Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries to Live In

Key Factors in LGBTQ Friendliness Scores

Historically, and across the globe, LGBTQ people have been penalised for their sexual orientation or personal choices. They are still often victims of hate crimes and, in some countries, discriminatory laws. Choosing an LGBTQ-friendly country to live in is paramount to an LGBTQ member’s safety. But how do we determine what makes a country LGBTQ-friendly?

LGBTQ Laws, Rights and Freedom

When determining which countries are the most friendly towards the LGBTQ community, we can start by examining the laws surrounding the matter and the rights of LGBTQ individuals in that country. This could include things like same-sex marriage, adoption rights, anti-discrimination legislation, legal protections, legal gender recognition and transgender rights.

There are a few countries in the world where being openly gay or taking part in homosexual acts is still considered a crime. Sometimes these ‘crimes’ have severe punishments and consequences, including the death penalty.

Therefore, we also examine the level of freedom people have to openly identify as a member of the LGBTQ community within a specific country, as well as whether comprehensive anti-discrimination laws are in place to protect them.

Societal Attitudes and Public Opinion

Societal attitudes are an important factor to consider when we try to determine the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. Public opinion can massively influence the law and the experiences of LGBTQ members.

We can look at any cultural events that are allowed to be held (such as Pride events) and the kind of recreational events or establishments (such as gay bars) that are made available to the LGBTQ community in a specific country. Attitudes towards gender expression in the gay scene are used to help us determine the most inclusive countries.

Equality Index

When assessing the friendliness towards the LGBTQ communities of different countries, we can also look at data such as the Equality Index and the Gay Travel Index. Such data gives us insight into how marginalised groups can be perceived in different countries in the world.

Countries that promote equality are often more culturally liberal and therefore generally more accepting of marginalised groups such as LGBTQ. If a country ranks highly on an Equality Index, there is a greater chance of it having more welcoming cities towards gay and transgender people.

Top LGBTQ – Friendly Countries to Live In

Most people think that Western European countries such as Spain, Portugal and France are the most gay-friendly countries in the world due to their approach to equality. Whilst this is mostly true, other countries in other parts of the world (such as Canada, Thailand, and Australia) have introduced progressive laws into their societies, which is great news for budding LGBTQ travellers.

Below, we will look at ten countries that we believe are the most LGBTQ – friendly.

Spain

Spain features on our top ten list as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries due to its political standing, social acceptance and LGBTQ references across its cinema, literature, and television.

Spain became the third country in the world to allow same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption rights in 2005. LGBTQ community members are protected by extensive anti-discrimination laws, and individuals over the age of 16 are legally allowed to change their gender identity without medical intervention or psychological examinations.

There are openly gay politicians in Spain representing the inclusive, liberal culture, and Spanish authorities have implemented initiatives and action plans to support individuals from the LGBTQ community consistently.

Culturally, there are huge festivals in Spain, such as the Pride festival (3.5 million people attended in 2017) that celebrate the differences of the LGBTQ community. In 2019, a Eurobarometer survey found that 91% of Spanish nationals believe LGBTQ+ members should have the same rights as others, with 82% supporting marriage equality.

Overall, Spain offers LGBTQ members a safe harbour and the freedom to not only be openly gay but to be able to express their sexuality should they choose to do so. There are numerous gay bars and a gay scene across the country, making it easy to see why Spain ranks highly on our list.

Thailand

Thailand is famous for its friendly, hospitable inhabitants and members of the LGBTQ community are often welcomed with open arms. The country is a global hotspot for gender reassignment surgery as it offers world-class healthcare at reasonable prices.

Politically, there has been a long road in Thailand regarding the changing of policies and the implementation of LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws; however, matters surrounding the issue are improving. In 2024, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage with full adoption rights, and also notably, the third Asian country in the world to do so.

Historically, and especially in recent years, LGBTQ activists have pushed for change and equal rights in Thailand. Currently, Thai LGBTQ members have the same rights regarding housing and employment as everybody else, and people are allowed to celebrate their sexuality openly should they choose to do so.

In terms of recreational activities, there is a huge drag scene and numerous gay bars in cities such as Bangkok and Phuket for revellers to show up to, party, celebrate and enjoy one another’s company. A recent survey showed that 89% of Thai nationals accept LGBTQ communities, and 80% would accept a gay family member.

Thai nationals are welcoming to all, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity, so it is easy to see why it makes our list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries.

Australia

Australia is one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world. Since the turn of the millennium, Australia has accepted homosexuals as having the same rights as other Australian nationals. There are comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in place to protect LGBTQ communities, and a recent survey suggests 79% of Australians believe this should be the case.

However, transgender rights are not as liberal, with some states in Australia still requiring you to undertake full gender reassignment surgery before you can change your legal gender. That being said, same-sex marriage was legalised in 2017 and was implemented, along with full adoption rights across all states by 2018.

Conversion therapy is banned in the Australian Capital Territory, and all jurisdictions in Australia now have criminal record-expunging schemes for those who took part in consensual homosexual acts that are no longer considered illegal.

