Gay Friendly Countries: Safest Countries for LGBTQ to Live in

Ideally, all places inhabited by the human race on the Earth should be safe for people to live in. But we do not live in an ideal world. Depending on your personal circumstances, especially if you belong to any kind of minority (e.g., gender, ethnic, religious, political, etc.), where you choose to live will depend on how welcome you will feel in that country and its society, and what legal protection is available there in case you face any adverse situation.

The ground situation varies from country to country. There are even some societies which used to be LGBT friendly in the ancient times but are not any more so, thanks to centuries of conservative foreign and colonial rulers. For example, out of 66 countries that were yet to legalize same-sex relationships even in 2023, 44 (approx. 67%) used to be part of the British Empire, who continued their colonial legacy of outlawing consensual gay sex even after gaining independence. Rise of conservative movements in recent times in many countries is also considered to be a ‘red flag’ for LGBTQ+ people living there (or traveling to).

According to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index (GTI), Canada, Iceland, Malta, Portugal and Spain are the safest countries for the gender minorities. These five countries jointly hold the first place in the GTI rankings, followed by Germany and New Zealand (both in the second position), Australia, Norway, Switzerland, and Uruguay.

Equaldex, a collaborative knowledge base for the LGBTQ+ movement that crowdsources data related to LGBTQ+ rights across countries, identifies Iceland, Norway, Uruguay, Spain and Denmark as the top five safest countries for LGBTQ+ people. According to ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, the top five gay-friendly countries in Europe are Malta, Belgium, Iceland, Denmark and Spain.

In this article, we are going to discuss in detail the conditions prevalent in the top 12 safest countries for LGBTQ+ people to live. However, before proceeding with that, it is important to understand what makes a country or a place safe for gender minorities in today’s world.

Page Contents

• Top Gay-Friendly Countries to Live in
• What Makes a Country Gay Friendly?
• Malta
• Spain
• Canada
• Iceland
• Norway
• Uruguay
• Australia
• Germany
• Sweden
• New Zealand
• Denmark
• United Kingdom
• Other Gay-Friendly Countries to Consider for Moving
• Key Parameters in Evaluating LGBTQ Friendliness Scores
• Public Support for Transgender Rights
• How Total Law Can Help
• Frequently Asked Questions

Safety, equal rights in the eyes of the law, and societal acceptance of people who do not conform to mainstream gender identities and/or sexual preferences, are three main parameters when it comes to evaluating how safe a country, region, or a place is for LGBTQ+ communities.

Federal and local governments that embrace the idea of equality for LGBTQ+ people not only put relevant laws in place to protect the fundamental rights of the gender minorities but also actively foster inclusive and diverse societies. The goal is to eliminate violence, discrimination, exclusion, and any other unfair treatment towards the LGBTQ+ people.

The gay-friendly countries in today’s world have certain common attributes, such as:

• Anti-discrimination laws in place protecting LGBTQ+ rights
• Legalization of same-sex marriages and civil partnership
• Legalization of gender change procedures
• Legalization of adoption for same-sex couples
• Legalization of transgender identity
• Safe and open social and professional environment for LGBTQ+ people, including worker protections
• Legal framework to recognize and punish hate crimes against gender minorities
• Equal access to medical and legal facilities
• Political representation of LGBTQ+ people in local, regional, and federal bodies
• Safety of life, work, and travel
• Events, communities and safe spaces dedicated to LGBTQ+ people

On the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, Malta has continued to secure the top rank since 2015. This small country is actually way ahead of some of its mightier cousins in Europe in this aspect.

Malta ticks most boxes when it comes to having laws protecting the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ people, such as gay marriage and partnership, same-sex adoption, gender-affirming surgery and related medical treatment, homosexual acts by mutual consent, penalty for hate crimes or any discrimination based on the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity, “X” gender marker on identity documents including passports and birth certificates, etc.

Malta’s journey towards improving conditions for its LGBTQ+ communities kicked off as recently as in 2014, under President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. Within just six years, Malta became a torch-bearer in paving the way for most progressive reforms for gender minorities.

Malta Pride that takes place in September every year, and is one of the best late-summer Pride events across Europe. The country has multiple gay-friendly bars, community centers, hotels, clubs, beaches, etc. Valletta and Rabat are two most LGBTQ+ friendly cities to live in Malta.

