise, but there’s still something reassuring about having a government document that acknowledges my nonbinary identity.

Flight tickets

Earlier this year, Airlines for America (A4A) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that starting June 1, 2019, both major trade organizations would allow airlines to offer two new gender options for travelers booking flights: “U” (undisclosed) or “X” (unspecified), in contrast to the previous binary system consisting of “M” (male) and “F” (female) titles only. Following the update, all five major airlines in the United States—United, Alaska, American, Delta, and Southwest—announced that they plan to shift toward more inclusive gender options for travelers.

This spring, United Airlines became the first U.S. airline to provide gender neutral options in its booking process. (This change came with newly implemented training sessions for United employees—offered by the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project , an organization devoted to mental health advocacy for LGBTQ youth—which cover topics such as gender discrimination and use of preferred pronouns.)

Although the rest of the aforementioned airlines maintain plans to add the new gender options, most currently have no timetable for the update. All the same, the real test will be in how transgender and nonbinary people are treated in real life while traveling.

Getting through airport security

TSA pat-downs and scans

Security scans and pat-downs are infamous among transgender travelers. At U.S. airports, TSA requires passengers to go through a full-body Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanner that operates on a binary gender system—it’s programmed to read certain bodies in certain ways and to see any “irregularities” as signs of danger. As you can imagine, this poses problems for some trans people, for whom a bulge in the “wrong” place is often misperceived as a security threat. (Before each passenger enters the machine, a TSA agent must press a blue “male” or pink “female” button so that the device’s Automatic Target Recognition software can detect “anomalies” not consistent with the passenger’s assigned gender.)

If an “anomaly” is detected, the AIT machine will ring an alarm, which means you’ll have to receive additional screening before passing through airport security—often in the form of a pat-down. For some people, this can be an uncomfortable experience of public humiliation. According to the TSA website , travelers can intially request a pat-down instead of an AIT scan, which avoids the potential embarrassment of the alarm (even though the end result of a pat-down is the same). You can also request an inspecting TSA agent who matches your gender identity, and you can request to have the pat-down conducted in a private area with a companion of your choosing.

Packing medications, prosthetics, and implants

Most airlines and airports will allow you to travel with medications and supplies in your carry-on, although they should be packed in a separate bag within your luggage. For transgender travelers who inject their hormones, it’s best to pack any medical syringes alongside their corresponding medications and to try to keep the pharmaceutical label intact. The TSA website also advises travelers to declare any syringes or dilators to inspectors before going through security and to travel with proof of the medical necessity of the item(s).

Transgender travelers wearing chest binders or prosthetic devices may need to undergo Explosive Trace Detection (ETD), or swabbing. (Implants should not pose any issue.) The National Center for Transgender Equality states that travelers are not required to “lift, remove, or raise an article of clothing to reveal a prosthetic item and should not be asked to remove it.” According to their website , if a TSA officer asks you to reveal a prosthetic item, you can ask to speak to a supervisor. You can also ask to be screened in a private room. Still, this whole process can be time-consuming, so make sure to arrive early to account for delays.

Transgender or nonbinary travelers with questions about medical equipment and devices can call the TSA Cares hotline in advance of their trip at 1-855-787-2227.

The most important thing to keep in mind

Airports can be unsettling spaces for everyone but especially for trans and nonbinary people—and particularly for trans people of color. Airports are not simply binary spaces; they are also under heavy security. The important thing to remember is that there’s nothing “wrong” with you or your body. There’s no reason for people to be seeing you as a threat, and you have every right to demand respectful treatment. As with any negative customer experience, if you have any issues with airline or TSA personnel, you can report it .

Remember, navigating the airport is just one part of the trip. For better or worse, your time there doesn’t have to define your travel experience. The rest of it is up to you.

>>Next: Seeing the World Through Rainbow-Colored Glasses

The 203 Worst (& Safest) Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023

Instead of relying on hearsay and anecdotes from other travelers, we took a deep look at LGBTQ+ rights, country by country. After 400+ hours of research, we’ve reviewed all countries’ individual laws and gathered data from a variety of trusted international sources to create the definitive “LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index” that will help you find the safest (and least safe) countries for your next trip abroad.

Our methodology

We ranked 203 countries with available data, and then carefully examined LGBTQ+ rights for each country. We created our LGBTQ+ travel safety index based on a total of ten ranking factors, each pertaining to the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals. We worked with academic researcher, Eliot Assoudeh PhD. , to design the methodology and cross-reference all data. We utilized a mixed-methods research design to create the index.

Note on Russia/Ukraine: Russia and Ukraine were included in this study. However, keep in mind that (as in all instances of political unrest), the most marginalized people in society are often targets . Please note that the situation for LGBTQ+ people is constantly evolving in the region.

Positive factors

• Legalized Same-Sex Marriage (0 to +50 Points) — Is same-sex marriage legal and equal under the law in this country? If marriage is not equal, are civil unions legal? If not, does the country legally recognize foreign LGBTQ+ marriages? We ranked the scores for this metric based on how many years same-sex marriage has been legal in this country with the highest possible score being 50 points. Civil unions and other types of partnerships received 25 points or less and were also ranked by the number of years they have been legal. Additionally, if a country only legally recognizes foreign LGBTQ+ marriages then they earned 10 points. Source: Recognition of same-sex relationships – Human Rights Watch , we also cross-referenced with Equaldex: Collaborative LGBTQ Knowledge Base
• LGBTQ+ Worker Protections (0 to +50 Points) — For the people living in that country, are there legal protections against discrimination in the workplace? 50 points were awarded for both sexual orientation and gender protection; 25 points were awarded for sexual orientation protection only. Additionally, if a country only recognizes limited rights for LGBTQ+ worker protections, then they earned 10 points. Source: LGBTQ+ Worker Protections – ILGA
• Legal Protections Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Discrimination (0 to +50 Points) — Are there either constitutional or broad legal protections of LGBTQ+ people in this country? Constitutional protections were awarded 50 points; broad protections were awarded 25 points. Additionally, if a country only recognizes limited protections against discrimination, then they earned 10 points. Source: Anti Discrimination Laws – ILGA
• Criminalization of Hate-Based Violence (0 to +50 Points) — Is anti-LGBTQ+, hate-based, or homophobia-inspired violence considered a hate crime in this country? Is hate-based, anti-LGBTQ+ speech considered hate speech? The existence of hate crime penalties received 50 points; incitement-only punishments received 25 points. Additionally, if a country only has limited criminalization of hate-based violence, then they earned 10 points. Source: Criminalization of Hate-Based Violence – ILGA
• Adoption Recognition (0 to +50 Points) — Is joint adoption and/or second-parent adoption legal in this country for same-sex parents? The recognition of both joint and second-parent adoption received 50 points, while only second-parent adoption recognition received 25 points. Source: Adoption Recognition – ILGA
• Gallup World Poll (0 to +100 points) — In the Gallup poll, individuals were asked, “Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place to live for gay and lesbian people?” The percentages represented and used in our metrics include those who said “good place” for that country. We gave this factor a double weighting (maximum 100 points) because it gives a very clear pulse on the general attitude towards LGBTQ+ people by locals in each country. If, for example, a country answered 92% positively to the Gallup question, then they were awarded 92 points. We use the most recently available data available for that country. Source: Gallup World Poll
• Transgender Legal Identity Laws (0 to +50 points) — The degree of legal recognition provided to transgender people varies widely throughout the world. We individually reviewed the laws for each country and asked the following questions. Does the country allow individuals to change their legal gender identity without requiring sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? If so, these countries were awarded 50 points or less depending on the details of the law. Does the country require SRS for people to qualify for legal gender change? If so, these countries received 25 points or less depending on the details of the law. Does the country have no rights for or against people legally changing their gender? If so, these countries received 0 points. Source: We reviewed individual laws of each country and Transgender Rights – Wikipedia

Negative factors

• Illegal LGBTQ+ Relationships and Acts (0 to -100 Points) — Can “sodomy,” “indecent acts,” or “buggery” result in punishments under the law such as physical violence, a fine, or prison time? Any possible death sentences or life-in-prison sentences under the law receive the maximum -100 point penalty. All other punishments were ranked by severity. We gave this factor a negative double weighting because the fact that homosexuality is illegal and can receive the death sentence means that the laws of these countries are extremely unfavorable for LGBTQ+ people. Source: Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws – Human Rights Watch
• Propaganda/Morality Laws (0 to -50 Points) — Are there laws sanctioned by the state to prevent the dissemination or publication of information about queer culture? Are there laws affecting the creation of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? This metric was graded based on the severity of the punishments with -50 points being the worst score. Source: Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws – Human Rights Watch
• Transgender Legal Identity Laws (0 to -50 points) — We individually reviewed the laws for each country and asked the following question. Does the country make it illegal for people to change their gender? If so, these countries were given up to negative fifty points depending on the severity of punishment. For example, in Oman, simply imitating the opposite sex gets up to 1 year in prison and this country received the full -50 points. Source: Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws – Human Rights Watch
• Transgender murder rates (0 to -100 points) — Countries were awarded zero points if they did not have any recorded transgender murders, but were deducted up to 100 points if transgender murders were reported through the Transgender Murder Monitoring website. Rates are per million citizens and occurred between 2008 and September 2022. Source: Transgender Murder Monitoring – TvT

To measure LGBTQ+ safety abroad, one cannot look only at data on whether or not same-sex marriage is legal and if anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination laws are in place. It also depends on the general attitude of the culture, minutiae of the legal system, and oppression of LGBTQ+ rights. These issues can affect everything, from your ability to show public displays of affection to being able to share a hotel room bed to the capacity at which you can use dating apps without being caught by the local police. A few items on our list, such as adoption recognition and worker protections, may not affect LGBTQ+ travelers directly, but these factors are a good indication of overall attitudes within the culture.

Study Limitations: Due to budget constraints, the methodology used in our index does not sample the actual experiences of LGBTQ tourists who have visited each country. One way we attempted to overcome this weakness was by utilizing the Gallup World Poll as well as looking at each country’s laws and any progress the country’s had in comparison with our previous years’ studies.

What’s changed for LGBTQ+ individuals over the past year?

Some of the positive highlights include:

• Cuba legalized same-sex marriage in September 2022.
• While gay marriage is still banned, Japan is making progress toward the acceptance of same-sex marriage, and gay couples can now register a domestic partnership as of November 2022. 
• Switzerland legalized same-sex marriage on July 1, 2022.
• Singapore, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis decriminalized homosexuality in 2022.
• As of January 31, 2023, same-sex marriage and adoption are fully legal in Slovenia.
• Croatia passed laws expanding the rights of same-sex couples to joint adoption in August 2022.
• In December 2022, the U.S. Virgin Islands increased its discrimination protections for people based on their sexual identity and gender expression.
• New Zealand plans to implement gender self-identification on June 15, 2023. 

Unfortunately, not all news was good for LGBTQ+ rights in the past year. Russia passed stricter laws that prohibit LGBTQ+ “ propaganda .” In 2022, Indonesia banned sexual activity outside of marriage to come into effect in three years, but this will target LGBTQ+ people who are not permitted to marry in the country. According to the ACLU , the 2023 legislative session has already seen over 120 bills aimed at restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the United States.

Where are same-sex relationships illegal?

Unfortunately, some countries where it’s illegal to be gay or trans also happen to be popular vacation spots. For instance, it’s illegal to be gay in Jamaica; the “buggery law,” which is leftover from the colonial era, allows for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, including hard labor. Jamaica was called “ the most homophobic place on Earth ” by Time magazine in 2006. That label has clung to Jamaica ever since, and with good reason. In a 2013 survey of 71 LGBTQ+ people conducted by Human Rights Watch, more than half said they had been victims of homophobic violence. Non-violent discrimination is even more pervasive, with bullying and exclusion faced in education, healthcare, and within local communities. Although there is some light at the end of the tunnel for Jamaica since there are signs that it’s moving toward reform.

