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Winter symbolizes adventure, new experiences and relaxation. It’s a spare time – whatever it looks like. Whether you have some time off from class or are waiting for the minute to get off work, you may be in desperate need of a well-deserved vacation. Maybe you’re sitting around this summer dreaming of a trip abroad and asking yourself, “What if I went? will i be ok Are there other like-minded people I can connect with? Are you accepted there? “
For many queer people who identify as black, indigenous, or people of color, there is an air of uncertainty in the unknown. Staying safe in unusual situations is second nature to many, and those in marginalized groups are often discriminating and aware of areas to avoid. BIPOC, Keith Brooks of @keithmeetsworld, Ami King of @amis_adventures, and Beth and Jaycee of @vietnamtopanama, a number of queer travelers who document their travels on Instagram, do primary research when deciding which country to visit, and share their experiences with their followers.
There are many countries known for having no anti-LGBTQ laws, queer-friendly communities, and fun activities to cross off your bucket list while learning about the local culture.
Check out four destinations to visit:
Italy
Italy is known for its beautiful scenery and rich history that appeals to any art connoisseur. Cities like Rome and Florence invite you to immerse yourself in Italian culture and travel back in time to the Renaissance. Famous landmarks of art and wonder can be found around every corner, including the Contarelli Chapel in Rome, the Duomo di Milano in Milan, and many other attractions. It is the perfect destination if you want to cover a handful of cities in a short period of time.
While it is easy to understand Italy through the lens of historical context, the country has seen great growth over the centuries since reaching its peak in art and culture. Italy is moving into a modern era as same-sex civil unions are legally recognized and transgender individuals can legally change their gender identity. Tourism-driven parts of Italy see their fair share of demographics, with nationals from all over Europe and millions of Americans visiting each year.
As a queer BIPOC, you are relatively safe from discrimination based on your sexuality and gender identity. As non-white visitors, you may stand out in certain areas, but regardless, you can find comfort in enjoying the same luxury as any other traveler.
Keith Brooks, a queer black traveler, visited more than 75 countries in his early 20s because of his passion for travel. He had many recommendations, and Italy was one of many.
“Every time I go to Italy, I don’t want to leave,” he said.
He spoke particularly fondly of Rome and Milan and how he interacted with both locals and foreigners. He said that many of the museums and restaurants he visited were frequented by other queer travelers, so it was easy to meet local and foreign people.
“As a queer person, or as a black person in Italy, I have not noticed any racism, although I am sure that it exists, but I have never experienced any overt micro-aggressions or forms of racism. Because Italy, and I would say Milan, are also pretty different cities,” he said. “There are so many colorful communities.”
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tourist Haven Amsterdam It’s a progressive dream for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in a liberal, sex-positive culture that attracted nearly 9 million visitors in 2019. Immersive with masterpieces by master artists like the Rijksmuseum and the famous Anne Frank Huys.
The queer scene in Amsterdam is thriving with over 100 gay clubs and bars. You are guaranteed to connect with your community in some way, especially around the Amstel River and in the Zedijk and Warmostraat streets. Brooks talked about his experience in the capital, describing it as small, but lively and noisy.
“It’s very clean compared to the city,” he said. “It’s very beautiful. Lots of fun places for queer people… tons of queer bars and clubs and lots of people of color living there.
In general, the Netherlands is very accepting of the LGBTQ community, with a poll from Equaldex showing that 89% support same-sex marriage, making it legal. There has been progress in terms of gender expression and sexual freedom, but the country still feels the effects of institutionalized racism from the colonial era, just like in America. they are.
Brooks said that in terms of accessibility, the city is diverse with people of all backgrounds and immigrants who speak English, making it easier to connect with others.
Another tool that has worked for him is using dating apps to easily connect with others and share experiences like getting coffee or going on a tour.
Mexico
Located in the popular tourist destinations of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Mexico’s luxury resorts attract visitors seeking an all-inclusive beach getaway. Mojitos in hand, toes in the sand and not a care in the world – but is it really stress-free for queer BIPOC? Over the years, Mexico has gradually legalized same-sex marriage in many of its states, leaving only a few. There have been recent rumors of black American women leaving the US in search of a sense of community in Mexico.