Culturally, Australia is particularly accepting of LGBTQ communities and hosts one of the biggest pride events in the world, known as the Sydney Mardi Gras. Sydney is also known as one of the world’s lesbian hotspots, where gay females can express their sexuality safely, freely and without consequence. Adelaide also hosts a month-long festival that celebrates arts and culture in the LGBTQ community. It includes shows, celebrations and a picnic in the park.

With all this in mind, it is not difficult to understand why Australia has made our top ten list.

Portugal

Portugal features on our list due to its liberal political standing and inclusive culture that promotes equality for all. It was the 8th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2010, making it one of the first European countries to do so.

Nationals can change their legal gender without gender reassignment surgery, and all LGBTQ members have the same legal status as everybody else. Non-binary identities are not widely recognised at the moment; however, the 2019 Eurobarometer survey suggests that 80% of Portuguese people believe in equal rights for LGBTQ communities.

There are laws surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity in place to protect gay and lesbian citizens, though, and things like employment discrimination are also considered illegal. Conversion therapy was banned across Portugal in 2024.

Culturally, Portugal offers a diverse gay scene, with plenty of gay bars, clubs, and events to enjoy, particularly in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto. There are pride events and LGBTQ film festivals held around the country that allow LGBTQ members to express themselves freely.

For these reasons, Portugal comes in as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world and therefore makes our list.

France

France has always been more accepting of the LGBTQ community and decriminalised homosexual acts back in 1791. Same-sex marriage with full adoption rights was made legal in 2013, and on January 9 2024, Gabriel Attal became France’s first openly gay prime minister.

France’s sexual orientation rights and freedoms are some of the most progressive laws in the world. The LGBTQ community are protected by comprehensive antidiscrimination laws, with citizens facing severe punishments for committing hate crimes towards them. It is possible to change legal gender without undergoing gender reassignment surgery, and same-sex couples are free to express themselves openly should they choose to do so.

France has a large gay scene with activities and events happening throughout the year. Each June, Paris celebrates Pride Week, which includes an annual Pride march in the streets. There are various festivals and celebrations held throughout the country in the summertime, and gay and lesbian film festivals are held in the winter months.

With all this in mind and the fact that France welcomes LGBTQ members claiming asylum, it’s not hard to see why the country ranks highly on our top ten list of LGBTQ-friendly countries.

Malta

Historically, Malta has seen some strict laws, with divorce only becoming legal in 2011 and abortion still considered a crime. However, it’s also seen as one of the quickest turnarounds regarding LGBTQ rights and freedoms. The change in legal legislation towards gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people seemed to happen overnight. In 2014, a change in government saw a massive change in legislation, and now there are progressive LGBTQ trans rights laws in place.

Activists and organisations such as the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) have been fundamental in establishing anti-discrimination laws and providing support to the LGBTQ community all year round.

Conversion therapy has been banned in Malta since 2016, and LGBTQ members have been allowed to join the armed forces since 2002. All in all, Malta has come a long way concerning LGBTQ rights and freedoms and is now recognised as being a leader in promoting the safety and welfare of LGBTQ members.

Malta is a small country, but the gay scene is established and vibrant. There are no dedicated gay districts as such, but there are numerous gay-friendly bars and clubs to explore and events that celebrate the differences of people who are part of the LGBTQ community.

With such a now strong influence on equality and inclusivity, Malta ranks on our list of the top ten gay-friendly countries in the world.

Greece

Greece has a long and complicated history regarding LGBTQ rights and freedoms. Civil unions were legalised in 2015, but same-sex marriage and adoption rights were not legalised until 2024. The move was a positive one for the LGBTQ community, and there are now laws in place to protect LGBTQ members from hate crimes and things such as employment discrimination.

That being said, transgender people are not currently allowed to join the armed forces, and in some areas of Greece, LGBTQ members still face discrimination. Greece is a devoutly religious country, and the openly homophobic Greek Orthodox Church maintains a massive influence over its inhabitants. Public displays of affection can be shunned by locals, but there are LGBTQ activist groups that have successfully made changes to legislation and campaign against this kind of discrimination.

Greek culture is also complicated, though many Greeks are devoutly religious, some figures in Greek mythology, such as Apollo, are portrayed as being bisexual. His relationships with men are well documented within Greek art and culture, and some people consider him to be a patron for gay males across the globe.

There are pride events that take place during Greece’s summer months, perhaps the most famous being the annual Athens Pride. It includes a parade, parties, concerts and other activities to celebrate the differences of LGBTQ members across the globe.

Therefore, though some members of the LGBTQ community may experience setbacks, the progress of change throughout Greece is happening quickly and positively. For those reasons, we include Greece as one of our top ten most gay-friendly countries in the world at the moment.

Iceland

Iceland has been a world leader regarding LGBTQ rights and freedoms for many years. For example, the country saw an openly gay head of state in 2009, and was the first country in the world to do so. Iceland implements high anti-discrimination and protection laws for the LGBTQ community, and the country is known to have a high social acceptance rate of LGBTQ members in its society.

Iceland came in at number 1 on the 2023 LGBTQ Equality Index and is considered one of, if not the, safest and most accepting place in the world for the LGBTQ community. Conversion therapy was banned in 2023, and the country even recognises a third gender (X) on official documents.