Those looking for trans- and gay-travel-safe countries should reconsider popular vacation destinations like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Myanmar, and Egypt as well as some of the more popular beaches in the Caribbean, like Saint Lucia and Barbados.

Please note: All countries marked with an asterisk* in the below list were former British colonies and their anti-LGBTQ+ laws mostly came into effect under British rule.

(CLICK the country names for more details on their anti-LGBTQ+ laws) Jamaica* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -132

Section 76. Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable crime of buggery, committed either with’ mankind or with any animal, shall be liable to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for a term not exceeding ten years.

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -75

Sections 132, 133.

• GROSS INDECENCY

(1) A person who commits an act of gross indecency with another person commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 10 years or on summary

conviction to 5 years.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an act of gross indecency committed in private between an adult male person and an adult female person, both of whom consent.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)

(a) an act shall be deemed not to have been committed in private if it is committed in a public place; and

(b) a person shall be deemed not to consent to the commission of such an act if

(i) the consent is extorted by force, threats or fear of bodily harm or is obtained by false and fraudulent representations as to the nature of the act;

(ii) the consent is induced by the application or administration of any drug, matter or thing with intent to intoxicate or stupefy the person; or

(iii) that person is, and the other party to the act knows or has good reason to believe that the person is suffering from a mental disorder.

(4) In this section “gross indecency” is an act other than sexual intercourse (whether natural or unnatural) by a person involving the use of the genital organs for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire.

Laws of Saint Lucia Criminal Code Cap.3.01 95 Revision Date: 31 Dec. 2005

(1) A person who commits buggery commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment

(a) life, if committed with force and without the consent of the other person;

(b) ten years, in any other case.

(2) Any person who attempts to commit buggery, or commits an assault with intent to commit buggery, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for 5 years.

(3) In this section “buggery” means sexual intercourse per anus by a male person with another male person.

Source: Criminal Code, No. 9 of 2004, sections 132, 133.

Article 16. Buggery “(1) A person who commits buggery is guilty of an ofence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for— (a) twenty-fve years, if committed by an adult on a minor; (b) ten years, if committed by an adult on another adult; or (c) fve years, if committed by a minor; and, if the Court thinks it ft, the Court may order that the convicted person be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. (2) Any person who attempts to commit the ofence of buggery, or is guilty of an assault with the intent to commit the same is guilty of an ofence and liable to imprisonment for four years and, if the Court thinks it ft, the Court may order that the convicted person be admitted to the psychiatric hospital for treatment. (3) In this section “buggery” means sexual intercourse per anum by a male person with a male person or by a male person with a female person.

Source: Sexual Offences Act 1998, article 16. Grenada* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 33

Article 431. If any two persons are guilty of unnatural connexion, or if any person is guilty of unnatural connexion with any animal, every such person shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.

Source: Criminal Code of 1987, article 431. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -70

Sections 146, 148.

148. Any person, who in public or private, commits an act of gross indecency with another person of the same sex, or procures or attempts to procure another person of the same sex to commit an act of gross indecency with him or her, is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for five years.

146. Any person who commits buggery with any other person; commits buggery with an animal; or permits any person to commit buggery with him or her; is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for ten years.

(Click the country names for more details on their anti-LGBTQ+ laws)

Sections 214, 215, 217. 214. Any person who- (1) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (2) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (3) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature; is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

215. Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences defined in the last preceding section is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. The offender cannot be arrested without warrant.

217. Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for three years. The offender cannot be arrested without warrant.

Source: Criminal Code Act (Chapter 77), 1990, sections 214, 215, 217; Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013. Malawi* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -163

Sections 153, 137A. 153. Unnatural offences Any person who— (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for fourteen years, with or without corporal punishment.

Source: Penal Code of 1930 (amended 2010), sections 153, 137A. Oman LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -145

Articles 33, 233, 266(d).

266. The penalty shall be imprisonment for a period not less than one month, and not more than one year, and a fine of not less than (100) one hundred Omani riyals, and not more than (300) three hundred Omani riyals, or one of these two penalties for each mention: D – appeared publicly in the appearance of women in his clothing or body.

Source: Omani Penal Code No. 7/1974, articles 33, 223 and Oman Penal Code, Article 266(d) Zambia* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -104

Sections 155, 156. 155. Any person who- (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature; commits a felony and liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for a term not less than fifteen years and may be liable to imprisonment for life: Provided that where a person- (i) has carnal knowledge of a child against the order of nature; (ii) causes a child to have carnal knowledge of an animal; or (iii) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of a male or female child against the order of nature; that person commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for not less than twenty-five years and may be liable to imprisonment for life. (As amended by No. 26 of 1933 and repealed and replaced by Act No. 15 of 2005) Unnatural offences

156. Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences specified in section one hundred and fifty-five commits a felony and is liable, upon conviction of not less than seven years but not exceeding fourteen years. (As amended by No. 26 of 1933 and repealed and replaced by Act No. 15 of 2005)

Source: Penal Code Act (as amended by Act No. 15 of 2005), sections 155, 156. Tanzania* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -120

Sections 138(a), 154. 138 A. Acts of gross indecency between persons and person who, in public or private commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than one year and not exceeding five years or to a fine not less than one hundred thousand and not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings; save that where the offence is committed by a person of eighteen years of age or more in respect of any person under eighteen years of age, a pupil of primary school or a student of secondary school the offender shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than ten years, with corporal punishment, and shall also be ordered to pay compensation of an amount determined by the court to the person in respect of whom the offence was committed for any injuries caused to that person.”

154. Unnatural of offences (1)Any person who- (a)has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b)has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c)permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature.commits an offence, and is liable to imprisonment for life and in any case to imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty years. (2)where the offence under subsection (1) of this section is committed to a child under the age of ten years the offender shall be sentenced to life imprisonment.”

Source: Penal Code of 1945 (as amended by the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act, 1998), section 138(a), 154. Sudan* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -109

In July 2020, Sudan’s Sovereign Council amended the penal code, removing some crimes from the books and reducing sentences for others, including sodomy. Previously, the death penalty was punishment for individuals accused by committing “homosexual sex” defined by the act of penetration, for the third time. For people found guilty of this offense for the first time, sentences were lashing 100 times or prison up to 5 years. For the second time, the sentence was both punishments combined. Learn more here . Uganda* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -92

Sections 145, 148. 145. Unnatural offences. Any person who— (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.

148. Indecent practices. Any person who, whether in public or in private, commits any act of gross indecency with another person or procures another person to commit any act of gross indecency with him or her or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any person with himself or herself or with another person, whether in public or in private, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.

Source: Penal Code Act of 1950 (Chapter 120), (as amended), section 145, 148. Egypt* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -96

Article 9(c), Article 1. Article 9: Punishment by imprisonment for a period not less than three months and not exceeding three years and a fine not less than 25 LE and not exceeding 300 LE in the Egyptian administration and not less than 250 Lira and not exceeding 3000 Lira in the Syrian administration or one of these two punishments applies in the following cases: (c) Whoever habitually engages in debauchery or prostitution.

Upon the apprehension of a person in the last category, it is permitted to send him for a medical examination. If it is discovered that he is carrying an infectious venereal disease, it is permitted to detain him in a therapeutic institute until his cure is completed.

It is permitted to determine that the convicted person be placed, upon completion of his sentence, in a special reformatory until the administrative agency orders his release. This judgment is obligatory in cases of recidivism, and the period spent in the reformatory is not allowed to be more than three years. …

Article 1: (a) Whoever incites a person, be they male or female, to engage in debauchery or in prostitution, or assists in this or facilitates it, and similarly whoever employs a person or tempts him or induces him with the intention of engaging in debauchery or prostitution, is to be sentenced to imprisonment for a period not less than one year and not more than three years and a fine between 100 and 300 LE in the Egyptian administration and between 1000 and 3000 Lira in the Syrian administration.

(b) If the person upon whom the crime is perpetrated has not reached the age of twenty-one years, the punishment is imprisonment for a period not less than one year and not more than five years and a fine between 100 and 500 LE in the Egyptian administration and between 1000 and 5000 Lira in the Syrian administration.

Source: Law 10/1961 on the Combating of Prostitution, article 9(c), article 1. Algeria LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -75

Art. 338. – All guilty of an act of homosexuality is punished with imprisonment of two (2) months to two (2) years and a fine of five hundred (500) to two thousand (2,000) DA .

If a sponsor is a minor of eighteen years, the penalty in respect of the major can be elevated up to three (3) years’ imprisonment and ten thousand (10,000) DA fine.

Source: 1966 Penal Code, article 338. Morocco LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -89

Article 489. Is punished by imprisonment from six months to three years and a fine of 200 to 1,000 dirhams, unless the fact constitutes a more serious offense, whoever commits an immodest or unnatural act with an individual of his sex.

(This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of 1962, article 489. Tunisia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -91

Article 230. Sodomy, if it does not enter any of the cases provided for in the preceding articles, is punishable by imprisonment for three years.

Source: Penal Code of 1913 (as modified), article 230. Ethiopia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -93

Articles 629, 630.

Article 629.- Homosexual and other Indecent Acts. Whoever performs with another person of the same sex a homosexual act, or any other indecent act, is punishable with simple imprisonment.

Article 630.- General Aggravation to the Crime. (1) The punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or, in grave cases, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, where the criminal: a) takes unfair advantage of the material or mental distress of another or of the authority he exercises over another by virtue of his position, office or capacity as guardian, tutor, protector, teacher, master or employer, or by virtue of any other like relationship, to cause such other person to perform or to submit to such an act; or b) makes a profession of such activities within the meaning of the law (Art. 92). (2) The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from three years to fifteen years, where: a) the criminal uses violence, intimidation or coercion, trickery or fraud, or takes unfair advantage of the victim’s inability to offer resistance or to defend himself or of his feeble-mindedness or unconsciousness; or b) the criminal subjects his victim to acts of cruelty or sadism, or transmits to him a venereal disease with which he knows himself to be infected; or c) the victim is driven to suicide by distress, shame or despair.

Source: Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Proclamation No. 414/2004, articles 629 and 630. Kenya* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -87

Sections 162, 165.

162. Unnatural offences Any person who— (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years: Provided that, in the case of an offence under paragraph (a), the offender shall be liable to imprisonment for twenty-one years if— (i) the offence was committed without the consent of the person who was carnally known; or (ii) the offence was committed with that person’s consent but the consent was obtained by force or by means of threats or intimidation of some kind, or by fear of bodily harm, or by means of false representations as to the nature of the act. [Act No. 42 of 1951, s. 6, Act No. 5 of 2003, s. 30.]

165. Indecent practices between males Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for five years.

Source: Penal Code of Kenya, Revised Edition 2012 [2010], section 162, 165. Senegal LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -67

Article 319 (para. 3). Any indecent assault or attempted without violence on the person of a child of one or the other sex under the age of thirteen, shall be punished by imprisonment for two to five years. Will be punished the maximum penalty, the indecent assault committed everywhere ascendant or any person having authority over the minor victim, even over the age of thirteen.(Law No. 66-16 of February 1, 1966)

Notwithstanding the heavier penalties provided for by the previous paragraphs or Articles 320 and 321 of this Code shall be punished by imprisonment for one to five years and a fine of 100,000 to 1,500,000 francs, anyone who commits an indecent act or act against nature with an individual of his sex. If the act was committed with a minor of 21 years, the maximum penalty will always be.