For those visiting now, you may have a great experience. Amy King networked with other black queer travelers to build a sense of community. He calls Mexico City a “hidden gem,” describing it as “the most beautiful black queer community I’ve ever met.”
Black queers said it was a way to protect themselves and survive while traveling.
For Pride this year in Mexico City, he said, “We had a small gathering for mostly black people, but it was like BIPOC queer folx, and someone posted it and it was right from Pride so everyone could see that there was a Pride parade going on. “
Although he didn’t initially plan to stay in Mexico City for long, his unexpected flight allowed him to connect more with the network that came from the aid while he was looking for temporary housing.
Amy’s Mindset Coaching Business empowers other black, queer travelers to travel abroad by giving them confidence and overcoming any fears.
I think I’ve gained confidence and the ability to help people sometimes go out on their own, to find out what their fears are, to sit with those and try to lead them in a different direction. Those,” he said. “Also, sometimes people need to know that they can do it and that it’s possible.
Beth and Jayce are a queer couple who document their travels and love from around the world, and Mexico was one recent stop on their journey. Despite expressing the unique privilege of being able to present as non-queer people if needed, Beth said her and Jesse’s experiences were generally positive until they became comfortable with who they were.
They mostly spent a few days in Mexico’s tourist-centered cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Jessie said, “If it was night, we were just in crowded areas, and we didn’t feel any stress, which is really a blessing, isn’t it?” She said. “That’s not true for everyone, but really… we were pretty good.”
They went on exciting excursions in Mexico, including scuba diving with a group of friends and a teacher who welcomed their relationship.
Other places in Mexico to explore include amazing cenotes, the Cabo San Lucas arch tour, and beautiful beaches.
Iceland
Iceland might not be the first destination that crosses your mind when you think of traveling abroad, but it’s definitely making the must-see country lists. The island has a population of only about 373,000, but its rugged geography attracts visitors from all over. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, the island’s blue lagoons and beautiful waterfalls are Instagram-worthy spots.
Iceland is very friendly and accepting of non-binary individuals, as well as giving equal opportunities to same-sex couples. Before Beth and Jessie began their adventure around the Ring Road, they prepared for their trip by mapping out their campsites, an interstate that criss-crossed the country and connected cities to each other.
Although Iceland is known for its homogenous demographics, the country is increasingly diverse as immigrants continue to make up 12 percent of its population.
“You know, you know, the only black person I see for a few days, you know for her [Beth]the only Asian person they’d see for a few days and definitely like the only couple, like we felt completely safe,” Jayce said.
The constant daylight hours made the couple feel uncomfortable, though they believed they would not have problems at night. He also recalled the time he met some of the local residents with a pride flag.
“We were carrying an inclusive pride flag…we were running as a way to get some videos and people came out and said, ‘Do you guys need help? We don’t get a Pride festival out here; So we saw your flag and went outside,” Jessie said. “Everyone was great.”
The friendly people of Iceland are sure to make any traveler feel welcome, but winters can still be chilly, so be sure to pack a jacket.
Book the flight!
Regardless of destination, queer BIPOC may encounter racism or prejudice based on petty aggression, ignorance, and intolerance, and should always be aware of their surroundings by taking precautions to stay safe.
Jessie has some words of wisdom for those who find themselves in a difficult situation abroad, which she taught some of her students on a previous trip to Portugal:
“…learn to appreciate the culture, but recognize your privilege and the blessing of moving into something more normal and comfortable, right?” She said. “This is an opportunity to travel, everything is really temporary. You get to come back and choose where home is, which is a privilege as a traveler, but I would say especially as an American citizen.
Take these words as motivation to book that flight you’ve been eyeing. There is no perfect oasis for the BIPOC traveler, but that doesn’t mean there should be limits on exploration. Does this mean you won’t get the occasional snark or profanity from soon-to-be-forgotten passers-by? Maybe not, but there’s a sense of reassurance when you find resources in your expat community and reach out to people willing to share their knowledge and experiences.
No matter where you are, who you are is important, and this world is huge – don’t be afraid to take on more space.
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