How to Choose Safe Travel Destinations as an LGBTQ+ Black Traveler

Isaiah, TN

Traveler Details: Age Range: Early 30s | Food Preferences: Adventurous eater | Enjoys local and authentic cuisine when feeling safe | Strategic, intuitive, joy-driven explorer | Queer Black American man | Short natural curls | Mid-budget traveler | Soft-spoken

The first time I traveled outside the U.S. as an openly queer Black man, I spent two weeks researching before I even booked my flight. Not just where to stay. Not just what to pack. I had to learn what countries might criminalize my identity, where my Blackness would draw extra attention, and where my queerness might make me a target—or invisible.

Traveling while Black requires strength. Traveling while queer requires strategy. Traveling as both? That’s a masterclass in self-protection and self-celebration. Here’s how I’ve learned to choose travel destinations that feel safe, affirming, and aligned—with who I am and how I move through the world.

1. Start with Legal and Safety Research—Even Before You Get Excited

Before you fall in love with a country’s architecture or beaches, check the laws. Some destinations may have LGBTQ+ protections on paper, but not in practice. Others may criminalize same-sex relationships entirely.

Use tools like:

• ILGA World’s LGBTQ+ Travel Map

• Equaldex Safety Index

• Local LGBTQ+ Reddit threads and TikTok creators

Tip: Search “[country name] LGBTQ Black traveler blog” or “Is [country] safe for Black gay travelers?” to find first-hand perspectives.

2. Know the Difference Between “Tolerated” and “Welcomed”

Some cities will tolerate you. You won’t be bothered—if you’re quiet, blend in, and avoid being “too visible.” Other cities will welcome you. You’ll see rainbow flags. You’ll find local queer-owned spaces. You’ll feel that deep sigh of relief when someone greets you without assumption or judgment. I’ve learned to choose cities where I can be fully me. No shrinking. No second-guessing. While I am abroad, I try to search as best as I can without using roaming data. I never travel internationally without this VPN. It protects my data, gives me access to LGBTQ+ content abroad, and keeps me connected safely—especially in places with internet restrictions.

Favorite finds: Amsterdam, Lisbon, Barcelona, Toronto, Cape Town

3. Consider Intersectional Safety: Race + Gender + Sexuality

Being queer doesn’t erase being Black. Being Black doesn’t erase being queer. Some LGBTQ+-friendly destinations are still unwelcoming—or even hostile—toward Black people. Some “safe for Black travelers” cities may be extremely conservative regarding sexuality or gender expression. For added safety, I keep a compact doorstop alarm in my carry-on just in case. It’s small, loud, and gives me peace of mind when I’m staying somewhere new.When choosing a destination, ask yourself:

• “Will I feel safe being visibly Black here?”

• “Will I feel safe being visibly queer here?”

• “What happens if both identities show up at once?”

Tip: Use travel forums, Instagram, and YouTube to find people who look like you sharing their experience. Their stories will tell you more than a tourism board ever could.

4. Trust Vibes, Not Just Reviews

Safety isn’t just about crime stats. It’s about energy. It’s about how locals look at you, talk to you, and stand next to you. Your intuition matters. If a place gives you pause—even if “everyone says it’s safe”—it’s okay to pick somewhere else.

When reading travel blogs or watching vlogs, pay attention to what’s not said:

• Are there LGBTQ+ locals visible in public spaces?

• Do queer creators talk about comfort or just survival?

• Is diversity part of the culture or hidden in niche corners?

5. Seek Out Queer Black Joy Abroad

Safety is the baseline. But your joy matters, too. Some of my favorite memories weren’t made at clubs or parades—but at cafés where a server complimented my style, in parks where I saw queer couples holding hands, or in neighborhoods where a local Black artist’s mural made me feel seen. Don’t just look for where you’ll survive. Look for where you’ll flourish.

💡 Tip: Search Instagram hashtags like #BlackQueerTravel or #GayAndTravelingWhileBlack for joyful, real-time travel inspiration.

6. Always Have a Backup Plan

Even in the safest destinations, things can shift. Protests. Laws. Weather. Energy.

Always keep:

• A secondary hotel option saved

• A 24/7 international VPN

• A contact list of local embassies

• A screenshot of your ID and emergency contact info

Final Thought

Choosing safe destinations as a queer Black traveler isn’t just about avoiding danger. It’s about choosing spaces where your whole self is allowed to breathe. Where your walk isn’t questioned. Where your love isn’t political. Where your identity doesn’t need explanation. You deserve to travel not just with caution—but with confidence. Not just with defense—but with joy. If no one told you today: You are worthy of the world. All of it. Choose places that remind you of that.