Source: Penal Code of 1965, article 319 (para. 3). Cameroon* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -54

Article 347 bis. – Homosexuality. Is punished with imprisonment of six months to five years and a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 francs anyone who has sex with someone of their sex. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Cameroon Penal Code of 1967, article 347 bis. Zimbabwe* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -52

Section 73. (1) Any male person who, with the consent of another male person, knowingly performs with that other person anal sexual intercourse, or any act involving physical contact other than anal sexual intercourse that would be regarded by a reasonable person to be an indecent act, shall be guilty of sodomy and liable to a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both. (2) Subject to subsection (3), both parties to the performance of an act referred to in subsection (1) may be charged with and convicted of sodomy. (3) For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that the competent charge against a male person who performs anal sexual intercourse with or commits an indecent act upon a young male person— (a) who is below the age of twelve years, shall be aggravated indecent assault or indecent assault, as the case may be; or (b) who is of or above the age of twelve years but below the age of sixteen years and without the consent of such young male person, shall be aggravated indecent assault or indecent assault, as the case may be; or (c) who is of or above the age of twelve years but below the age of sixteen years and with the consent of such young male person, shall be performing an indecent act with a young person.

Source: Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, (Effective 2006), section 73. Ghana* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -49

Section 104. Unnatural Carnal Knowledge. (1) Whoever has unnatural carnal knowledge— (a) of any person of the age of sixteen years or over without his consent shall be guilty of a first degree felony and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than twenty-five years; or (b) of any person of sixteen years or over with his consent is guilty of a misdemeanour; or (c) of any animal is guilty of a misdemeanour. (2) Unnatural carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner or with an animal.

Source: Criminal Code 1960 (amended 2003), section 104. Eswatini* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -46

Common Law Offense

Same-sex relations are outlawed in Eswatini. Sodomy is criminalized though the sentence is not specified and is regarded as a common law offense.

Source: Common law offense. Togo LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -45

Article 88. Will be punished by imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 francs anyone who has committed a shameless act or against nature with an individual of his sex. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of 13 August 1980 (amended 2000), article 88. Namibia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 48

Common Law Offense. Sodomy and “unnatural sexual offences between men,” are illegal in Namibia, though the sentence is not specified and is considered to be a common law offense.

Source: Common Law Offense. Mauritius* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 15

Section 250. Sodomy and Bestiality (1) Any person who is guilty of the crime of sodomy or bestiality shall be liable to penal servitude for a term not exceeding 5 years.

(2) (a) Notwithstanding sections 151 and 152 of the Criminal Procedure Act, where it is averred that the sodomy is committed on a minor or a physically or mentally handicapped person, the person charged shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years.

(b) Part X of the Criminal Procedure Act and the Probation of Offenders Act shall not apply to a person liable to be sentenced under paragraph (a).

Source: Mauritius Criminal Code of 1838, section 250. Burundi LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -45

Subsection 3: Homosexuality

Article 567: Whoever makes sex with the same sex is punished with imprisonment of three months to two years and a fine of fifty thousand to hundred thousand francs or one of these penalties.

Source: Law No. 1/05 of April 22, 2009, on the Revision of the Criminal Code, article 567. Comoros LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -56

Article 318: Any indecent assault consummated or attempted on the person of a child of one or the other sex under the age of fifteen will be punished by imprisonment for two to five years. Will be punished with the maximum of the sentence, the indecent assault committed by any ascendant or any person having authority over the minor victim over the age of fifteen. Without prejudice to the more serious penalties provided for in the preceding paragraphs or Articles 320 and 321 of this Code shall be punishable by imprisonment for one to five years and fine of 50,000 to 1,000,000 francs, anyone who has committed a shameless act or against nature with an individual of his sex. If the act was committed with a minor, the maximum of penalty will always be pronounced. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros, 1995, article 318. Chad LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -58

Article 354: Is punished by imprisonment from three months to two years and a fine of 50,000 to 500,000 FCFA, whoever has sex with the people of his sex. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Chad Penal Code 2017 Eritrea LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -75

Articles 310, 311. Art. 310. – Homosexual Conduct. (1) A person who performs with a person of the same sex an act corresponding to the sexual act, or any other indecent sexual act, is guilty of homosexual conduct, a Class 7 serious offence, punishable with a definite term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 7 years.

Art. 311. – Consent to Sexual Conduct. (3) Consent is no defense to an offence under Article 309 (Incest) or Article 310 (Homosexual Conduct).

Source: Penal Code of 2015, article 310, 311. Gambia* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -139

A “person who has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature … or permits any person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature” commits a felony known as an unnatural offense and, on conviction, is punishable by a 14-year prison term. (Criminal Code of 1934, § 144, 3 LAWS OF GAMBIA, Cap. 8:01 (rev. ed. 2009).) Acts that constitute “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” include:

(a) carnal knowledge of the person through the anus or the mouth of the person; (b) inserting any object or thing into the vulva or anus of the person for the purpose of simulating sex; and (c) committing any other homosexual act with the person. (Id. § 144.)

Attempt to commit an unnatural offense, which is also a felony, is subject to a seven-year prison term. (Id. § 145.).

The legislation introduces a new offense involving homosexuality known as “aggravated homosexuality,” which is punishable on conviction by life in prison. (Id.) A person commits this offense if he or she engages in a homosexual act and the:

(a) person against whom the offence is committed is below the age of eighteen; (b) offender is a person living with HIV Aids; (c) offender is a parent or guardian of the person against whom the offence is committed; (d) offender is a person in authority over the person against whom the offence is committed; (e) victim of the offence is a person with disability; (f) offender is a serial offender; or (g) offender applies, administers or causes to be administered by any man or woman, any drug, matter or substance with intent to stupefy or overpower him or her, so as to enable any person to have un-lawful carnal connection with any person of the same sex. (Criminal Code (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2014, § 4, SUPPLEMENT C TO THE GAMBIA GAZETTE No. 15 (Oct. 16, 2014), HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH.)

Source: Gambia Criminal Code (Act No. 25 of 1933), amended 1965; Gambia Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2005; Gambia Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2014. Guinea LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -80

Article 274: Any shameless or unnatural act committed with an individual of his sex or with an animal is punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years and a fine of 500,000 to 1,000,000 Guinean francs or one of these only two sentences. When the act was committed with a minor under 18, the maximum penalty is always pronounced. When this act has been consummated or attempted with violence, the culprit is sentenced to 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment. (This has been Google translated from French).

Source: Penal Code of the Republic of Guinea, 2016, article 274. Kuwait* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -180

Article 193 and Article 198.

Article 193 If another man becomes a man who has reached the age of twenty-one and that is with his consent, both of them shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding seven years.

Article 198 Any person who brings a signal or acts of indecent assault in a public place or who is seen or heard by anyone in a public place or resembles the opposite sex in any way shall be punished. Imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding one thousand dinars or one of these two penalties.

(This has been Google translated from Arabic).

Source: Kuwait Penal Code (1960), Law No. 16, article 193. And Kuwait Penal Code, No. 16 of 1960, art. 198. Liberia LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -40

Article 14.74 – Voluntary Sodomy. A person who engages in deviate sexual intercourse under circumstance not stated in Section 14.72 or 14.73 has committed a first degree misdemeanor.

Source: Penal Law – Title 26 – Liberian Code of Laws Revised, 1978, article 14.74. Libya* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -150

Articles 407-408.

Article 407 (4) Whoever has intercourse with a person with his consent will be punished with his partner by imprisonment of not more than five years.

Article 408 (4) Whoever commits an indecent act with a person with his consent will be punished with his partner with imprisonment. (ibid., 38)

Source: Libyan Penal Code of 1953, as amended by Law No. 70 (1973), articles 407-408. Mauritania LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -96

Articles 306, 308.

ART. 308. Every major Muslim who commits an immodest act or an unnatural act with an individual of his sex shall be punished with death by public stoning. In the case of two women, they will be punished by the penalty provided for in Article 306 (1).

ART. 306. – Anyone who commits public outrage against Islamic modesty and morals or who has violated sacred places or helped to violate them, if this action is not included in crimes carrying Ghissass or Diya, shall be punishable by a correctional sentence of three months to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 to 60,000 UM. Every Muslim guilty of the crime of apostasy, either by word or by action in an apparent or obvious manner, will be invited to repent within three days. If he does not repent within this time, he is condemned to death as an apostat, and his property will be confiscated for the benefit of the Treasury. If he repents before the execution of this sentence, the public prosecutor will seize the Supreme Court, for the purpose of his rehabilitation in all his rights, without prejudice to a correctional penalty envisaged with the 1st paragraph of this article. Anyone guilty of the crime of apostasy (Zendagha) will, unless he repents beforehand, be punished with the death penalty. Will be punished with imprisonment from one month to two years, anyone who will be guilty of the crime of indecent assault. Any major Muslim who refuses to pray while recognizing the obligation of the prayer will be asked to fulfill it until the time limit for the completion of the obligatory prayer concerned. If he persists in his refusal until the end of this period, he will be punished with the death penalty. If he does not recognize the obligation of prayer, he will be punished with the penalty for apostasy and his property confiscated for the benefit of the Treasury. He will not benefit from the service consecrated by the Muslim rite.

Source: Penal Code of 1983, articles 306, 308. Sierra Leone* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -63

Section 61. Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable Crime of Sodomy and Buggery, committed either with Mankind or with any Animal, shall Bestiality. be liable, at the Discretion of the Court, to be kept in Penal Servitude for Life or for any Term not less than Ten Years.

Source: Offences against the Person Act 1861, section 61. Somalia* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -150

Articles 409, 410.

Art. 409. (Homosexuality). – Whoever has carnal intercourse with a person of the same sex shall be punished, where the act does not constitute a more serious crime, with imprisonment [96. P.C.] from three months to three years. Where the act committed is an act of lust different from carnal intercourse, the punishment imposed shall be reduced by one third [119 P.C.].

Art. 410. (Security Measures). – A security measure [161 s. P.C.] may be added to a sentence for the crimes referred to in articles 407, 408, and 409.

Source: Penal Code, Legislative Decree No. 5/1962, articles 409, 410. South Sudan* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -126

Section 248, Section 379.

248. Unnatural Offences. (1) Whoever, has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person and whoever allows any person to have such intercourse with him or her commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years and may also be liable to a fine. (2) If the intercourse referred to in subsection (1), above, is committed without consent, the offender shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years and may also be liable to a fine; provided that, a consent given by a person below the age of eighteen years to such intercourse shall not be deemed to be a consent within the meaning of this section. Explanation— Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

379. Vagabond. (1) The term “vagabond” means— (a) any person who after being convicted as an idle person, commits any of the offences which would render him or her liable to be convicted as such again; (b) any person who is found to be in possession of breaking implements with the intent to commit house trespass; 187 Act 9 Penal Code Act 2008 (c) any suspected person or reputed thief who by night frequents or loiters about any shop, warehouse, dwelling house, dock or wharf with the intent to commit any offence under Chapter XXI of this Act; (d) any person who knowingly lives wholly or in part on the earnings of a prostitute or in any public place solicits or importunes for immoral purposes; and (e) any male person who dresses or is attired in the fashion of a woman in a public place. (2) Whoever is convicted as a vagabond shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or with a fine or with both.

Middle East

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -143

There is no codified penal Law in Saudi Arabia. Sentences are derived from interpretations of Sharia law.

Source: There is no codified penal Law in Saudi Arabia. Sentences are derived from interpretations of Sharia law. Qatar* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -137

Articles 296, 298.

Article (296) One is convicted to no less than a year and no more than three years in prison in case of: 1- Leading a female to commit adultery. 2- Instigating, inducing, seducing a female anyhow to commit adultery or frequenting a brothel in order to commit debauchery whether inside or outside the country. 3- Leading, instigating or seducing a male anyhow for sodomy or dissipation. 4- Inducing or seducing a male or a female anyhow to commit illegal or immoral actions. 5- Bringing, exposing or accepting a male or a female in the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Article (298) Anyone who takes adultery or sodomy as a profession or a living is convicted to no more than ten years in prison. The same penalty is imposed on anyone who exploits a person’s debauchery and dissipation.