Though a relatively small country with a population of around 350 thousand, Iceland hosts 2 pride events, one in summer and one in winter. The summer event is known as the ‘biggest little pride in the world’, attracting a crowd of more than 100 thousand people.

There is an established gay scene in the country’s capital. Though only one known gay bar exists at the moment (Kiki bar), other events and activities take place to celebrate the differences of the LGBTQ community. This includes a Culture Walk app with an LGBTQ literature feature, which you can use to create a self-guided walking tour of all things LGBTQ.

New Zealand

New Zealand is another world leader in terms of LGBTQ anti-discrimination and protection laws. Same-sex marriage is legal, as is the ability to adopt children. LGBTQ members cannot be discriminated against when it comes to things like employment and housing, and are allowed to join the military freely should they choose to do so.

Former prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, took part in the Pride march of 2018 along with, and in support of, 2 gay colleagues, and was the first head of state to do so in the world.

Pride is just one of the three major LGBTQ events held in New Zealand each year. The other two are known as the Big Gay Out and Queenstown’s Gay Ski Week. There are also smaller events that take place throughout the country in the smaller towns and cities to celebrate the differences of the LGBTQ community.

Auckland is known for having a vibrant gay scene, with lots of gay bars and clubs operating, especially in Karangahape Road (or K-road to the locals). Popular establishments include The Eagle Bar and the Caluzzi Bar, among many others.

Notably, New Zealand was the first country to offer gay-friendly certification for B&Bs and hotels back in 1998, providing safety and acceptance for gay travellers across the world. For this reason, along with the acceptance of gay marriage, transgender rights, and pride celebrations, we can comfortably classify New Zealand as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries out there.

Canada

Canada is another world leader when it comes to LGBTQ rights and freedoms. It was one of the first countries in the world to legalise gay marriage and has actively paved the way for LGBTQ rights, with other countries following suit.

The nation has very strong and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in place, and it is possible to change legal gender without undergoing surgery. It is illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ members in areas such as housing, employment, and public services, and social acceptance is considered high. A recent survey suggested that 91.8% of Canadians would accept a gay neighbour and 87.6% a transgender neighbour.

Many of Canada’s LGBTQ community members live in the 3 major cities (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver) where there is an established gay scene and multiple pride events organised th/roughout the year. Canada’s national pride celebrations are some of the largest in the world and globally renowned; the nation held World Pride in 2014.

Canada’s LGBTQ activists are still partaking in equality and inclusion efforts to solidify anti-discrimination legislation and push LGBTQ developments and achievements as far as possible. With all this in mind, it is not hard to see why Canada is considered by us to be one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world.

Other LGBTQ Friendly Countries to Consider

In addition to our selected ten, numerous other countries offer safe harbours for members of the LGBTQ community, particularly in Western Europe. Countries with inclusive cultures, anti-discrimination laws and large gay scenes are the best to look out for. Some examples include:

• The Netherlands
• Belgium
• Norway
• Denmark
• Sweden

There are also less-known LGBTQ accepting countries in other parts of the world that can often be overlooked. Some examples include:

• Taiwan
• Nepal
• Argentina
• South Africa

Social Acceptance of LGBTQ Individuals Worldwide

When we look at what countries may be the most LGBTQ friendly, we can gain a bit of a clearer picture regarding social acceptance of LGBTQ communities across the globe. Equality Indexes can often offer us a snapshot report of social acceptance too.

When using such data, we can ascertain that, generally, Western European countries have a higher acceptance rate, and countries with dictatorships also seem to be more accepting of LGBTQ people.

We can also see that on the whole, positive progress regarding LGBTQ communities has been and is being made, but there are also significant challenges in creating equal and inclusive societies for all. Implicit bias and discrimination, and even violent hate crimes, persist in some parts of the world, and LGBTQ asylum policies can be hard to navigate.

Asylum Policies for LGBTQ Individuals

Several countries have specific asylum policies that consider LGBTQ individuals, such as the UK, Canada, the Netherlands and others. However, to be successful in claiming asylum for LGBTQ reasons in these countries, you will need to meet specific criteria.

Specific criteria vary from country to country, but generally, you must be fleeing persecution in your native country due to your sexual orientation or gender identity. You must also be able to demonstrate that your fears are well-founded and credible. (For example, this is likely to be the case if your native country uses the death penalty as a punishment for homosexuality.)

However, proving credibility is often difficult, especially if you’re not openly gay in your native country. Authorities may ask for evidence to prove your sexual orientation, and this can cause problems if you don’t have any documentation to prove your case.

There may be genuine reasons for a lack of documentation (for example, you may have been concealing your sexuality deliberately to avoid persecution).

LGBTQ asylum seekers can also run into other problems, for example, case managers may not fully understand the experiences of foreign LGBTQ members in a cultural context, which can lead them to rely on stereotypical assumptions.

For any help claiming asylum as an LGBTQ community member, including guidelines and application processes, please reach out to the Immigration Advice Service at +44 (0)333 414 9244 today, or contact us online.