best countries for lgbt expats
Valletta doesnt immediately spring to mind when you think of the worlds gay capitals, but tiny Malta has topped the Europe Rainbow Index for four years in a row. As a result, their sexual orientation or gender identity might open them up to harassment or persecution. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. Since 2006, same-sex couples in Finland have had access to IVF and artificial insemination. In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. English is widely spoken, and Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. Whether you are seeking to move from a less-accepting family life back home to somewhere new, you are looking for adventure and social life at bars and clubs, or you are simply an LGBT individualin a relationship or notwho wants to go where youre treated best and live somewhere where it is easy to be yourself, this list can give you some places to start. New Zealand is currently considered the second best country in the world for expats, according to HSBC, and same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex parents were both legalized in 2013. Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: Krunja) Being known as one of the most welcoming countries in Asia, Thailand has long been a favorite destination for LGBTQ travelers, and lately, has been a popular place for expats as well. Gay Madrid. Expat-friendly neighborhoods such as Palermo Viejo and San Telmo boast several gay-friendly establishments. The Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. Yet, not everyone here is LGBTQIA+ friendly. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. Brighton, UK. Since same-sex marriage in Canada was legalised in 2005, Quebec moved one step ahead in this regard. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. Nearly 90% of the population accepting of homosexuality, according to the last Pew Research poll. Besides the usual decisions such as career impact or healthcare quality, gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and transgender individuals often have to consider more severe consequences. Homosexuality, gay marriage, adoption, and gay marriage are legal in the Netherlands. But making the decision can be a greater challenge for LGBTQIA+ expats than it is for heterosexuals. Transgender people enjoy similar protections. Charming, Old World capital-city Ljubljana is the heart of the country, both literally and figuratively. first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage. Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. One of the world's most popular expat destinations, Canada is the ideal place for gay expats. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Gay South Africa competitions. The spaces mentioned above embody one of the secrets of LGBTQ life in not-so-friendly places the communities are usually quite bonded and highly supportive of one another, making Georgia, at least in safe bubbles, one of the most gay friendly places in Eastern Europe. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. To find out more about what makes Portugal one of the safest LGBTQ countries to live in, read our article: Is Portugal a good place to live for LGBT expats? As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. Like Spain, Malta requires a net worth of between $40,000-$45,000 and an annual income of over $27,000. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Spain 6. Afghanistan . Malta has been called the gold standard of LGBT reform by the United Nations, which is highly promising even compared to European neighbors. In 2005, Canada also legalized same-sex marriage. Whether it is ensuring equal access to adoption and IVF treatment for same-sex couples, legalizing same-sex marriage, or voting in power an openly gay head of a government in 2009, the country has shown the world what it means to give legal and comprehensive recognition to the . No. Its important to vacation in places where locals are welcoming and friendly: Sue Davies and Regina Ang live in both the New York area and Singapore. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. The country ranks highly for sunshine hours (2250 per year), and how simple it is to pop back to the UK (or, more likely to have your friends and family come to see you!) Portugal offers certain perks that make it more accessible to entrepreneurial people rather than its more bureaucratic neighbors, and its gay rights record and gay life in major cities like Lisbon and Porto is likewise vibrant. Even foreigners can get married in Argentina. Among this openness is one of the most thriving gay communities on the continent and a great gay life in the capital city of Brussels, as well as a generally pro-business and pro-foreigner environment. 75% are happy with their job. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. As is the case elsewhere, LGBTQIA+ life tends to be concentrated around the major cities, particularly Toronto, Vancouver (often rated among the worlds best cities for expats), and Montreal. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. Jeff Overs / BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images. Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. Portugal. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. The Netherlands is considered the most gay-friendly country in the world, according to Gallup, and it was also the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2000. 11. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. In 2010, it became the first country in Latin America and the tenth in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, a milestone for a Catholic country anywhere. Singapore, Singapore. