Despite ongoing challenges with homophobia and discrimination, there are countries that have made significant progress in fostering inclusive and safe environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. These nations are recognized for their supportive laws, social acceptance, and commitment to equality. Here’s a look at some of the most LGBTQ-friendly places around the globe.
Netherlands
Did you know that the Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2001? This admirable move was one of many steps the country has taken to become more welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals. The Netherlands has legalized gender change without gender reassignment surgery, offers adoption rights for same-sex couples, and has enacted many anti-discrimination laws.
Malta
LGBTQ+ rights in Malta are among the highest in the world. While same-sex marriage was legalized in 2017, same-sex activity was legalized back in 1973. The country has one of the highest LGBTQ+ community acceptance rates in the world and has outlawed all hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Portugal
Portugal legalized gay marriage in 2010 and has a wide range of anti-discrimination laws, including adoption rights for same-sex couples, laws allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military, and several constitutional protections against discrimination.
United Kingdom
The U.K. is an LGBTQ-friendly collection of countries that provides many protections for people of various gender identities and orientations. England and Wales legalized same-sex marriage in 2014 and offer adoption rights for same-sex couples. The U.K. also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Belgium
Belgium was close behind its neighbor, the Netherlands, in legalizing gay marriage. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2003, and the country has since enacted several other protective laws, including same-sex adoption rights, protection against LGBTQ+ discrimination, and worker protections for gender identity and sexual orientation.
France
France is another European country topping the list of LGBTQ+- friendly places. This romantic country legalized same-sex marriage back in 2013 and offers adoption rights for same-sex couples. France also has several anti-discrimination laws, including laws protecting against homophobic comments.
Finland
Finland made the respectable decision to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption in 2017 and generally exhibits a progressive perspective on LGBTQ+ rights. The country offers protections against LGBTQ+ discrimination and provides worker protections for gender identity and orientation.
Iceland
According to Global Citizen Solutions, Iceland ranks #1 on the Global Acceptance Index and is often called one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. The country legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, voted for an openly gay head of government in 2009, and boasts several progressive transgender and anti-discrimination laws.
Denmark
Denmark legalized gay marriage in 2012 and has become known for its welcoming attitude toward transgender people. It was one of the first countries to remove transgender from its list of mental illnesses in 2017, and in 2022, it passed a law that makes it easier for transgender people to change their names.
Austria
Austria is another country that welcomes diverse orientations and identities. The country legalized same-sex activity in 1971 and gay marriage in 2019. Vienna has become a popular and welcoming city for the LGBTQ+ community and hosts the progressive “Vienna is Queer” festival.
South Africa
We’re moving over to the continent of Africa for now for our next contender. South Africa has legalized gay marriage, outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation, and has become known as a gay-friendly destination. Cape Town and Johannesburg have particularly bright LGBTQ+ communities.
New Zealand
New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and has since married over 4,000 gay couples. The country has made significant progress in its LGBTQ+ rights and offers fertility clinics for lesbians and gay men who want children.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a beautiful country with an increasingly beautiful attitude toward LGBTQ+ individuals. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2021 and has a very low level of hate crimes against gay people. Switzerland has also outlawed the homophobic practice of conversion therapy.
Canada
Canada was way ahead of many other countries in terms of LGBTQ+ acceptance, legalizing same-sex marriage back in 2005. The country also boasts strong constitutional protections against discrimination, adoption rights for same-sex couples, and effective laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Sweden
After legalizing gay marriage in 2009, legalizing adoption for same-sex couples, and enacting several anti-discrimination laws protecting people of various sexual orientations and gender identities, Sweden has become a great home for the LGBTQ+ community. Sweden has also protected LGBTQ+ people by outlawing acts of violence against them.
Norway
Norway is another country that has made great strides in becoming a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community. Like Sweden, Norway legalized gay marriage in 2009 and boasts a comprehensive list of anti-discrimination laws. The country has also criminalized hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people and offers adoption rights for same-sex couples.
Spain
Like Canada, Spain was an early adopter of same-sex marriage, legalizing the practice almost two decades ago, in 2005. Progressive transgender laws, nationwide worker protection for sexual orientation, and laws allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the armed forces are among some of the other reasons Spain is considered a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people.
Chile
Chile has made significant progress in its attitude toward LGBTQ+ people in recent years, legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption in 2022. The country also boasts comprehensive legal gender recognition laws and allows for a third sex option on birth certificates.