The Top 10 Most Gay-Friendly Countries

Jan. 22 2020

by Lachlan

Across the globe, society is changing. Countries worldwide are adapting their laws to recognize LGBTQ rights: we can now add both Austria and Australia to the list, as they are now countries where same-sex marriage is legal. And hopefully, with time, areas where gay people are treated as second-class citizens will also change. So, where are the best places to live or visit if you're LGBTQ?

The list of the most gay-friendly countries in the world continues to grow. But what is the gayest country in the world? Fortunately, today, there is no one gayest country, but many across Europe and beyond. There are now several countries where gay marriage is legal, and LGBTQ people can enjoy the same rights as every other citizen in a range of areas, including employment, housing, health, and gay adoption. 

While worldwide trends point towards an increasing acceptance of homosexuality, there are still certain countries that hold restrictive laws that limit the rights of LGBTQ individuals. However, the countries that advocate strongly for LGBTQ rights are, at times, a surprise. In our list of the top 10 most gay-friendly countries, some of the more conservative offerings may come as a surprise. From the Netherlands to Australia, we bring you a comprehensive list of the 'gayest' countries in the world, so you can truly experience your pride for your next gaycation abroad.

 

1: Spain Welcomes You!

_{©Flickr/Ted Eytan}

Spain is one of the most welcoming and relaxed nations in Europe and arguably one of the best lgbt countries in the world. Some may even argue that it is the gayest country in the world. The country's laid-back lifestyle and fantastic travel destinations should give the country a top spot on every gay traveler's list of must-see places. The overwhelming majority of residents in Spain are advocates of LGBTQ rights; a whopping 87 percent think their country is a good place for gay and lesbian people to settle down. According to ILGA-Europe, Spain has a rating of 60% in terms of overall LGBTQ rights, putting it above other European countries such as Germany and Italy. 

Additionally, 88 percent of Spanish residents support same-sex marriage. Throughout Spain, you'll find plenty of welcoming and cool gay events and places of interest. Some of the most popular gay events in Spain include the Madrid Gay Pride and Circuit Festival in Barcelona. Outside these events, the country is home to many cities celebrating LGBTQ life anytime, including Barcelona, Madrid, Torremolinos, and Sitges. Should you plan to visit Spain, be sure to enjoy some sangria in Madrid's gay area, Chueca, which is a centrally located neighborhood brimming with loads of gay bars, restaurants, and clubs. So, could this be the gayest country in the world? We'll let you be the judge. 

Book your accommodation in Madrid

 

2: The Liberal Netherlands!

The Netherlands is known for more than just its windmills and tulips! This incredibly liberal country is also famous for the fantastic lifestyle it offers to LGBTQ residents. As the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage, it's no surprise that the Netherlands is home to a bustling gay and lesbian scene that includes amazing nightlife and many gay-friendly businesses. Of course, the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is one of the most liberal, easy, and gay places on Earth! Every year in August, Amsterdam comes alive for its annual pride, in which colorful floats travel down the city's network of canals, with spectators cheering on from the sidelines in pride revelry. Along with festive gay pride events in Rotterdam and other cities of The Netherlands, pride season shows that this is truly one of the gayest countries in the world.    

As a whole, The Netherlands is incredibly gay-friendly, with data from ILGA-Europe revealing that the country has a rating of 62% in terms of its overall LGBTQ rights, putting it in position 10 among 49 countries in Europe. Once you've explored the gay area of Amsterdam, Reguliersdwarsstraat, venture outside of Amsterdam to other popular cities of The Netherlands, including Utrecht and Rotterdam. In keeping with the country's gay-friendliness, you can enjoy liberal attitudes in these cities and experience your pride the Dutch way! Find a place to stay, and experience of the most lgbt-friendly countries of the globe. 

Book your accommodation in Amsterdam

3: Oh, Canada!