The country offers a Citizenship by Investment program. It allows a foreign national to become a resident in Malta by contributing to the country’s economic development, and obtain citizenship eventually after living there as a resident for 12 months. You might also want to explore options such as the Malta Permanent Residence Program, the Global Residence Program, the Startup Residence Program, as well as the Nomad Residence Permit.

Spain is one of the leading countries when it comes to supporting and upholding LGBTQ+ rights–not only in Europe but in the world. Same-sex activities were made legal, for a second time, as early as in 1979, and Spain did not look back since then.

Same-sex marriages, partnerships and adoption have been legal in Spain since 2005, while a comprehensive body of anti-discrimination laws protect the LGBTQ+ communities from any form of hate crimes or unfair treatment. Many serving politicians and military persons are openly gay in Spain.

You can expect a very lively gay scene in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Benidorm, Torremolinos, Malaga, San Sebastian, and Ibiza are also great destinations for traveling or living in if you belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Certain pockets in rural Spain might still not seem as welcoming or friendly towards gender minorities, but your rights are protected by the law everywhere in the country.

Madrid Pride is the largest of its kind in the entire Europe, which attracts millions of tourists every year. Barcelona as well as the gay beach paradise Sitges are also known globally for being hotspots of gay activities.

If you are a remote worker, try the new Spain Digital Nomad Visa that allows residency in Spain for up to five years. Another popular option is the Non-Lucrative Visa program for affluent retirees and financially independent foreign nationals. Both lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship in Spain.

Canada regularly features among the top five countries globally on the Spartacus Gay Travel Index. The government has actively been investing into LGBTQ+ tourism, and has protected the country’s LGBTQ+ friendly image by bringing progressive laws and promoting public acceptance of gay people.

Canada has been one of the firsts to put in place strong anti-discrimination legislations and laws around transgender rights. Today, it is one of only a few countries in the world where you can change your gender without gender-affirming surgery.

Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver boast of being the cultural hotspots for LGBTQ+ communities in Canada. Toronto Pride, Fierté Montréal and Vancouver Pride are the largest LGBTQ+ events, while Ontario’s Prince Edward County and British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands are also popular destinations among gay travelers.

Winter Pride events like Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, Tremblant Gay Ski Week and Blue Mountain Rainbow Weekend and cultural events such as Toronto’s Inside Out Film Festival are also major tourist attractions.

You can choose from Canadian residency options like the Express Entry system for skilled workers or provincial nominee programs, or take the family sponsorship route if applicable. If you are a foreign entrepreneur, the Canada Start-up Visa that grants residency to innovative business founders might suit your requirements.

A country of stunning natural beauty with glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls, Iceland also acts as a role model in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ communities. On both GTI and ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, Iceland ranks among the top two, and tops the list on the Equaldex sexuality index.

The country began its journey supporting gender minorities way back in 1940, with repealing its then existing legislation criminalizing homosexual acts. Since then, the succeeding Icelandic governments had been on a steady path towards making Iceland a safe place for gay people.

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, the prime minister of Iceland during 2009-2013, was the first head of state in the world who was an openly-LGBTQ+ person. Like Canada, Iceland also allows transgender people to change their gender on legal and official documents without undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. The Church of Iceland permitted same-sex marriage back in 2015.

The Reykjavík Pride is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in Northern Europe. The iconic Kiki Bar, Rainbow Reykjavik (a winter counterpart to Pride) and Lady Brewery (a women-owned craft brewery) are also popular attractions for gay residents as well as tourists.

Iceland offers residency through work and family permits for non-EU/EEA nationals (EU/EEA nationals do not need a visa/permit to live and work in the country). Foreign entrepreneurs can also avail of the Startup Visa program to set up innovative businesses in Iceland. Reykjavik and Hallgrímskirkja are two best cities in the country for LGBTQ+ people to live in.

The country of ‘Midnight Sun’ is one of the Scandinavian countries that has consistently been recognized as one of the world’s top 10 safest LGBTQ+ destinations. Known for its strong anti-discrimination laws and legislations against hate crimes, Norway legalized same-sex activity in 1972, and was one of the first countries to include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination legislation as far back as in 1981. Plus, it was the fourth country in the entire Europe that legalized sex change for transgender people.

Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have several LGBTQ+ friendly bars and hotels. Popular gay events include Oslo Pride, Oslo Fagottkor, and Skeive ski event. Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim are the best cities to live in Norway for gender minorities.

You can obtain residency in Norway via  skilled worker permits, family reunification, and other long-term visa options. If you are a foreign business owner or entrepreneur, the Self-Employed Residence Permit might be your most suitable option for a residency permit in Norway. Permanent residency and citizenship in Norway are possible after three and seven years, respectively.