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. . However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. The Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. We have curated a list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Robert B. Fishman / ullstein bild via Getty Images. In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 (although the worlds first gay marriages took place in Toronto in 2001). This was followed by the legalization of adoption rights for same-sex couples. Malta is one of just a handful of countries whose constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of both sexual orientation and gender identity, including in the workplace. It's true that Poland is not among the best countries for expats who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. Latin Americas beacon of LGBTQIA+ rights, Argentinas queer history goes back to the indigenous Mapuche and Guaran people. It is also important to understand that laws for foreigners, especially those who look foreign or are differentiated by class, are often different than those applied to local people, particularly in the case of countries with Islamic law. Same-sex couples may adopt children and arrange IVF or surrogacy. It is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, with everything from beaches to volcanos to wildlife and other adventures. Couple that with a low cost of living, averaging at $1,500 per month for a small family even in highly urbanized cities like Hanoi, and you . The UK came in at number . Going out and seeing the world often on your own or while starting or running a business is not always an easy task for anyone. Here are InterNations' best and worst places for expats to live in 2022: The Top 10. New Zealand and France banned conversion therapy in early 2022. Explore the new Cheapest Countries to Live Index from Where can I Live + Cheapest places to live in Europe. With its liberal policies and relatively welcoming attitudes to immigration, Canada has long attracted LGBTQIA+ individuals from abroad. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". By 2017, the survey found that 50.4% of respondents supported same-sex marriage. Here are ten countries where LGBT rights are most threatened. Singapore does not recognize dual citizenship, so Reggie has permanent residency which allows her to stay in the U.S. At the same time, the mood in the U.S. around immigrants and the Asian community has been less than welcoming. Denmark, Belgium, Norway and Luxembourg completed the top five most LGBT-friendly countries, with Sweden, France, Montenegro, Iceland and Portugal rounding out the top 10. And while the country had long been a socialist mess, it is improving these days, hopefully for good. Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. 4. Taiwan 4. LGBTQIA+ people have been able to serve openly in the military since 2002. Although the countrys 2012 and 2015 Social Change Surveys found a slight majority in favor of legalization, a 2018 referendum won only 25% of all votes. . Follow NBC OUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. As early as 1981, Norway began to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. In addition, abortion is extremely restricted in Poland. The Netherlands also ranks in the top five countries in terms of same-sex couples as parents (number five . Despite having an LGBTQIA+ friendly government, the LGBTQIA+ scene is not as well developed in Malta as it is other European countries, with relatively fewer dedicated bars and cafs. Not only was Argentina the first South American country to legalize gay marriage, theyve long had a law allowing civil unions. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. And stay tuned for tomorrow's issue, when we'll reveal one of our top picks for where a gay couple or single might consider launching a new life overseas. Netherlands. New Zealand. The Netherlands decriminalized homosexuality in 1811; the first gay bar opened in Amsterdam in 1927; and in 1987, Amsterdam unveiled the Homomonument, a memorial for gays and lesbians killed by the Nazis. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. For gay nomads visiting Argentina, the capital city of Buenos Aires has a bustling gay scene with plenty of friendly bars and hotels. Many aspects of the country including its friendly people and English competency make it easy to do business, get urban amenities, and live a high standard of living for much lower costs than someone might be used to in the Western world. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. Canada is also home to Vancouver and Toronto, two of the worlds best cities for expats, according to a recent report. Dublin, Ireland. fastest places in the world to become a citizen, residency in Malta with the Global Resident Programme, top most livable cities in Southeast Asia, The Best Nomadic Lifestyle Jobs (and How to Land Them), Digital Nomad Lifestyle: All Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind, St Kitts Travel Guide for Families and Couples, 44 Digital Nomad Visas to Get: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa List, Traveling to Antigua: Our Favorite Luxury Hotels. It does not store any personal data. The biggest magnet cities for the trans people I know are New York, Chicago, Seattle, the Bay Area (usually Oakland) and Portland. A view of the skyline in the Northern part of Dublin, Ireland, on April 19, 2015. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In May 1974, the "Diario de Lisboa" published a manifesto for the Liberation of sexual minorities, which lead to the establishment of the Portuguese LGBT movement. From being the first country in the European Union to prohibit conversion therapy and guarantee equal rights and freedom to LGBTQI+ citizens, to ensuring a safe environment for the LGBTQ community, Malta has been leading in building a fair, safe, and secure society for the LGBTQ community. Transgender rights include permission for people to change their gender on the basis of self-determination. Arnaldur Halldorsson / Bloomberg via Getty Images. It ranked #4 on Gallups 2015 list of Top Places for Gay People to Live," #23 on HSBCs ranking of best countries for expats and is known for its delicious cuisine. