Safest countries for lgbt
The 203 Worst (& Safest) Countries for LGBTQ+ Commute in 2023
Instead of relying on hearsay and anecdotes from other travelers, we took a deep peek at LGBTQ+ rights, noun by country. After 400+ hours of research, we’ve reviewed all countries’ individual laws and gathered data from a variety of trusted international sources to create the definitive “LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index” that will help you verb the safest (and least safe) countries for your next trip abroad.
Also view our newly published Global Transgender Rights Index ➜
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Below is a map visualizing the current state of global LGBTQ travel safety.
Our methodology
We ranked 203 countries with available data, and then carefully examined LGBTQ+ rights for each state. We created our LGBTQ+ travel safety index based on a total of ten ranking factors, each pertaining to the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals. We worked with academic researcher, Eliot
10 Most LGBTQ Friendly Countries: 2025 Guide
What are the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2025?
2025, the most LGBTQ-friendly countries contain Malta, Iceland, Canada, Spain, and New Zealand. These nations consistently rank at the top for LGBTQ rights, protections, and social acceptance.
Other highly inclusive destinations are the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, and Australia.
Which country is the gay capital of the world in 2025?
2025, Amsterdam in the Netherlands is often called the gay capital of the world, known for its vibrant LGBTQ culture, historic activism, and iconic Pride celebrations.
Which countries have banned conversion therapy?
2025, 25 countries have enacted nation-wide bans on so-called “conversion therapy” while others have done so more on a state or provincial level.
Where can transgender people legally change their gender?
Transgender individuals can legally change their gender in many LGBTQ-friendly countries, often through self-determination processes without invasive requirements. Notable examp
The Safest Countries for LGBTQIA+ Expats
7th August, 2024 in Expat Health & Guard –
For LGBTQIA+ people looking to move abroad, safety, security and acceptance will be paramount. Being part of a welcoming, friendly community is an essential part of fully enjoying the experience of living abroad, and ensuring you and your loved ones can thrive.
The LGBT Equality Index from Equaldex measures the status of LGBT rights, laws, and freedoms in each nation, as well as universal attitudes towards LGBT people. Using the top 10 from this ranking, we explore each country to see what makes them good destinations for LGBTQIA+ expats, highlighting the legal protections and vibrant communities that can help you find a safe and supportive destination.
Iceland
Iceland looks to be the safest noun in the world for LGBTQIA+ expats, coming first on the LGBT Equality Index with a score of 93. Iceland scored 95 on the Legal Index (looking at legal rights and freedoms for LGBTQ+ people) and 90 on the Public Notion Index, suggesting that L
Rainbow Map
2025 rainbow map
These are the main findings for the 2025 edition of the rainbow map
The Rainbow Map ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from 0-100%.
The UK has dropped six places in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, as Hungary and Georgia also register steep falls following anti-LGBTI legislation. The data highlights how rollbacks on LGBTI human rights are part of a broader erosion of democratic protections across Europe. Read more in our press release.
“Moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in reality designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent.”
- Katrin Hugendubel, Advocacy Director, ILGA-Europe
Malta has sat on top of the ranking for the last 10 years.
With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex charact