Best LGBTQ+ Destinations Worldwide
The LGBTQ+ scene is quickly reshaping some of the world’s largest cities, creating new spaces for individuals to express their identities freely. However, for travelers, finding welcoming places for the LGBTQ+ community can sometimes be a frustrating experience. Alicia Valenski, an author committed to making the world more accessible to all, has compiled a list of over 50 destinations that stand out for their inclusivity and diversity. The list was created with the help of insiders from around the world, making it a reliable guide for LGBTQ+ travelers.
From transgender-friendly bars to gay swim clubs, these destinations offer a delightful mix of inclusive activities. Local experts have shared their favorite spots, making this list even more relevant for those seeking queer-friendly spaces.
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Cape Town: A South African Hub for Diversity
Yoliswa Moleboheng Mqoco, a fashion guru, acknowledges that her field isn’t always easy to navigate as a plus-size, black, and gay woman. Born in Pretoria, she divides her time between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Mqoco highly recommends the Cellars-Hohenort hotel, a place where the LGBTQIA+ community is embraced openly. “They proudly display an LGBTQIA+ logo, which is something I rarely see in hotels. I also appreciate seeing many people of color who share similar identities.”
For dining, she suggests Blondie, a Middle Eastern restaurant with Mediterranean influences that attracts many queer people. Another great option is One Park, a place that doubles as a bar, gallery, restaurant, and record store, which also naturally draws in a queer crowd. For relaxation, she recommends taking a stroll along Sea Point’s promenade, enjoying a peaceful walk, and watching the sunset, or visiting the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Bangkok: A Hotspot for LGBTQ+ Revelry
Bangkok, Thailand, is another key destination on the LGBTQ+ map. Pan Pan Narkprasert, also known as Pangina Heals, is a well-known figure in the Thai drag scene and has even appeared alongside RuPaul. He highlights two gay streets in the city: Silom Soi 2 and Soi 4, both famous for their bar-hopping scene. The Stranger Bar at Soi 4, where Pan Pan worked, is a particularly popular spot among drag queens.
For a more lively experience, Pan Pan recommends his own creation, House of Heals, a drag-inspired club that provides a space for performers and party-goers alike. For those seeking a beachside getaway, he also suggests Koh Samet, an island just two hours from Bangkok, often called “The Island of Gays” due to its lively weekend atmosphere.
Amsterdam: A Cultural LGBTQ+ Haven
Amsterdam is a city with a rich history of LGBTQ+ rights and culture. Daan Colijn and Karl Krause, two travelers who have visited numerous countries, share their experiences on their blog, coupleofmen.com. One of their favorite spots is Spijkerbar, located near Leidseplein Square. On Tuesdays, the bar plays adult films alongside animated cartoons, creating a humorous mix of sexual and whimsical elements.
For a taste of traditional Dutch cuisine in a nostalgic setting, they recommend Café Sonneveld, which celebrates Wim Sonneveld, a famous Dutch actor and comedian who was gay but kept his sexuality private during much of his career. Colijn and Krause also suggest visiting Homomonument, Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ memorial, where visitors can find Pink Point, the city’s official LGBTQ+ tourist information center.
Edinburgh: A Radical Literary and Cultural Scene
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is another LGBTQ+ destination that offers a vibrant cultural scene. Mairi Oliver, a passionate literature lover, runs The Lighthouse, a radical bookstore known for its LGBTQ+ archives. For those interested in exploring LGBTQ+ literature, she recommends visiting the Lavender Menace Archives, filled with gay books from the 1980s and 1990s. The bookstore provides an intergenerational space where both older and younger LGBTQ+ individuals can connect.
For those interested in more hands-on experiences, Typewronger Books is a unique zine center founded by Tee Hodges, a non-binary printer who teaches workshops on creating zines. The Edinburgh Zine Fair is an event worth attending for zine enthusiasts.
Outdoor lovers can join Edinburgh Queer Hiking, a group that organizes hikes for the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, Queer Swim Edinburgh offers guided swims for individuals who may feel nervous about swimming alone, particularly those who are new to the experience or who have recently transitioned.
This news is originally published on: theportugalnews