Yep, Canada is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. In fact, Canadians support gay rights in an overwhelming majority; more than 84 percent of the population think that their country is a great place for gay and lesbian people to live. In fact, on July 20, 2005, Canada became the first country outside of Europe to legalize same-sex marriage. According to Equaldex, Canada enjoys a host of liberties for LGBTQ people, including legal gender changes, legal adoption, and illegal discrimination in housing and employment, setting the benchmark high in terms of LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. 

Today, Canada is one of the leading countries for advancing gay rights throughout the world. Canadians proudly participate in and host a number of gay pride events and festivals throughout the year, such as Toronto Pride, Montreal Pride, and Vancouver Pride. Even when pride is not happening, Canada is hands down one of the gayest countries in the world, with LGBTQ scenes larger than life in many of the main cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Grab a pint of beer in the iconic Woody's Bar in Toronto's gay area, Church and Wellesley, then stop by the iconic Village in Montreal and dance the night away with locals. 

Book your accommodation in Toronto

 

4: Belgian Pride!

Belgium may be small, but its overall impact on progressing gay rights is far from small. In fact, Belgium is leading the charge on LGBTQ friendliness, with 82 percent of its population agreeing that the small European nation is a wonderful place for gay residents. In 2003, Belgium was the second country to legalize same-sex marriage, and in 2006, the Belgian Parliament voted to grant homosexual couples the right to adopt children. While its capital, Brussels, may be best known for being the home of the European Parliament, it is also home to a lively LGBTQ scene scattered across a series of streets behind the Grand Place, including Rue du Marché au Chabron. According to ILGA-Europe, Belgium ranks in position 2 among 49 European countries regarding its overall LGBTQ rights, with an impressive score of 73%.  

Additionally, Belgium is known for its fantastic international gay parties like La Démence. If Belgium is on your itinerary, make it a point to visit gay Brussels and experience the city's gay festivals and nightlife. Visitors to Belgium in the spring should make it a point to be there for Belgian Pride. Beyond Brussels, enjoy LGBTQ life in Belgium's other cities, including Ghent and Bruges. Belgium's convenient and well-connected location means you have no excuse not to be penciling in this gay-friendly country for your next holiday in Europe. 

Book your accommodation in Brussels

 

5: Feeling Proud in Portugal!

Home to colorful Lisbon, hilly Porto, and incredible pride celebrations in each, Portugal is an LGBTQ haven. When Portugal legalized gay marriage in 2010, it became the sixth country in Europe to do so, cementing its position as a gay-friendly place for LGBTQ travelers. While Portugal is considered a conservative, religious country, the relaxed and open-minded spirit of the people means LGBTQ people can feel more than comfortable while visiting. Statistics from ILGA-Europe report an overall rating of 66% regarding LGBTQ rights in Portugal, putting the country in 7th position among 49 European countries. 

The largest LGBTQ community in Portugal is in Lisbon, the country's charming capital. Lisbon Pride takes place in June, a two-week celebration comprising a pride parade and a pride festival. The on-street revelry and shared pride prove that Portugal truly deserves a place in the list of gayest countries in the world. Once you've had your Lisbon fix, head north to the authentic and charming Porto, where you can indulge in some of the finest seafood and port wine.    

Book your accommodation in Lisbon

 

6: Norway Welcomes LGBTQ Friends!

_{©Facebook/Martin Fjellanger/Oslo Pride}

Norway was one of the first countries in the world to give equal rights to all its citizens, and in 2008, the country adopted laws in favor of same-sex marriage. Norwegians are well-known for their liberal attitudes, and more than 80 percent of Norway's residents think their country is a great place for LGBTQ people to call home. Norway also scores exceptionally in terms of its LGBTQ rights, with ILGA-Europe reporting 68%, positioning it 6th among 49 European countries. Norwegians enjoy a range of liberties, including legal gay adoption, equal age of consent, and laws in place to prevent discrimination in terms of housing and employment. From recent articles and studies, many would claim that Norway is the most gay-friendly country in the world.   

