The Best Countries for LGBTQ Expats!

 

Introduction: Who is an LGBTQ Expat?

An LGBTQ expat is an individual who has moved to a new country and has come out as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

There are many reasons why an expat may choose to come out in the new country they live in. These could include: the lack of a need for secrecy, feeling more supported by their new community, feeling more accepted and not having to hide their identity.

Different countries have different attitudes towards LGBTQ people which can lead to varying levels of acceptance from society. This is one of the main reasons why some LGBTQ people may choose not to come out in their adopted country.

LGBTQ expats are not just gay or lesbian individuals who have moved abroad; there are also bisexuals and transgenders who identify as expats.

What are the Best Countries for LGBT-Friendly Living?

Spain

Around 90 percent of Spain’s citizens think that lesbians and gay people should be considered acceptable according the Pew Research Center, and Gallup reports that Spain in a tie with that of the Netherlands as the top nation for gays. Spain is also among the first countries to allow the same-sex marriage in 2005. LGBTQ culture has had a profound impact on a lot of the art of Spain, be it through the writings by Federico Garcia Lorca or the films of Pedro Almodovar. Barcelona is also ranked among the most welcoming cities in the world for LGBTQ persons in the world

Canada

The northern neighbor of America legalized the same-sex marriage in 2005. The country’s new leader has been adamant about it. Minister It is openly gay-friendly. Canada is also the home of Vancouver and Toronto which are two of the most desirable cities for expats, as per an analysis of report.

Uruguay

Uruguay is among the most welcoming countries in South America and is also ranked among the top Gallup countries that are welcoming to LGBT and gay people. Uruguay has also been an innovator in the enactment of laws that expand the rights of transgender people and rights, such as one that was passed in 2009 that permits trans individuals to alter their official documents to conform to what gender they identify as.

Ireland

The year 2015 was the one when Ireland was the very first nation in the world to legalize marriage between gay and straight people through a popular vote. It also has strong safeguards against LGBTQ discrimination. It’s one of Gallup’s top nations for lesbians and gays, in addition, Conde Nast Traveler included Dublin as one of its “Best Cities around the World.”

Denmark

Denmark became the first nation in the world to acknowledge same-sex relationships in the year 1989. In the following year, the Scandinavian nation officially recognized the same-sex marriages in 2012. Gallup classified Denmark as one of the “Top Locations to Gay People to Live” across the globe. Copenhagen is its capital city, was listed as one of the most popular cities for expats.

Argentina

Argentina has legalized marriage between gay and straight in 2010, making it the first nation to do so in Latin America to do so. It also has over 30 parks that are national, as well as the stunning capital city Buenos Aires and tango.

Belgium

The year 2003 was the first time that Belgium was the 2nd nation in the world to legally recognize marriage between gay and straight people. It was ranked 4th on Gallup’s ranking of “ Top Places for Gay People to Live,” #23 on HSBC’s list of the best destinations that are suitable for people who live abroad and is renowned for its excellent food.

New Zealand

New Zealand is currently considered the second-best country in the world in terms of Expats, as per HSBC as well as same-sex marriage and adoption by parents of the same gender were legalized in the year 2013. This island country, which is located in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, is also famous for its stunning cities and scenery.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is considered the most welcoming country for gays around the globe according to Gallup and was also the first nation that allowed the same-sex marriage in 2000. Amsterdam, the capital, is a top location for LGBTQ travelers and has been named among the top cities around the world for expats.

France

France was ranked as number 21 on the list of HSBC’s top destinations for expats. Paris is particularly renowned for its extremely lively LGBTQ community, especially in the nightlife scene and nightlife in Le Marais. France allowed same-sex marriages at the end of 2013 as well as being the very first nation to remove the transgender identity as a mental disorder.

South Africa

The year 2006 was the one when South Africa became the first nation in Africa to legally recognize marriage between gay and straight — and there’s not yet been a second. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa is also South Africa’s gay hub: The city hosts an every year Jo’Burg Pride event, the Out in Africa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and many of the year’s Mr. Gay South Africa competitions.

Iceland.

Iceland has legalized gay marriage in 2010 was recently named the most happy nation for gay men. The Nordic island nation also became the first nation in the world to have an openly gay chief of government -the former Johanna Sigurdardottir, who served as the prime minister from 2009 to 2013.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg has legalized marriage between same-sex couples in 2014 and the country’s premier, Xavier Bettel, became the first European leader to get married by the same person in office. The tiny European country is also a fantastic location for wine enthusiasts because it is known for its sparkling and white wines.

Sweden

Sweden is ranked as #8 on the list of “Top places where Gay People to Live” and HSBC’s list on the top destinations for expats. Marriage between heterosexual couples has been legal in the Scandinavian nation since 2009 and discrimination against LGBTQ people is banned since the 1980s.

Norway

Norway allowed same-sex marriage in 2009 and became the first nation to implement anti-discrimination laws due to gender identity in the year 1981. It is ranked 6th on the HSBC’s top nations for foreigners. LGBTQ culture is very evident in Norway. Scandinavian country. Pride of Oslo is among Norway’s biggest events and Oslo hosts one of best gay groups.