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. French Polynesia. Answer (1 of 25): In many nations, homosexuality remains a criminal act, and there are a number of locations where LGBT+ rights are being eroded. Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. In 2022, the . Other possibilities in South America include Mexico, Chile, and Peru. Not only are certain financial decisions complicated (e.g., marriage, taxes, partnerships, medical choices), but there can be social pressures not experienced by non-LGBT people that need to be addressed. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. Thanks to the 2012 Gender Identity Law, people may change their gender without facing medical interventions. It has also been a leader in enacting laws expanding transgender rights, including one passed in 2009 that allows trans people to change official documents to match their gender identity. Luckily for the aspiring expat, theres a wealth of countries where its safe to work and live out in the open, as youll see from Expaticas list of the top 10 LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. To ensure the same rights for the LGBT community as heterosexual couples, the Icelandic government decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 1940. 1. Whats more, travelers whose identities do not match with the mainstream often face extra challenges when adjusting to the social, legal, and political frameworks in different countries across the globe. This country is no stranger to conflict in the region both on a religious and political basis and its society general seeks to uphold the rights of LGBT individuals even despite some tensions that might be felt with more orthodox/conservative religious influences. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. Being the very first country in the world to legalize same-sex unions through registered partnerships back in 1989, Denmark truly has evolved into being a progressive and LGBTQ-friendly nation. Additionally, 72% agreed that they should have protection from workplace discrimination. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. Residents believe more conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues are necessary. Croatia legalized same-sex adoptions in May 2021. The gay scene extends well beyond Amsterdam, however, with bars, saunas, and cinemas in several Dutch cities, including Rotterdam, The Hague (Den Haag), Amersfoort, Enschede, and Groningen. Brazil has been a bastion of gay life for decades as its well-known party-loving traditions of celebration and beach life in cities like Rio de Janeiro have attracted millions of LGBT nomads and travelers. Pride Amsterdam, with its canal parade, is the largest, and attracts some 350,000 people each August. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Gay-friendly areas in Lisbon. Same-sex marriage isnt possible in Aruba, Curaao, and Sint Maarten, however. Unfortunately, many countries in Asia have anti-LGBTQ+ laws or other political issues that knocked them out of consideration. Hanoi, Vietnam. Income requirements are a little higher with higher assets ($40,000) and proof of minimum monthly income of roughly $3,467, health insurance, and sometimes, an executed lease for accommodation. The Belgian military allows individuals from the LGBTQ community to serve openly in the armed forces. Lisbon, Portugal. France. A third gender on legal documents has yet to be introduced. The law is unclear on transgender rights, however. The Netherlands has legalized same-sex activity, same-sex marriage, and adoption in the country. Sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many castles and caves. It's a small city of 272,000 people, but, with easy access to both beaches and ski resorts, it offers the best of all worlds in terms of lifestyle . You need to have a clean criminal record to be eligible to be interviewed for a permanent resident permit. Very recently, the ILGA-Europe listed Belgium as the number two leading country for the protection of LGBT rights in the European Union, right after Malta. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Now that the real estate mogul and reality TV star is Americas president-elect, NBC OUT has compiled a handy list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for U.S. expatriates. Lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization treatments. Nearly 90 percent of Spain's citizens believe lesbian and gay people should be accepted, according to Pew Research Center, and Gallup has Spain tied with the Netherlands as the number one country for gay people. Las Lajas beach in the Coronado beaches area in Panama. Homophobia remains a major challenge. Children can change their gender. However, gay travelers should definitely stay vigilant, especially those whose identities may be more of a target and put them in physical or political danger. In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. Check out the cheapest places in the world to live for Expats. Berlin, Germany. New Orleans, Louisiana. Portugal. Best and worst countries for expats. John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. It is one of the least welcoming parts of Europe for LGBTQ+ people; by 2020, around 100 Polish towns and regions had declared themselves free from "LGBT ideology.". Due to a political environment that favors an equal ecosystem for all its citizens, same-sex adoptions, same-sex relationships, and marriage has been recognized and legalized in the country. You only need to show proof of $18,000 annual income which reflects its low cost of living. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Maciej Luczniewski / NurPhoto via Getty Images. Dubai: a glamorous train station. Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until eight years later. With the transition toward democracy after the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in 1975 came the first political generation of activists who believed in the rights and liberation of people in Spanish colonies as well as marginalized communities in Spain. These include adoption, automatic parenthood recognition on birth certificates, inheritance tax, rights to survivor pensions, recognition for immigration purposes, equal treatment for tax purposes including inheritance tax and protection from domestic violence. The Marais . Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. 2. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. Oftentimes, countries in Southeast Asia have an interesting relationship with the issue of homosexuality: While certain aspects of the culture are quite traditional and familial, there is often more room for differences of sexuality as well as gender, which have always been seen as sort of matter of fact. Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. Argentina is as pro-immigration as it is gay-friendly. Since 2006, the Spanish government has ensured transgender rights by allowing people from the community to enter their preferred sex in government documents without undergoing surgical transformation. Hundreds of couples have since tied the knot, although same-sex marriage is restricted to couples where at least one partner is Taiwanese. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Lisbon and Porto, as they are areas with the greatest diversity, are the ones where you will feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. Theyll also enjoy equal social and tax benefits, including those relating to pensions, old age security, and bankruptcy protection. Expats find everything they need in close proximity in Portugal. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. You will need to pay taxes if you live in Buenos Aires full-time, but you can also come and go as you please. In 2013, for example, 80% of Canadians (compared with just 60% of Americans) said that society should accept homosexuality. Further to registered partnerships, the country legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. The Coronado beaches are located just an hour's drive from Panama City on the Pacific coast. There are many possibilities in Latin and South America. Dutch nationals may apply for gender-neutral passports. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. The government in Spain allows lesbian couples and single women to opt for IVF treatment. We recommend consulting with your tax accountants about the implications before making any plans. Pride parades occur across the country each summer with participation from regional and national politicians; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the countrys first head of government to take part in Pride Toronto in 2016. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. Budapest, Hungary. Crammed with beautiful architecture, incredible eateries, gay bars, pubs, and friendly locals these cities are LGBTQ tourism-friendly. Their liberal attitudes mean that each country has instituted its own anti-discrimination laws, equal age of consent, right to same sex marriage, equal adoption rights and the right to openly . Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. As LGBT rights gained societal recognition in the late 20th century, homosexuality was removed from the official list of illnesses in 1973. Barcelona has also been named as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ people by UCityGuides. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. Canadian citizens have been permitted to change their gender prior to any gender reassignment surgery. Photo by Diego Gennaro on Unsplash. # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs . There is also a wide variety of bars, clubs, and gay saunas; this is possibly because of social pressures to conform to traditional heteronormative models. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. "France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. People may change their gender on their driving license or passport with a statutory declaration; however, doing the same on a birth certificate requires proof of medical treatment towards transition. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. Expats report that contrary to expectations, local residents warmly accept LGBTQIA+ people; social attitudes vary, however. While healthcare is ranked amongst the best in Asia, it does not come cheap to ex-pats. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. Portugal 5. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Transgender rights in Argentina are among the most advanced worldwide. If you belong to the LGBT community and are interested in relocating to an LGBTQ-friendly nation, the above list will help you to decide. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. While most of the African culture is associated with more traditional anti-gay sentiments in regards to family or lack of legal protections, South Africa has stood out as a leader in recent years. The Fitting-in category of IL's 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index considers the character of the expat community, how easy it is for a single or LGBT person to adapt, how welcoming the locals . Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. As one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in, Canada has multiple bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore.
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