Global Voyagers from the LGBTQIA+ Community Assert Their Presence Globally
In a world where LGBTQIA+ individuals often hide their identities for survival, queer travelers are proudly claiming space. From the streets of London's Pride to the vibrant LGBTQIA+ communities in Madeira, the LGBTQIA+ community is boldly demonstrating that love transcends borders.
For Taylor Phillips and Jeff O'Donnell, lifestyle influencers with an impressive combined following of over 550,000, travel is about more than sightseeing; it's about immersion, connection, and celebration. Whether it's a culture-shocking drag show in an unfamiliar language or the simple act of holding hands in public, they cherish these moments as small, joyous declarations of freedom.
Across the globe, LGBTQIA+ culture serves as a connective tissue. Taylor and Jeff remark on the instant sense of belonging they feel with other LGBTQIA+ travelers. Their advice for fellow queer explorers? Start where you feel safe, but don't let fear rob you of your freedom. Ellie Prohan, a presenter, DJ, and radio host, echoes this sentiment. Don't let fear shrink your world, she advises. Do your research, trust your instincts, and find strength in queer communities, both online and offline.
Chadi Zeneddine and his partner, Roberto Acosta Velazquez, met in Beirut and soon discovered that their relationship was more than just a journey across geography; it was a rebellion against oppressive norms. In both Lebanon and Mexico, being openly queer comes with risks and constant calculations. By settling in Madrid, they were able to be more visible and generous, using their home-sharing platform, Kindred, to extend hospitality to fellow travelers who share their stories.
This rise in chosen family travel is shaping a new narrative. Expedia data shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals are just as likely to travel with their chosen family as with their biological family. Over 54% of queer travelers plan to attend a Pride event this year, and 76% of these plan to celebrate away from their hometowns.
From beach escapes in Phuket and city escapes in Amsterdam to Pride parades in Edinburgh, LGBTQIA+ travelers are discovering fresh destinations that balance beauty with belonging. Tomáš Drouin, a trans man who traveled extensively before settling in Lisbon, founded Aconchego House, a nonprofit community space for LGBTQIA+ travelers and locals. "I wanted to create a space where queer people could find connections abroad," he says. "We've hosted people from all over-even some of the first queer people to apply for asylum here from the U.S."
For many travelers, safety is a top priority, and data shows that this is especially true for LGBTQIA+ travelers, who rely heavily on trusted queer word-of-mouth and verified welcoming accommodations. Tate Smith, an award-winning activist and trans rights advocate, avoids visiting countries where he would not be welcomed, no matter how well he blends in. "I won't contribute to the economy of a country that doesn't support my community."
For LGBTQIA+ travelers, simply existing openly can feel revolutionary. Aggy, born and raised in Lithuania, felt more accepted after moving to the UK. Growing up, he had to suppress his identity to survive. In Amsterdam, he found a city where people minded their own business, offering a sense of freedom he had never experienced before.
Travel presents a unique opportunity for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be unapologetically themselves, even in places where it might not be socially or legally acceptable. Matthew Chew, a UK-based creative strategist of Malaysian Chinese heritage, experiences a sense of liberation when traveling, even in places where public displays of affection might be frowned upon. "There are places I've had to avoid due to safety concerns, but sometimes, even just holding hands in public can feel defiant and free."
Ultimately, LGBTQIA+ travel isn't always easy, but it is essential. It creates bridges between strangers and cultures, fosters solidarity, and shows future generations that sometimes, the simple act of showing up is the most revolutionarily radical thing of all.
- Taylor Phillips and Jeff O'Donnell, lifestyle influencers, cherish travel moments as declarations of freedom, such as attending drag shows in foreign languages or holding hands in public.
- Across the globe, LGBTQIA+ culture provides a sense of belonging for travelers like Taylor and Jeff when they connect with fellow LGBTQIA+ explorers.
- Chadi Zeneddine and Roberto Acosta Velazquez met and rebelled against oppressive norms by settling in Madrid, using their home-sharing platform to host fellow travelers and share their stories.
- Travel allows many LGBTQIA+ individuals like Tomáš Drouin and Aggy to be unapologetically themselves, finding acceptance and revolutionizing their existence in places where it might not be socially or legally acceptable.