Source: Penal Code, Law No. (II) of 2004, articles 296, 298. Sharia law also applies to Muslims. United Arab Emirates (UAE)* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -134

Article 359. Any person who denies the dress of a woman and enters a special place for women shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dirhams or by one of these penalties. It is forbidden for non-women to enter at that time.

Source: Federal Law No. 7 of 2016, art. 359. Yemen* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -128

Articles 264, 268.

Article (264): Homosexuality is the contact of one man to another through his posterior; both sodomites whether males or females are punished with whipping of one hundred strokes if not married. It is admissible to reprimand it by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year punishment by stoning to death if married.

Article (268): Lesbianism is intercourse between one female and another. Anyone engaged in this act with another shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years. If the act happens under coercion imprisonment may be expanded to seven years.

Source: Penal Code 1994, articles 264, 268. Iran LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -104

Articles 233-41.

Article 233- Livat is defined as penetration of a man’s sex organ (penis), up to the point of circumcision, into another male person’s anus.

Article 234- The hadd punishment for livat shall be the death penalty for the insertive/active party if he has committed livat by using force, coercion, or in cases where he meets the conditions for ihsan; otherwise, he shall be sentenced to one hundred lashes. The hadd punishment for the receptive/passive party, in any case (whether or not he meets the conditions for ihsan) shall be the death penalty.

Note 1- If the insertive/active party is a non-Muslim and the receptive/passive party is a Muslim, the hadd punishment for the insertive/active party shall be the death penalty.

Note 2- Ihsan is defined as a status that a man is married to a permanent and pubescent wife and whilst he has been sane and pubescent has had a vaginal intercourse with the same wife while she was pubescent, and he can have an intercourse with her in the same way [vaginal] whenever he so wishes.

Article 235- Tafkhiz is defined as putting a man’s sex organ (penis) between the thighs or buttocks of another male person.

Note- A penetration [of a penis into another male person’s anus] that does not reach the point of circumcision shall be regarded as tafkhiz.

Article 236- In the case of tafkhiz, the hadd punishment for the active and passive party shall be one hundred lashes and it shall make no difference whether or not the offender meets the conditions of ihsan [mentioned in note 2 of article 234], or whether or not [the offender] has resorted to coercion.

Note- If the active party is a non-Muslim and the passive party is a Muslim, the hadd punishment for the active party shall be the death penalty.

Article 237- Homosexual acts of a male person in cases other than livat and tafkhiz, such as kissing or touching as a result of lust, shall be punishable by thirty-one to seventy-four lashes of ta’zir punishment of the sixth grade.

Note 1- This article shall be equally applicable in the case of a female person.

Note 2- This article shall not be applicable in the cases punishable by a hadd punishment under Shari’a rules.

Article 238- Musaheqeh is defined as where a female person puts her sex organ on the sex organ of another person of the same sex.

Article 239- The hadd punishment for musaheqeh shall be one hundred lashes.

Article 240- Regarding the hadd punishment for musaheqeh, there is no difference between the active or passive parties or between Muslims and non-Muslims, or between a person that meets the conditions for ihsan and a person who does not, and also whether or not [the offender] has resorted to coercion.

Article 241- In the cases of indecent offenses, in the absence of admissible legal evidence and with denial of the accused, any type of investigation and interrogation in order to discover hidden affairs and things concealed from the public eye shall be prohibited. In cases with the possibility of commission of an offense with force, coercion, assault, abduction, or deception, or cases which are considered as commission [of an offense] with resorting to force, this rule shall not be applicable.

Source: Islamic Penal Code of Iran, 2013, articles 233-41. Pakistan* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -89

Section 377 Unnatural offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than two years nor more than ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation: Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

Source: Pakistan Penal Code (XLV of 1860), section 377 Lebanon LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -70

Article 534.

Penal Code 1943, Article 534 Sexual Intercourse Against Nature Article 534 prohibits “sexual intercourse against nature” with a penalty of up to one year imprisonment. This provision has been applied to intercourse between men and between women.

Penal Code 1943, Article 521 Disguising as a Woman Article 521 criminalises gender expression by making it an offence for a man to “disguise himself as a woman”. The penalty for this offence is up to six years imprisonment.

Source: Criminal Code of 1943, article 534. Uzbekistan LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -70

Article 120 Besoqolbozlik* (Homosexual Intercourse): Besoqolbozlik, that is, voluntary sexual intercourse of two male individuals – shall be punished with imprisonment up to three years.

The following country does not have sufficient data on the LGBTQ+ community, so it has not been included in our LGBTQ+ Danger Index graphic above. However, same-sex relationships are illegal:

Article 520 Three years imprisonment shall be punished by nature violates the mjamah. (This has been Google translated from Arabic).

The following country lacks adequate information on LGBTQ+ issues, so they have not been included in our LGBTQ+ Danger Index graphic above. However, same-sex relationships are illegal:

Section 152(2).

152.— (2) Any person who:— ( a ) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (6) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for ten years.

Asia/Pacific

Sections 377A, 377B, 377D.

Carnal intercourse against the order of nature 377A. Any person who has sexual connection with another person by the introduction of the penis into the anus or mouth of the other person is said to commit carnal intercourse against the order of nature. Explanation—Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual connection necessary to the offence described in this section.

Punishment for committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature 377B. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty years, and shall also be punished with whipping.

Outrages on decency 377D. Any person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years.

Source: Malaysia Penal Code, 2006, section 377A, 377B, 377D. State Sharia (Islamic) laws also apply. Myanmar* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -118

Sections 377. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with transportation for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Source: Penal Code of 1860, section 377. Maldives* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -100

Sections 410, 411, 412.

Section 410 – Unlawful Marriage (a) Unlawful Marriage. A person commits an offense if: (8) two persons of the same sex enter into a marriage;

Section 411 – Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (a) Unlawful Intercourse. A person commits an offense if: (1) he engages in sexual intercourse (2) he engages in sexual intercourse with a person of the same sex. (b) Grading. [(d) Additional Punishment Authorized. In addition to the punishment authorized under Chapter 90, to impose the penalty imposed under Islamic Sharia, an additional punishment of 100 lashes is authorized for the offense.]* (f) Definitions. (2) “Same- sex intercourse means”; (A) Insertion by a man his sexual organ or any object into the anus of another man for sexual gratification. Or the insertion into another mans mouth the penis of a man or (B) Insertion of a woman’s organ or any object into the vagina or anus of another woman for sexual gratification. (3) “Lashes” means the symbolic punishment of striking an offender’s back with a short length of rope in a manner not designed to cause bodily injury. A single person must inflict all of the lashes prescribed as punishment, and he may only drive the rope using his wrists; he may not use any other part of his arm or movement in his shoulders, hips, back, legs or torso for that purpose.]9

Section 412 – Unlawful Sexual Contact (a) Unlawful Intercourse. A person commits an offense if: (b) Offense Defined. A person engaging in sexual contact with a person of the same is committing an offense. (c) Prohibition. “prohibited sexual contact” means indecent acts other than the offenses prescribed under Section 411 (a) of this Code, with a person of same sex, or with a person of the opposite sex other than with a person to whom he is married, or with an animal, for obtaining sexual gratification.

Source: Maldives Penal Code, Section 410, 411, 412. Sri Lanka* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -91

Sections 365, 365A.

Article 365. Unnatural ofences [AGAINST THE ORDER OF NATURE] “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years […] Explanation – penetration is sufcient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the ofence described in this section.”

Article 365A. Acts of gross indecency between persons [GROSS INDECENCY] “Any person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of any act of gross indecency with another person, shall be guilty of an ofence and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years or with a fne, or with both and where the ofence is committed by a person over eighteen (18) years of age in respect of any person under sixteen (16) years of age shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years and not exceeding 20 years and with a fne and shall also be ordered to pay compensation of amount determined by court to the person in respect of whom the ofence was committed for the injuries caused to such a person.”

Source: Penal Code (as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 1995), articles 365, 365A. Bangladesh* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -9

Section 377: Unnatural offenses. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation: Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offense described in this section.

Source: Penal Code 1860, section 377. Bhutan LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 16

Section 213, 214

Unnatural sex 213. A defendant shall be guilty of the offence of unnatural sex, if the defendant engages in sodomy or any other sexual conduct that is against the order of nature.

Grading of unnatural sex 214. The offence of unnatural sex shall be a petty misdemeanour.

Source: Penal Code of Bhutan, 2004, Chapter 14: Sexual Offences, Section 213. Brunei* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -200

Article 377

Unnatural offences. 377. Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman, or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to fine. [S 12/97] Explanation — Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

Sections 153, 155.

153. Any person who- (a) commits buggery with another person or with an animal; or (b) permits a male person to commit buggery with him or her, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 14 years.

Indecent practices between males: 155. Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 5 years.

Source: Kiribati Penal Code, Revised Edition 1977, section 153, 155. Papua New Guinea* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -80

Sections 210, 212.

210. 1. UNNATURAL OFFENCES. (1)A person who– (a) sexually penetrates any person against the order of nature; or (b) sexually penetrates an animal; or (c) permits a male person to sexually penetrates him or her against the order of nature, is guilty of a crime. Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years. (2) A person who attempts to commit an offence against Subsection (1) is guilty of a crime. Penalty: imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.

212. INDECENT PRACTICES BETWEEN MALES. (1) A male person who, whether in public or private– (a) commits an act of gross indecency with another male person; or (b) procures another male person to commit an act of gross indecency with him; or (c) attempts to procure the commission of any such act by a male person with himself or with another male person, is guilty of a misdemeanour. Penalty: Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

Source: Criminal Code Act 1974, section 210, 212. Samoa* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: 48

Section 67: Sodomy. (1) A person who commits sodomy is liable: (a) where the act of sodomy is committed on a female, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years; or (b) where the act of sodomy is committed on a male, and at the time of the act that male is under the age of 16 years and the offender is of or over the age of 21 years, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years; or (c) in any other case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years. (2) Sodomy is complete upon penetration. (3) It is no defence to a charge under this section that the other party consented

Source: Crimes Act 2013, No. 10, section 67. Solomon Islands* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -85

Sections 160, 162.

160. Any person who- (a) commits buggery with another person or with an animal; or (b) permits a male person to commit buggery with him or her, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

162. Any person who, whether in public or private – (a) commits any act of gross indecency with another of the same sex; (b) procures another of the same sex to commit any act of gross indecency; or (c) attempts to procure the commission of any act of gross indecency by persons of the same sex, shall be guilty of a felony and be liable to imprisonment for five years.

Source: Penal Code (Revised Edition 1996), sections 160-162. Tonga* LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -155

Sections 136, 139, 142.

136 Sodomy and bestiality. Whoever shall be convicted of the crime of sodomy with another person or bestiality with any animal shall be liable at the discretion of the Court to be imprisoned for any period not exceeding ten years and such animal shall be killed by a public officer. (Substituted by Act 9 of 1987.)

139 Attempted sodomy, indecent assault upon a male. Whoever shall attempt to commit the said abominable crime of sodomy or shall be guilty of an assault with intent to commit the same or of any indecent assault upon any male person shall be liable at the direction of the Court to imprisonment for any term not exceeding 10 years.

142 Whipping for certain offences. Whenever any male person shall be convicted of any offence against sections 106, 107, 115, 118, 121, 122, 125, 132, 136 and 139 of this Act the Court may, in its discretion in lieu of or in addition to any sentence of imprisonment authorised under this Act order the person so convicted to be whipped in accordance with the provisions of section 31 of this Act. (Substituted by Act 9 of 1987.)

LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index Score: -65

Article 135

(1) Sodomy, that is, sexual intercourse between a man and a man, shall be punishable by imprisonment for up to two years, with or without the obligation to reside in a certain locality for a period of two to five years.

Source: Criminal Code of Turkmenistan

Sections 153, 154, 155

153 Unnatural offences Any person who — (a) commits buggery with another person or with an animal; or (b) permits a male person to commit buggery with him or her, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for14 years.

154 Attempts to commit unnatural offences and indecent assault Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences specified in the last preceeding section, or who is guilty of any assault with intent to commit the same, or any indecent assault upon any male person shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 7 years.

155 Indecent practices between males Any male person who, whether in public or private, commits any act of gross indecency with another male person, or procures another male person to commit any act of gross indecency with him, or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any male person with himself or with another male person, whether in public or private, shall be guilty of a felony, and shall be liable to imprisonment for 5 years.

Source: Tuvalu Penal Code

Sections 154, 155.

154. Indecency between males – (1) Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years who, bring a male,- (a) Indecently assaults any other male; or (b) Does any indecent act with or upon any other male; or (c) Induces or permits any other male to do any indecent act with or upon him. (2) No boy under the age of fifteen years shall be charged with committing or being a party to an offence against paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of this section, unless the other male was under the age of twenty-one years. (3) It is not defence to a charge under this section that the other party consented.

155. Sodomy – (1) Every one who commits sodomy is liable- (a) Where the act of sodomy is committed on a female, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years; (b) Where the act of sodomy is committed on a male, and at the time of the act that male is under the age of fifteen years and the offender is of over the age of twenty-one years, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years; (c) In any other case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years. (2) This offence is complete upon penetration. (3) Where sodomy is committed on any person under the age of fifteen years he shall not be charged with being a party to that offence, but he may be charged with being a party to an offence against section 154 of this Act in say case to which that section is applicable. (4) It is no defence to a charge under this section that the other party consented.

South America

(Click the country name for more details on their anti-LGBTQ+ laws)

Articles 352, 354.

352. Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission, or procures or attempts to procure the commission, by any male person, of any act of gross indecency with any other male person shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years.

354. Everyone who commits buggery, either with a human being or with any other living creature, shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life.

The homophobic legacy of the British Empire

As noted, an asterisk next to the country names in the above list means that it was a former British colony. A whopping 44 of the 66 countries that have illegal same-sex relationships were once part of the British Empire. That is over 66%! This isn’t a coincidence. In almost all cases, the laws outlawing consensual gay sex were put into place under British rule and were left in place following independence.

India is an example country that has only in 2018 managed to annul Section 377, a British colonial-era law prohibiting “unnatural acts,” in order to legalize consensual gay sex. Ancient Indian literature such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana have many references to LGBTQ+ heroes including transgender warriors and two queens who made love in order for one queen to get pregnant with an heir for their kingdom. Long story short, this points to the fact that it was likely the British influence that largely led to Indian homophobia in the first place.

With this being said, all these countries have the choice and ability to update their laws. And in most cases, these former British colonies have been fully independent for half a century or more and have chosen not to change these antiquated laws. Long story short, the British influence may have brought the “sodomy” laws in the first place but the local attitudes and customs have decided to keep them .

Which are the top 50 LGBTQ+ safe countries for travelers?

• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Switzerland
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• United States
• Virgin Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Czech Republic

One country might surprise you for not ranking higher on our list: the United States. One reason for that is, of course, that there is a great deal of variation in gay rights depending on the state you’re in . There are also no constitutional or broad protections for LGBTQ+ rights under federal law in the U.S. Also, in some states, LGBTQ+ youth do not have access to helpful information, with these so-called “no-promo homo” laws counting in the “propaganda/morality” category. The U.S. might have come far, but it has a long way to go in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, especially for young transgender people .

How many countries have legalized gay marriage?

As of now, 30 countries (plus Guam, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico) have marriage equality, with Switzerland joining in July 2022. 15 countries recognize civil unions or partnerships. 9 countries do not allow marriage equality for their citizens but formally recognize foreign marriages.

Countries with marriage equality laws are often great spots for LGBT+ vacations, but be aware that gay travel to rural or fundamentalist communities can be problematic in almost any country — definitely don’t make assumptions when visiting smaller towns and communities.

Global transgender murder rates

TvT (Transrespect versus Transphobia) Worldwide tracks the instances of transgender people who have been murdered around the world. As of this publishing, over 4,000 trans murders have been tracked during the past 13 years with 1,645 of those crimes taking place in Brazil alone.

Countries with the highest rates of transgender murders (per million residents):

• Honduras – 11.80
• El Salvador – 9.30
• Brazil – 8.25
• Puerto Rico – 5.64
• Belize – 5.12
• Guyana – 5.11
• Mexico – 5.09
• Colombia – 4.63
• Venezuela – 4.59
• Dominican Republic – 4.38
• Uruguay – 4.04
• Guatemala – 3.92
• Ecuador – 3.28
• Argentina – 2.52
• Fiji – 2.25

Why are 14 of these 15 countries with the highest trans murder rates located in Central and South America?

The majority of reported trans murders are currently happening within Central and South America. But why is transgender murder such a frequent occurrence in Latin America? One article from Equal Times posits that a heavily patriarchal society combined with high transgender rates of sex work may be contributing factors. As many transgender individuals are shunned by their families, they turn to sex work to survive, which carries an additional risk to their safety. It is estimated that an extremely high number of transgender individuals are living in poverty , and only an estimated 25% of trans women will complete secondary school in Latin America.

The ostracization of individuals from their families and communities is considered another major factor in the high rates of violence and murder against LGBTQ+ people within Latin America. Additionally, police are often not a source of safety, and governmental protections are not in place to support those most vulnerable.

Learn more about the plight of trans people in Latin America:

• Fighting transfemicide in the Americas
• Brazil continues to be the country with the largest number of trans people killed
• Transgender immigrants who fled Latin America still face uncertainty in the US
• Three lives, one message: Stop killing Mexico’s transgender women

What other countries might be a problem for LGBTQ+ international travelers?

114 of the 203 countries offer at least some form of legal protection for LGBTQ+ people, but 82 of the 202 countries penalize either sexual acts, being trans, or the dissemination of information about LGBTQ+ rights. Many countries have confusing or inconsistent legislation, allowing for protections among some of the LGBTQ+ community while penalizing or harming others. This creates a grey area where it’s not quite safe to be out but not immediately threatening.

One of those countries is Japan . While LGBTQ+ representation in Japanese media has mostly been positive, and the Japanese public has consistently polled in favor of same-sex marriage, there’s a long way to go as far as legislation outside of the major cities.

But the conversation about danger is a little bit different than the question of which countries do not allow gay marriage. Japan is rarely dangerous, with 35% of locals saying Japan is a “good place” for gay people to live, while Russia frequently polls at only 9%. Countries like Armenia (at 4%), Kyrgyzstan (7%), and Mongolia (17%) all may be bad places to go as well, despite not having any formal anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that could harm travelers.

Beyond gay-marriage-illegal countries, here are some real problem places among the list of most-visited countries in the world:

• China — China’s relationship to LGBTQ+ culture is dubious to say the least. Homosexuality is no longer considered a mental disorder as of 2001, and the consensus is that homosexuality is legal and that most locals won’t care so long as you find the right bar to hang out in. At the same time, groups and events have frequently been banned, and censorship laws have frequently been used to ban LGBTQ+ content online in China. LGBTQ+ travel is possible, but only with caution and thorough research into the specific cities you’ll be visiting.
• Russia — Russia has gained increasing international infamy for the way the government treats its LGBTQ+ citizens. Activists have died or gone missing, and individuals who followed Russian gay marriage laws to the letter have been forced to flee the country . That’s ignoring the purges and torture happening in Chechnya . Rights have regressed in recent years, and travel isn’t advised, despite homosexuality being legal on paper.
• Indonesia — LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly considered to be a “moral threat” in Indonesia, with a law against pornography being used for any non-pornographic, pro-LGBTQ+ content. Meanwhile, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has only gotten worse as a result of this persecution. While it’s not illegal in the country, homosexuality could result in public humiliation and arrests nevertheless . This has become more perilous with the 2022 legislation passed that will outlaw all sex outside of marriage.

Iraq , Mozambique , and Bahrain are also examples of countries where same-sex relations are not illegal in the traditional sense but expression of LGBTQ+ sexuality has been suppressed and may still be considered “indecency” with legal consequences, depending on the circumstance.

If the country you want to visit is in one of those grey areas, consider reading more about it, talking to fellow travelers, or doing a bit more research before booking a flight.

If you don’t know whether or not the country you’re visiting will be safe, check the U.S. State Department’s write-ups for LGBTQ+ travelers . The Human Rights Watch’s country profiles are a good place to find information, too.

37 safety tips shared by four LGBTQ+ travel experts

As one can plainly see, LGBTQ+ travel safety varies a great deal, from relative comfort to the real possibility of danger. We looked at the specific legal status of rights abroad as well as polling information to create our LGBTQ+ travel index, but the on-the-street experience can be much more nuanced. Because anti-LGBTQ+ crime and harassment is rarely reported, especially not on an international scale, it’s hard to find data to inform travelers of what walking the streets might be like. Beyond our list, ask other queer people and allies there before you go. Make an online friend, do your research, and take your time.

Want to get tips from our four LGBTQ+ travel experts?

Keep reading!

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

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 and travel insurance is worth it

Do your research and know which locations are best to avoid. I also recommend getting a good travel insurance plan no matter what your destination is because you never know when you might need it.

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.

12 travel safety tips from a gay couple

Derek and Mike are an American couple living in Europe and are the authors of Robe Trotting . They have written the following useful tips.

1. Check out Misterbnb

2. Bring copies of your important documents

All travelers should carry backup copies of their passport and other personal information, but there are some extra considerations that LGBTQ+ travelers should consider. It isn’t fun to think about, but Healthcare Power of Attorney and Hospital Visitation Authorization documents are essential. This is because domestic partnership and same-sex marriage laws differ widely around the world. We carry these documents on a flash drive and our attorney has prepared laminated wallet-sized Hospital Visitation Authorizations. This is something we hope to never use, but we feel better having when we travel. A neck wallet can be a great way to carry your most important documents including your passport etc.

3. Know your rights

Transgender and gender non-conforming travelers face higher levels of marginalization than other “LGB” travelers. For trans and gender non-conforming travelers, it’s important to know your rights, especially in airports. There are legal protections in the EU, UK, and USA to protect trans and gender non-conforming air travelers. Do some additional research when traveling outside of America, the UK, and Europe. In this travel zone, here are a few tips and expectations.

4. Select the gender that appears on your Government ID

When booking tickets, indicate the gender that appears on your government-issued identification. Sometimes this is different than the gender you present, but the legal requirement is only for the names on your ID and travel documents to match. You should never be questioned or forced to further prove your gender based on your gender presentation.

5. Pat-downs are based on the gender you present, not your ID

If a security pat-down is required, it must be completed by security personnel of the same sex as the passenger. In a pat-down situation, it will be based on the gender that the passenger presents and not their government-issued ID.

6. Body scanners don’t actually show your body

For trans and non-binary travelers worried about body scanners, the countries mentioned do not display the actual scan of your body to security personnel. In fact, all passenger images are displayed as generic body forms on the screens visible to staff. The screen does identify areas that should be screened more closely, but it uses a generic body form. For example, there would be a highlighted box around the midsection of the form if a traveler forgets to remove their belt. It does not show any details of the body or anatomy.

7. Wearing a prosthetic device or binder can lead to further questioning

Trans and non-binary travelers should be prepared for additional questioning if wearing prosthetic devices or binders. These travelers are not required to show, remove or lift clothing to reveal these devices. Simply answer any questions in a straight-forward manner and speak to a supervisor if any of those described situations should arise.