Uruguay is one of the top non-European countries that has proved itself a pioneer in upholding the fundamental rights of gender minorities across South America. The country decriminalized consensual homosexual acts as early as 1934, and has a comprehensive trans law in place since 2018.

In fact, LGBTQ+ rights in Uruguay are not only among the most liberal ones in South America but also in the world. Hate crimes towards trans people are reported sometimes, but the police and other administrative bodies usually handle such cases with utmost care and sensitivity.

Uruguay can rightfully claim to be the most popular destination for LGBTQ+ tourists in South America. Montevideo Pride and Punta Pride are two largest LGBTQ+ events in Uruguay, attracting thousands of tourists per year. The Uruguayan chamber of commerce also hosts an annual conference in September every year, showcasing the best of gay travel in the country.

Since the beginning of the current millennium, Australia has witnessed significant progress towards LGBTQ+ safety and acceptance both as a country and a society. Approximately 79% of Australians believe in accepting homosexuality today, although you might experience discrimination and unfair treatment in certain rural areas, and in some places it is still mandatory to go through gender reassignment surgery before changing your gender legally.

Sydney Mardi Gras is one of the biggest pride events globally. Melbourne (known for its annual Midsumma Festival) and Brisbane also have several hotels and public venues where same-sex couples and transgenders are accepted and welcomed. Brisbane also boasts of a small but vibrant LGBTQ+ social scene.

Canberra, Australia’s national capital, has the most numbers of same-sex couples per capita in the country. Even in rural Victoria, Daylesford is a thriving destination for LGBTQ+ tourists. Perth hosts the fast-growing PrideFEST in November every year, while Darwin and Adelaide also host smaller but wonderful Pride events.

Homosexuality was decriminalized as early as 1968 and 1969, respectively, in the GDR (East Germany) and 1969 in the FRG (West Germany). Post the reunification, Germany legalized same-sex marriages in 2017. Since November 2024, the German Self-Determination Act has been allowing transgender, non-binary and intersex people to change their legal first name and gender entry through self-identification.

While the country sometimes witnesses hate crimes against homosexuals and trans people till date even in a majorly LGBTQ+ tolerant society, German laws in place provide safeguards against such offences, and promotes visibility and security. From 1 October 2017 onwards, same-sex couples are permitted to marry in Germany. Additionally, parents in Germany have not been required to assign a gender on the birth certificates of their newborns since 2013.

Germany also has a vibrant social scene for LGBTQ+ people. Apart from gay-friendly bars, clubs and hotels, there are many counselling centers that organize open meetings and other recreational activities for gender minorities. The annual Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Cologne attracts roughly 950,000 people each year, while Berlin is considered to be among the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the entire Europe. Hamburg, Stuttgart and Leipzig also offer a LGBTQ+ friendly environment.

Unfortunately, Munich, which once was a metropolis for the LGBTQ+ people, is facing significant pressure from conservative forces in Bavaria these days, but the German government is committed to keep their country free from hate crimes and gender-based violence.

Sweden boasts of having the most progressive and universally supported LGBTQ+ rights in the whole world. The government legalized same-sex sexual acts way back in 1944. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people became illegal in 1987.

Sweden was the first country in the world to permit transgenders changing their legal gender post-sex reassignment surgery in 1972. Since 2013, you can also change your birth gender in Sweden without such surgeries or treatments.

The 2019 Eurobarometer poll showed that at least 98% of Swedes people believed in equal rights for LGBTQ+ people, while 92% supported same-sex marriage. Recently, however, Sweden has witnessed a rise of anti-gender campaigns in the country, threatening rights of the LGBTQ+ people (those of transgenders in particular).

Sweden hosts more Pride festivals per capita than any other country, with the Stockholm Pride being Scandinavia’s largest LGBTQ+ event.

You can become a resident in Sweden through work permits and student visas, as well as under the family reunification principles. The Self- Employed Visa is a suitable pathway for foreign entrepreneurs and company founders. You might obtain permanent residency after five years.

New Zealand has strong anti-discrimination legislation in place protecting both sexual orientation and gender identity. It was the first in the world to issue gay-friendly travel certificates to hotels, B&Bs and restaurants back in 1998, and the first country in the Asia-Pacific to legalize same-sex marriages in 2013.