8. Consider LGBTQ+ tours

We all find safety in numbers, so consider LGBTQ+ tours that will specialize in gay travel. Similarly, consider booking a traditional tour company where you will have a local guide who is familiar with customs, speaks the language, and can advise you on how to stay safe while exploring the world. Many tour companies display their credentials in serving the LGBTQ+ community on their websites. You can also contact their customer service staff with additional concerns or specific questions on travel to certain destinations.

9. Know the local laws in the country you plan to visit

Do some research on the laws that exist in each country you plan to visit. Specifically, look up how often they’re enforced and when the laws were written. For example in Africa, many laws are left-over colonial-era codes that were put in place by other powers and are not enforced or are selectively enforced. For example, Morocco only sporadically enforces its anti-LGBTQ+ law and does not enforce it in resort towns like Marrakech . It’s mostly a law that still exists because of Islamic morality. Morocco even has an LGBTQ+ rights group and is largely viewed as tolerant. Some nations, like Uganda, are actively creating and expanding laws that target the LGBTQ+ community with penalties of death. Make a distinction between countries like Morocco and Uganda when considering your travels.

10. Remember to enjoy the local historic sites and cuisines

Focus on what you can do, and not what you can’t. Many countries will have a less visible LGBTQ+ community and social scene. Sometimes, this can be a blessing in disguise because it frees up your trip for other meaningful activities. Travel should be more than gay bars and nightclubs. Focus on what you can do like touring historic sites, visiting museums and trying new cuisines. It can be tough for a couple to resist public displays of affection, but no laws will be able to keep you from building travel memories, and you can make it up with extra private displays of affection.

11. Be careful with the location feature of dating apps

On gay apps like Grindr and Scruff, turn off the location feature. Even in countries where your rights are protected, gay-bashing can be an issue. In the Ukraine, for example, the “how far away” location feature is disabled nation-wide because of past incidents. Still, there is a thriving gay culture and plenty of gay locals. Always exercise caution and meet strangers in public spaces.

12. Always be culturally aware

Be culturally aware when you’re traveling anywhere. In many nations, public displays of affection from any couple, same or differing sex, are a taboo. Comply with these customs without feeling singled out. It may still be upsetting, but know that different-sex couples are also conforming their behavior to local norms. Similarly, some conservative destinations will have different norms on appearance and dress. It can be triggering to change your appearance, clothing, mannerisms, and behavior if you are LGBTQ+. Previous life experiences like bullying can bring up tough emotions but know that it’s most often local customs and not bigotry that require cultural conformity. I realize that for some individuals that will be easier than for others. My advice comes from a point of privilege as a masculine cis-gendered male, but I truly feel that certain sacrifices are worth it to travel.

9 safety tips from a traveling lesbian couple

Meg Ten Eyck is the creator of EveryQueer.com which is a website dedicated to inspiring and equipping LGBTQ+ travelers to live a life of adventures. She shared the following tips.

1. Cisgender people will most likely have fewer issues

2. Respect local customs

Be aware of local gender expectations. Are women supposed to be covered, wear headscarves or avoid certain activities? Try to respect local customs and blend in as much as possible.

3. Have someone you trust know your itinerary

Be sure to leave your itinerary and contact information with someone you trust. It’s always a good idea to have someone back home who has an idea of what you’re up to and where you plan on heading. It doesn’t have to be a minute-to-minute breakdown, contact information of hotels and flight numbers will work just fine.

4. Find LGBTQ+ friendly businesses before you leave

Consider using the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association as a resource for finding LGBTQ+ owned and affirming businesses in countries where you may have more concerns. Knowing that a business is owned by LGBTQ+ people or specifically seeks out LGBTQ+ accreditation may offer some peace of mind.

5. Be careful with PDA’s in certain countries

Be mindful of public displays of affection, in some locations like Russia or Morocco, mundane actions like holding hands, requesting a double bed at a hotel, casual touching, and kissing can be considered public displays. In some countries these actions are illegal and the consequences can be anything from a fine to imprisonment to being punishable by death. Not to be overly sensationalist here, there are lots of people who have traveled in anti-LGBTQ+ countries and have been just fine. There are also people who have not. It’s a case-by-case situation.

6. Be sure that sex toys are legal

In some countries, traveling with sexually explicit material can be used as evidence of sex work which may result in you being detained while traveling. Transgender and gender-nonconforming people are often unfairly targeted, be aware that in recent years there have been a few instances where people have used sex toys to victimize LGBTQ+ travelers. One couple was the victim of an alleged hate crime by TSA agents and another couple was arrested in Malaysia for being in possession of a sex toy. Keep in mind that traveling with these items into some countries is illegal. Be very cautious and do your homework before crossing borders with anything you think could be questionable.

7. Consider who you disclose your identity to

Consider who you disclose your identity to while you are traveling in countries that are not as LGBTQ-affirming as your home country.

8. Walk with confidence

Appear confident while walking in public areas. The more afraid and buckled over you look, the more of a target you’ll appear to be.

9. Invest in your personal safety

When in doubt invest in personal safety, if taking the more expensive cab ride over the bus ride seems like the safer option for you, do it.

8 tips from a gay travel expert

Andrew Dobson runs Dobbernationloves , an LGBTQ+ travel blog based in Toronto and shares these very helpful tips on international travel safety.

1. Take precautions with dating apps

2. Use the geo search to research your destination prior to leaving home

Use the geo-search feature on dating apps like Scruff and Grindr before you depart for your trip. You can ask locals about what the most popular gay bars and businesses are before you even arrive. Many destinations have suffered from gay bar closures so weekly or monthly LGBTQ+ parties are the norm and locals are always in the know.

3. Connect with the locals before you arrive

Use gay dating apps to connect with locals before you arrive and you’ll find friendly folks keen to show a tourist around. This is particularly helpful if you’re visiting a country like Germany where bartenders may not speak English.

4. Keep spots you discover confidential in sensitive destinations

If you’re visiting places like Egypt or Jordan where the LGBTQ+ community is largely underground for safety reasons, be sure to keep the spots you discover confidential to protect the local LGBTQ+ community. Posting about a popular gay coffee shop hangout in Cairo on TripAdvisor, for example, is a no-no.

5. Negative LGBTQ+ laws may not reflect tourist areas

Remember that just because a country’s government may have negative LGBTQ+ policies, doesn’t mean it isn’t a great gay holiday destination. The Maldives, for example, has laws in place for locals but during our visit to the Four Seasons Maldives, a majority of the guests at the resort were gay couples. Research the hotel and resort brands you’re planning on staying with before you book to ensure they are LGBTQ+ friendly.

6. Certain regions may be very LGBTQ+ friendly within a conservative country

Indonesia is the largest known as a conservative Muslim country but ironically the island of Bali is considered to be one of the best LGBTQ+ destinations in Asia. There can be significant tolerance differences based on each region you visit. Many hotels host luxurious gay honeymoons in Bali

7. Do your research on festival dates

Research the annual LGBTQ+ festivals to determine when the destination is likely to offer the most fun on holiday. In North America, we’re familiar with Pride parades but in Europe, the annual festival is referred to as CSD Celebrations or Christopher Street Day. LGBTQ+ festivals vary based on the culture of a place and its people. North American and Europe are known for flashy parades and all-night parties, where some smaller towns or more reserved countries focus on political protest, poetry readings or events centered around theatre and film.

Contact your hotel ahead of time

If you’re traveling with a same-sex friend or partner we always suggest contacting your hotel in advance to confirm what sort of bedding they offer. In some countries, two men will always be booked into a room with separate beds. In other countries, they’re happy to provide one bed for two men but you’d have to specify that in advance as they’ll automatically assume you’re traveling friends.

Why we wrote this article & did this study

Lyric grew up in Hollywood surrounded by actors, producers, and what she thought was a very open and accepting community for LGBTQ+ individuals. It wasn’t until she was 13 when she overheard her Uncle explaining that he was concerned he would be fired from an acting job if they found out he was gay, that she realized even one of the most liberal US communities was still plagued with homophobia.

Since then, LGBTQ+ rights have been at the forefront of Lyric’s awareness. She wondered how safe the US was for the LGBTQ+ community vs the rest of the world after hearing stories from other travelers. We then decided to dive deep into the subject and what we found was shocking.

So many questions entered our minds. For example, “Is it safe to travel to countries where the death penalty or life imprisonment is still a sentence for being openly gay?”

As travel journalists, we wanted to help the LGBTQ+ community educate themselves on the very complex and layered world of staying safe during international travel. But also, to try to bring more awareness to the often horrific treatment of LGBTQ+ people in many parts of the world. And hopefully, this will bring about change, acceptance, and love for all people regardless of their orientation.

How can you help bring about change?

Are you an ally and upset by this information? Here are two obvious ways you can help:

1. Share this article. Bringing awareness to a problem is the first step to fixing it. Share it on social media, send it to your loved ones and anyone you think should see it.

2. Consider donating to organizations that are making a difference. For example, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association or Human Rights Watch are organizations working to help find and report these issues and to help make the whole world — not just a piece of it — safer for LGBTQ+ people.

• Recognition of same-sex relationships 2020 – Human Rights Watch
• LGBTQ+ Worker Protections 2020 – ILGA
• Anti Discrimination Laws 2020 – ILGA
• Criminalization of Hate-Based Violence 2020 – ILGA
• Adoption Recognition 2020 – ILGA
• Gallup World Poll (2020 Data)
• Transgender Rights – Wikipedia
• Transgender Murder Monitoring – TvT
• Global Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws 2020 – Human Rights Watch
• Equaldex: The Collaborative LGBT Rights Knowledge Base

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LGBTQI+ travelers can face special challenges abroad.  Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Many countries do not  recognize same-sex marriage . About 70 countries consider consensual same-sex relations a crime. In some of these countries, individuals who engage in same-sex sexual relations may face severe punishment. 

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Research Your Destination

Visit our  Traveler’s Checklist. Review the  country information  page for your destination(s). These pages contain information specific to LGBTQI+ travelers. Check for this in the “Local Laws & Special Circumstances” section. 

Information for Travelers with an X Gender Marker on their passport

• U.S. citizens can  select an X  as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application. Information about X gender marker passports and changing your U.S. passport to an X gender marker can be found here .
• Although the U.S. government issues passports with the X gender marker, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. Some countries do not recognize the X gender marker. In these countries, you may face entry restrictions. Check with the foreign embassy or consulate in the United States before you travel.

Pack Important Documents

Bring copies of important documents. This is especially helpful in countries whose laws differ from those in the United States.

• Legal and health documents such as a living will or health care directive.
• Parentage and/or custody documents for accompanying minor children. this is especially important if your children do not share your last name. It is also especially important if only one parent is traveling with the children.
• Contact information for your family and/or attorney in the United States. This includes someone who has a copy of your itinerary.
• Address and phone number  of the nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate. Have it in English and the local language.

Consider Buying Insurance

Travel insurance  can help you during emergencies. It can also help if you need medical evacuation. Some insurance companies have products specifically for LGBTQI+ travelers. Check that any insurance you buy will cover all family members who travel.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) is a free service. It is for U.S. citizens traveling to or living in a foreign country. 

• We encourage all travelers to enroll in STEP.
• Enter  information about your upcoming time   abroad. This lets us send you current Travel Advisories and Alerts. 
• In case of emergency , include an email address or phone number where we can reach you when traveling.
• Note: More technological updates are needed for the X gender marker option to be available in STEP. But gender is not a required field on the enrollment form. We will continue the process of updating our systems to include the X gender marker. We appreciate your patience as we do this.

While You Are There

Here are some pointers for staying safe while abroad:

• Remember, you are subject to the laws of the country where you travel. In some countries, same-sex marriage and consensual same-sex relations are illegal. Some countries also ban public gatherings of or in support of LGBTQI+ communities. They may also ban sharing pro-LGBTQI+ material. For more details, read the  country information  page for your destination. See the “Local Laws & Special Circumstances” section.
• Watch out for  entrapment campaigns . Police in some countries watch websites and apps. They may also watch meeting places. Be careful about connecting with locals.
• Be wary of new-found “friends.” Criminals may  target  or attempt to extort foreigners who are perceived to be LGBTQI+.
• Some resorts or neighborhoods are welcoming to LGBTQI+ travelers. The broader community might have different attitudes. Be aware: attitudes in nearby areas may be much less accepting. Be aware when planning excursions outside of the resort or area

Living Abroad with your Foreign National Spouse or Partner

• Check the website of the  foreign embassy or consulate in the United States. You can find out there whether same-sex relationships are legal. You can also find out about any  special documentation required.  This includes work authorization or a residence visa.  

If You Need Help, Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

The nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate  may be able to help if you have problems overseas. This is especially true if you feel you cannot approach local police. Or, if you have already had difficulties with them.

• Consular officers will protect your privacy. They will not make generalizations. They will not make assumptions or pass judgment.
• Tell them about any poor treatment or harassment you have experienced.
• If the police arrest you, immediately request them to notify the U.S. Embassy.

Other useful links

• TSA Transgender Passenger  information
• Traveler’s Checklist
• IGLTA, the International Gay/Lesbian Travel Association
• International Lesbian and Gay Association
• Equaldex  collaborative LGBT knowledge base
• The  Trevor Project  is a private organization. It provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. They are for LGBTQI+ young people ages 13-24.
• National Center for Transgender Equality  travel  page. 

The information above is provided for general information only and may not be applicable in a particular case. You should ask private legal counsel about interpreting specific U.S. or foreign laws.

This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites and listings of private entities on this page are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as the U.S. Department of State or U.S. government endorsement of the entity, its views, the products or services it provides, or the accuracy of information contained therein. The order in which links appear has no significance, and the listings or links may be removed at any time at the discretion of the Department.

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UK review of gender recognition list risks ‘trans travel ban’

Campaigners condemn government plan to update list of countries whose GR certificates are automatically recognised

Rishi Sunak has been told he risks “re-toxifying” his government’s record on LGBTQ+ rights and introducing “an effective trans travel ban” after the equalities minister announced a review of countries whose process for changing gender on legal documents is recognised by the UK.

Kemi Badenoch notified the Commons on Monday of plans to update the list of approved countries and territories whose systems for gender recognition allow individuals with certificates obtained there to use the fast-track process when seeking a gender recognition certificate (GRC) in the UK.

She suggested that recognition would be withdrawn from places “where there is a clear indication that the country now no longer has a system at least as rigorous as those in the Gender Recognition Act 2004”.

In recent years a number of countries have simplified the process by which transgender individuals can legally change their birth certificates, with some introducing a process known as self-declaration, which was recently approved amid some controversy by the Scottish parliament. People with certificates from countries excluded from the list have to apply for a UK certificate separately.

The move comes as the deadline approaches for Westminster officials to decide whether to deploy the “nuclear option” of prohibiting Holyrood’s gender recognition bill from going for royal assent, after Scotland became the first part of the UK to introduce a self-identification system just before the Christmas recess.

The UK’s Scotland secretary, Alister Jack, said he could invoke section 35 of the Scotland Act, which in effect gives him a veto on laws he believes have an impact on constitutionally reserved matters – a decision that could set the stage for a bitter constitutional clash.

Responding to Badenoch’s announcement, Nancy Kelley, the chief executive of Stonewall, and Colin Macfarlane, the LGBTQ+ rights campaign’s Scotland director, said: “Ending reciprocal recognition of gender recognition certificates from countries that support trans people changing their legal gender using a self-determination model is a disgraceful low for the UK government’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights.

“This comes as the UK government considers challenging the Scottish government’s mandate to implement the gender recognition reform bill, a bill that was passed with overwhelming cross-party support from MSPs in December 2022.

“Trans people from countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand have had their gender recognition certificates respected by the UK for years. Seeking to end this system is an extraordinary move, not based on evidence or experience, that will effectively serve as a ‘trans travel ban’.”

Kelley and Macfarlane said these combined moves also sent the message “that the UK government sees trans people as a threat to be contained, not citizens to be respected”, adding that “20 years on from the repeal of section 28, the prime minister risks re-toxifying his party’s brand by repeating historic mistakes”.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said transgender people “have not and will not be banned” from entering the UK. “The Government is merely ensuring that individuals who can access the UK’s fast-track gender recognition system, are from countries with at least equal checks and balances to the UK.”

The fast-track overseas route means that an applicant with legal gender recognition from an approved country does not, for example, need to provide medical reports when applying for a GRC in the UK.

The spokesperson added that the update was not retrospective: “No one is going to move from having recognition in the UK now to not having it. If you’ve got a GRC, you still will have one.”

In late December, the Scottish government hailed a “historic day for equality” after MSPs approved plans to make it easier and less intrusive for individuals to legally change their gender, extending the new system of self-identification to 16- and 17-year-olds for the first time.

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The final vote followed an unprecedented two days of acrimonious and often emotional debate as members worked across parties and past midnight on more than 150 amendments to address concerns about abusive males potentially taking advantage of the new system, and its impact on UK equality law.

The gender recognition reform (Scotland) bill removes the need for a psychiatric diagnosis of gender dysphoria in order to obtain a GRC.

The Scottish government has said any attempt by the UK government to veto the law would be “vigorously contested”.

Later on Tuesday, the Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford, said that he planned to approach the UK government for the powers to introduce a gender recognition bill similar to that passed at Holyrood.

Drakeford told the Senedd he has spoken to Sturgeon about the bill and was “surprised” by the UK government’s reaction. “They are threatening to use a power that has never been used in the whole history of devolution,” he said.

• Transgender
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Human rights
• Scottish politics
• Conservatives

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TSA allows TSA PreCheck® applicants to select their gender based on self-attestation, regardless of the sex assigned at birth. If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, you may call (855) 347-8371 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET to request a gender data update. You may also  submit your inquiry online .

This new gender marker option will not impact the security screening process. Security screening is conducted without discrimination against passengers based on their race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability.

Updating your gender on other identification documents is not required to enroll in TSA PreCheck® screening. You will receive TSA PreCheck® security screening even if your current gender differs from the gender provided upon enrollment in TSA PreCheck®, as long as the name, Known Traveler Number (KTN), and date of birth on your reservation matches their record with TSA. For more information, please visit  TSA PreCheck Frequently Asked Questions .

Making Your Air Travel Reservations

When making a reservation, please use the same name and date of birth indicated on your government-issued ID. We also encourage you to provide the gender indicated on your government-issued ID. TSA recommends that passengers contact air carrier customer service if the gender marker on their government-issued ID is not offered in the air carrier’s reservation system. TSA continues to work closely with our domestic air-carrier partners to promote the use and acceptance of the “X” gender marker. Some major domestic air carriers already offer “X” or undisclosed gender options in their travel reservation systems, please check with your air carrier when making your reservation. Read additional information about  identification .

Contacting TSA in Advance

Prior to a flight, you may contact the TSA Cares helpline at  (855) 787-2227  with questions about screening policies and procedures, as well as what to expect as you proceed through the security checkpoint. You may request the assistance of a  Passenger Support Specialist , who will provide assistance through the security screening process.

While at the Airport

Travel document checker.

At the checkpoint, present your government-issued identification and boarding pass to the TSA officer who will ensure the identification and boarding pass are authentic with the exact name shown on each document. If the name shown on the identification document does not exactly match the name on the boarding pass, you may need to go to your airline ticket counter for a new boarding pass.

TSA has updated its checkpoint procedures to remove gender considerations when validating a passenger’s identification at airport security checkpoints. When passengers appear at the travel document checker podium for identity verification, gender information is not considered. Go to  Security Screening Identification  for more information.

Inform the TSA Officer

For carry-on baggage - inform the TSA officer if you have medically necessary liquids, medications and/or medical equipment, and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. If a bag must be opened by an officer to resolve an alarm, you may ask that the bag be opened and inspected in private.

Physical Screening Procedures

You will be screened by Advanced Image Technology (AIT), a walk through metal detector (WTMD), and/or a pat-down procedure.  

AIT Technology Enhancements and Screening Procedures

In June 2023, TSA implemented a gender-neutral algorithm for the AIT, which decreased the false alarm rate by 50%. This change benefits everyone, including transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming passengers by reducing the number of pat downs for TSA officers and the traveling public. Ask to speak with a supervisor if concerns come up during screening.

If there is a screening alarm by technology, or you opt-out of screening by technology, a pat-down is required and is conducted by an officer of the same gender as the officer’s assessment of how you present. Alternatively, you may choose to inform the officer of your gender identity and make a request that the pat-down be conducted by an officer of that gender.

Screening can be conducted in the checkpoint area, or you may request to have a pat-down in private. You can request that your traveling companion accompany you to private screening. You are not required to remove or lift any article of clothing to reveal sensitive body areas. You may be asked to adjust loose fitting clothing by the officer performing the pat-down. For additional information about the pat-down, see  Security Screening .

To File a Complaint

If your screening experience did not meet your expectations, speak with a supervisor at the checkpoint. You may also submit your concern to the  TSA Contact Center .

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Trans health care bans are “humiliating” & costly for families forced to travel for care

The distance that U.S. families must travel to access gender-affirming care for their transgender children has increased dramatically in recent years, along with associated travel costs, thanks to state laws banning such care for minors, according to a new report from the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) and the Southern Equality Research & Policy Center.

The report , titled How Far? The Extreme Travel Burden of Bans on Medically Necessary Care for Transgender Youth , used geographic information system mapping software to estimate the distances families in states with anti-trans healthcare bans would need to drive to reach clinics. It also draws on conversations with over 500 parents of trans children through CSE’s Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP), which helps families living in states with gender-affirming care bans access care.

Related: Doctors in trans refuge states fight for more resources as demand skyrockets Wait times are off the charts, but legislation in Minnesota could provide funding to train more medical professionals in providing gender-affirming care.

Prior to the recent wave of anti-trans laws severely restricting or banning outright gender-affirming healthcare for young people in states across the country, families in most parts of the contiguous U.S. were within a one- to four-hour drive from a clinic where their kids could receive care, according to the report.

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But in the deep south and rural areas, it now takes upwards of eight hours of driving time for families of trans youth to reach clinics that provide gender-affirming care. Such care has been endorsed by every major American medical association as safe, evidence-based, and often necessary for the treatment of gender dysphoria in young people.

In one of the report’s many examples, prior to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signing a state ban into law last June, families in Houston, Texas, could access gender affirming care for their kids within the city limits. Now, they must drive over 18 hours roundtrip to reach a clinic.

Even in states like Arkansas, where bans have not gone into effect, some providers have stopped seeing patients, forcing families to travel to get the care their children need. In others, like North Carolina and Georgia, trans kids who were receiving gender-affirming care prior to the passage of those states’ bans can still receive care in-state, while new patients must travel elsewhere. It’s even more complicated in Georgia, where minors can receive puberty blockers, but must travel to access hormone therapy.

The report also looks at the costs and other burdens associated with travel to access care, including gas and vehicle costs, airfare, overnight expenses, meal costs, and time off from work and school.

Anecdotally, CSE reports that about 90% of families in states with bans that are also surrounded by other states with bans choose to fly rather than drive to states where they can access care. While that can lower travel time, it also drives up the cost for families, with average cost of a single roundtrip domestic flight costing around $276. Other factors — like the cost of childcare for other children, ground transportation, and hotel accommodations — further increase the costs families of transgender youth face. And these are usually not one-time trips. Families that don’t choose or are unable to permanently relocate are forced to travel regularly, sometimes every three to four months, for appointments, according to the report.