However, critical legislative gaps still remain when it comes to LGBTQ+ protection laws in New Zealand. Homosexuals tend more to be victims of hate crimes including physical and sexual assaults, and face higher risks of suicidal ideation and depression.

New Zealand’s most famous LGBTQ+ events include the Auckland and Wellington Pride events. Queenstown’s Gay Ski Week is another significant annual event.

You can become a resident through skilled migration visas, work permits, or retirement visas. The Entrepreneur Work Visa allows foreign business owners to set up companies in New Zealand, and offers a path to residency after two years of successful business operations.

The first country in the world to recognize LGBTQ+ partnerships in 1989, Denmark upholds the fundamental rights and equality for gender minorities. For LGBTQ+ individuals, the best cities to live in Denmark are Copenhagen and Aarhus. The country has a lively LGBTQ+ scene, with gay-friendly hotels and bars (like Andersen Boutique Hotel and G-Bar, Oscar, and such others), and events such as the Copenhagen and the Aarhus Pride weeks.

Work, study, start-up, and family visas are the major pathways to get a residency permit in Denmark. You might also acquire citizenship in the country through birth, marriage, descent, or naturalization.

The UK is one of the top 10 LGBTQ+-friendly countries according to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index (GTI). It prides itself being a diverse and tolerant society, with the government committed to advancing equality for LGBTQ+ people. Apart from a sizable number of LGBTQ+ citizens and residents, the UK is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

The country hosts many a LGBTQ+ event throughout the year along with major festivals in summer, including Birmingham Pride, Out & Wild Festival, Pink Picnic, Pride Cymru, Pride Edinburgh, Bristol Pride, Pride in London, Leeds Pride and so on.

However, if you are visiting the UK as a LGBTQ+ traveler, it is strongly recommended that you diligently go through the UK government’s foreign travel advice before booking your trip, especially to obtain destination-specific information since you might face adversities in certain rural and remote areas.

More so given the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map report, where the UK has fallen six places, down to 22nd place among 49 European countries. Considering that the country secured the top spot on the same chart only ten years before in 2015, this downfall definitely has the potential to quickly become a nationwide matter of concern unless appropriate steps are taken.

Portugal, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Greece, France, Austria, Luxembourg, Taiwan, Argentina, Thailand, Chile, Andorra, and The Netherlands are some of the other gay-friendly countries in the world, as shown by the various indices.

Europe is by far the safest among the seven continents for LGBTQ+ tourists and settlers. Among the countries in Asia, Taiwan is recognized as the safest for gender minorities, while South Africa holds that spot in Africa.

The relevant indices use various parameters or indicators to measure the ‘safe’ status of a country or region for LGBTQ+ people. Their data collection and research methodologies as well as ranking or points systems also vary to a considerable extent.

For example, the GTI has been publishing their gay-friendly country rankings annually since 2012. The index measures the law and order scenario as well as the living conditions for LGBTQ+ people in places across the world. There are 18 indicators ranging from having anti-discrimination legislation in place, allowing same-sex marriages and/or civil partnerships, upholding transgender rights to prosecuting LGBTQ+ communities, murders, and even awarding death sentences to gender minorities.

On the other hand, Equaldex scores and ranks every country and region’s Equality Index based on crowdsourced and community-verified laws and public opinion data, while the Rainbow Map considers laws and policies directly impacting LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or intersex) people’s human rights to rank the 49 European countries under their purview.

The rights of transgender people and their public acceptance are often sore points even in an otherwise gay-friendly country or society. A 2016 Williams Institute (UCLA School of Law) report examined public support for trans individuals and communities in 23 countries across the world. While the majority of the 17,105 adults surveyed expressed support for important transgender rights, a substantial number also saw government and medical regulations and interventions as necessary in that regard.

While Russia ranked the lowest and Spain the highest on the list, countries like Sweden, Argentina, Canada, Germany, and the UK all scored high points favoring the transgender rights. Youth, women, and people with higher levels of formal education and/or higher incomes were found to be more supportive of trans rights, especially those who had transgender friends or family members.

Alarmingly, an increasing backlash against transgender rights has recently been witnessed both in the US and the UK. Upon entering the White House for the second time, US President Donald Trump has signed executive orders restricting gender care services for trans people, barring them from military service, and banning trans-women from participating in women’s sports.

Similarly in the UK, the 2024 general election witnessed the Conservatives pledging to change the Equality Act, with Reform UK criticizing transgender “indoctrination” and promising to “ban transgender ideology in primary and secondary schools.”