One parent in Texas told CSE that the state’s anti-trans healthcare ban and another in Louisiana, which borders Texas, had thrown their family into “logistical chaos.” After providers in both states could no longer provide gender-affirming care, they were forced to travel to see a provider in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While a STYEP grant covered their flight, their additional expenses included hotel accommodations, car rental, and out-of-pocket costs for their daughter’s medication.

Another parent in Oklahoma described the toll traveling to another state had taken on their daughter.

“She said on the drive that having to go to another state — one that is even more conservative than our own — was humiliating and scary,” the parent said of their child. “It was incredibly stressful to have to stop at gas stations and rest stops not knowing if anyone would comment on what bathrooms we were using.”

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Mytishchi is a mid-sized industrial city in North Moscow Oblast , which borders Moscow to the southwest. It is perhaps Moscow Oblast 's principal industrial center, particularly for machinery and armaments.

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If Kansas also bans health care for transgender kids, families will have to travel far out of state

Missouri banned gender-affirming health care for minors, and Kansas could follow suit this spring. So families are forced to move to other states or travel hundreds of miles, sometimes with the help of a growing network of groups determined to make the care available.

If Kansas bans gender-affirming care for minors, Kansas City families with transgender children will be hundreds of miles from a doctor who could help them.

Kansas lawmakers stand poised to follow a conservative playbook that 24 states, including Missouri, already have used to outlaw treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

The Kansas Legislature passed a bill last week that would ban gender care for people younger than 18 and bar transgender youth already receiving treatment from continuing it in the state. Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to veto the legislation, but an override is plausible.

Families with trans kids on both sides of the state line watch with trepidation. If care options in Kansas go away, families in Missouri will also lose their nearest outlet for care.

Parents in both states will be forced to choose between discontinuing their child’s treatment or searching for it in a city elsewhere in the country.

“We’re already seeing families from Missouri traveling all the way to Seattle,” said Katy Erker-Lynch, executive director of PROMO , a St. Louis-based LGBTQ advocacy group.

One Kansas City parent, who asked not to be identified to protect his child, said his family would look for care in Colorado or Minnesota, which would become some of the closest options if Kansas shuts down.

But traveling is only an option for families that can afford to take time off work and pay for travel and hotels.

“If you are not financially privileged, your kid will suffer,” said a Lee’s Summit woman whose 18-year-old daughter is transgender.

Networks have sprung up across the country to get women to states, like Kansas, where abortion remains available after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. Likewise, a network is taking shape to get children and adults to states that still allow gender-affirming care.

Proponents of laws to ban gender-affirming care for minors worry the treatment will harm children and cause physical changes they might later regret.

Gender-affirming care, which the Kansas bill would make illegal in the state, is widely endorsed in the medical community. Medical professionals consider it lifesaving for some people suffering from gender dysphoria, a condition that can develop when a person’s gender identity doesn’t match their biological gender.

It includes a range of treatments, from mental health care to medical treatments, like hormone therapy and surgery. Most major health care organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, agree that the care is medically necessary for most transgender people.

Care for children starts with social changes — letting a child live as the gender that matches their gender identity. That could continue.

But other types of gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers, which pause physical changes associated with puberty, and, later on, hormone therapy would be inaccessible in Kansas and Missouri. Surgery in people younger than 18 is exceedingly rare.

The Overland Park mother of a 14-year-old transgender son said the child hasn’t started taking testosterone, the male hormone, but he will when his parents and doctors believe that level of care is appropriate.

The mother, who asked not to be identified to protect her son’s privacy, doesn’t know what she will do if that care is no longer available in Kansas. But to protect her son, who was suicidal before he began living as a boy, she said she will do whatever she has to to find it.

“We’ll continue to find ways to make sure he stays safe,” she said. “Even living in a different country would not be out of the plan.”

A 2023 survey by the Trevor Project, an organization focused on the mental health of LGBTQ youth, found that half of transgender young people have seriously considered suicide in the past year and nearly one in five has attempted suicide.

When someone takes steps to transition to the gender that matches their identity, the risk of suicide goes down, health experts said. Suicide risk also drops when a person’s gender identity and pronouns are acknowledged and supported at home and school.

But the opposite is true when political rhetoric seems to constantly take aim at transgender health care, said Katie Heiden-Rootes, an associate professor at St. Louis University who works with the university’s Transgender Health Collaborative .

“It introduces seemingly culturally acceptable rhetoric about LGBTQ people,” she said, “and can really embolden discrimination and bullying in a more open way, because it seems to be OK right now to say these things and talk about trans people this way.”

The frequent attempts in state legislatures to pass laws that would remove options for transgender care are even damaging to trans people living in states where laws support them, said Roz Gould Keith, whose support group organization, Stand With Trans , is based in Michigan but offers online support groups to people throughout the country.

“The anti-trans rhetoric that is prevalent across the country affects everyone and erodes self-esteem,” she said. “People feel that in general the country wants to erase their existence.”

A survey from SLU’s Transgender Health Collaborative found that the anti-trans laws and legislation in Missouri are pushing families with trans kids out of the state. The survey found that health care providers also want to leave.

The group said 40% of survey respondents who were parents of LGBTQ youth had considered leaving Missouri, where state legislators introduced 48 bills last year affecting LGBTQ rights — and passed two that were signed into law. This year, they introduced another 34.

Parents surveyed cited increased stress, mental health, safety fears and the political climate as the top reasons for wanting to leave the state.

One in three health care providers surveyed said they had considered leaving the state because of the LGBTQ climate. Losing health care providers who are already in short supply harms everyone, said Heiden-Rootes, an author of the survey.

“We already are a state with really high amounts of medically underserved areas,” she said.

Estimates by the Williams Institute at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law suggest 1.6 million people in the United States identify as transgender. About 300,000 of those are 13 to 17 years old — including 2,100 in Kansas and 2,900 in Missouri.

The Human Rights Campaign estimated at the end of last year that three in 10 transgender youth lived in states that had banned care.

When Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation banning gender-affirming care last year, many Kansas City families found providers just across the state line in Kansas. A Kansas ban would force them to states farther away, where waiting lists can stretch beyond a year.

The Kansas bill was amended to give children until Dec. 31 to stop current treatment, including puberty blockers, testosterone, estrogen or other medications related to gender transition.

Opponents decry the effort to make patients already getting treatment to stop.

“They want to force de-transition all of these kids,” said Susan Halla, board president of TransParent , a national support and advocacy organization based in St. Louis. “They really don’t understand what de-transitioning is going to do to these kids.”

Although Missouri’s law banning minor care included a grandfather clause, which was supposed to allow children already getting care to continue it, that didn’t prevent many children in the state from losing care. In September, the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital said it would no longer prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to minors.

The center said the Missouri law created “unsustainable liability for health care professionals and makes it untenable for us to continue to provide comprehensive transgender care for minor patients without subjecting the university and our providers to an unacceptable level of liability.”

The University of Missouri soon followed suit, leaving patients across the eastern and central parts of Missouri with few options. Halla said many families have chosen to travel out of state rather than stop treatment.

Since 2023, the Campaign for Southern Equality in North Carolina has been working to support families in states where gender care has been outlawed. The organization’s Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project works with a network of gender clinics around the country and has helped more than 600 families find care since the program started in response to Tennessee and Mississippi passing bans.

The group has distributed $416,000 in direct emergency grants to families of trans youth or trans individuals, covering the cost of traveling to reach a doctor and other expenses associated with traveling. It also connects people to an organization that works with volunteer pilots who will fly them to appointments that are farther away.

Sometimes, the group sets up a telehealth connection, so a family only needs to cross a state line and dial into an appointment rather than having to drive farther to an in-person appointment.

“It’s certainly not just Tennessee and Mississippi, as we thought it would be at the beginning of last year,” said Carolyn Jones, who oversees the program.

And as more bills, including legislation in Kansas and Missouri, were introduced this year, the tide of people seeking transgender care in the dwindling number of states where it is still legal will likely continue to rise.

New legislation that prohibits doctors from offering care or threatens parents who help their children get gender-affirming care is regularly being introduced.

Legal challenges to the laws are ongoing across the country, including in Missouri . Some have been successful.

Last summer, a federal judge struck down an Arkansas law — the first in the country to ban transgender care. But lawmakers in that state have since passed legislation that could create a de facto ban on the care by making it more difficult for providers to get malpractice insurance.

Groups fighting the laws banning gender-affirming care hope more legal challenges will be successful.

“We’re clinging on to hope, because that’s all we have right now,” Halla said. “And that (hope) is that these will be proven illegal. … It’s an overreach of government (to say) that parents and doctors who have trained medically for this can’t provide this to children.”

There could be reason to believe the wave of anti-trans legislation could be subsiding, Erin Reed, a journalist who tracks anti-LGBTQ legislation, reported in her blog last week. Georgia, for instance, ended its legislative session without passing any of the proposed bills.

“Often when asked by other journalists about ‘where this is all going,’ I would state that, ‘We have yet to see a bottom,’” Reed wrote. “That is no longer the case — it appears that we have actually found that bottom in several states across the United States.”

But Erker-Lynch said that, at least in Missouri, restrictions could still grow.

“This is a decades-long struggle,” she said.

This story was originally published by The Beacon Kansas City , a fellow member of the KC Media Collective.

Trans Bhutan Trail Travel Guide: Exploring Natural Wonders Series Announced

With eco-friendly and sustainable tourism growing in popularity, Ever Wonder Adventure announces a new travel guide focusing on the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Singapore, Singapore - April 18, 2024 —

The new guide is the latest in a series, designed to draw attention to adventure travel destinations that support local populations and protection of the natural environment. As part of the recent announcement, the company has also renewed appeals for support via purchases from its Adventure Travel and Saving Earth merchandise store, with contributions helping the development of further articles.

More details can be found at https://bit.ly/bhutan-bliss

Ever Wonder Adventure highlights the relatively untouched cultural and natural wonder of Bhutan, which made it an obvious choice for inclusion in its sustainable travel series. The new guide explains some of the rewarding experiences that travelers can expect, along with suggestions/links for booking an adventure.

“Bhutanese culture and heritage flourish along the Trans Bhutan Trail,” a company representative explained. “Engaging with locals at homestays like Tshering Farmhouse reveals ancestral wisdom. Bhutan's preservation of its traditions enriches the journey, forging a genuine connection between nature, culture, and the traveler's inner harmony.”

A not-for-profit sustainable tourism initiative, the Trans Bhutan Trail offers 10 different itineraries ranging from 5-nights to 35-nights in duration. The organization states that all profits from bookings go towards the upkeep of the trail and supporting the communities who live along its path.

With the new guide, Ever Wonder Adventure aims to better prepare visitors for what to expect during their trip, as well as how they can maximize their experience.

About Ever Wonder Adventure

In addition to the Trans Bhutan Trail, Ever Wonder Adventure’s travel guide series now includes pieces on Puerto Princesa, Costa Rica, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, Rotorua, and more. The firm is also now covering a variety of environmental conservation issues, such as protecting sea turtles and reducing food waste.

“Ever Wonder Adventure aims to foster awareness and commitment to restore the balance between humanity and nature,” the company continues. “The continuation of our mission is made possible by purchases from our merchandise store, so we encourage those who enjoy our travel guides to take a moment and discover our growing line.”

Interested parties can find more information by visiting https://www.everwonderadventure.com/bhutan

Contact Info: Name: H C Yip Email: Send Email Organization: Ever Wonder Adventure Address: One Oxley Rise Singapore, Singapore, Singapore 238714, Singapore Website: https://www.everwonderadventure.com

Source: NewsNetwork

Release ID: 89127515

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