Throughout the year, Norway has several LGBTQ cultural events, parades, and even gay skiing festivals. The biggest LGBTQ event is arguably Oslo Pride. The massive yearly event attracts thousands of people to celebrate and support LGBTQ causes and rights through culture, art, politics, and parties. Once you've explored Norway's charming capital, visit many of Norway's other diverse cities, including Kristiansand, Bergen, and Stavanger.

Book your accommodation in Oslo

 

7: Australia Supports LGBTQ Rights

They may be Down Under, but the people of Australia can now claim to be on top of the list of LGBTQ-friendly countries! As of November 2017, the vast majority of Australians - 61.6 percent - voted in favor of same-sex marriage, which significantly boosted its status concerning its LGBTQ friendliness. There are many Federal legal protections for LGBTQ people in Australia, including the right to same-sex adoption, the right to serve in the military, and the recognition of non-binary genders in all states except Queensland. Additionally, the relatively liberal and open-minded spirit of the people in Australia means you'll be able to enjoy your gaycation down under hassle-free.  

Indeed, the Australian city of Sydney is among the most gay-friendly cities in the world: the sprawling metropolis is also home to one of the country's most popular gay events, Gay Mardi Gras. Sydney is a vast city on the harbor, however, most LGBTQ life is concentrated to the Darlinghurst and Paddington areas, in the city's inner east. Oxford Street is home to many gay bars and clubs, while local restaurants keep the pride flowing during the day. Meanwhile, Melbourne offers up more when it comes to the alternative gay side of life.

Book your accommodation in Sydney

 

8: France is a Great Gay-Friendly Destination!

_{©Henri Garat, Mairie de Paris}

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, rightly so; the country has everything. France boasts a wealth of culture and arts, great skiing in the Alps, and the sunny Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. It also has an incredible gastronomic scene, so be sure to pack that slightly larger pair of jeans for your trip - you'll need them! For LGBTQ visitors, France, and its beautiful capital, Paris, is a wonderful place to visit.

The gay-friendly country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, and it was the first country ever to decriminalize homosexuality... way back in 1791! In Paris, you can find the most local gay life in the charming inner city of Arndisement, Le Marais. Full of gay bars, restaurants, and clubs, Le Marais alone proves that France is one of the gayest countries in the world. In fact, according to statistics from ILGA-Europe, France outperformed other countries of Europe, such as Spain and Germany, in terms of overall LGBTQ rights, scoring 63%. More specific gay rights in France are also prevalent, with Equaldex showing that same-sex adoption is legal, along with serving in the military.    

Book your accommodation in Paris

 

9: New Zealand is more than the land of the long white cloud

_{©Flickr/Kiran Foster}

New Zealand may be geographically far from the rest of the world, but in terms of its political and social framework, it is a frontrunner. This island nation to the east of Australia was the first country in the world to allow women to vote as far back as 1893, and it legalized gay marriage in 2013. According to Equaldex, New Zealand ranks highly concerning LGBTQ rights, with gay adoption and gender reassignment legal and LGBTQ people being allowed to serve in the military. Any form of discrimination in the housing and employment spheres is also illegal. 

Auckland and Wellington are the two main cities of New Zealand, and both organize colorful pride events at the height of their summer in late February. Outside of Pride, you'll find a lively LGBTQ scene in both cities and other parts of the country. After all, the country's extremely liberal and open attitude is just made for it! If you find yourself in Auckland, stop by the city's gay strip, Karangahape Road, which is affectionately shortened to K Road. Drink a cocktail at Eagle Bar, then unveil your finest dance moves at Auckland's (arguably New Zealand's) best gay club, Family Bar.      

 

Book your accommodation in Auckland

   

10: Iceland Warmly Embraces LGBTQ Visitors!

Iceland offers a small but very active and open gay scene. The liberal country of Iceland is home to the world's first openly gay head of state. Former Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir took office in 2009, and in 2010, same-sex marriage was legalized in Iceland. Today, Iceland welcomes gay and lesbian visitors with open arms. The country's most active gay scenes are located in the capital, Reykjavík, and the growing community of Akureyri. While Reykjavík does not have a gay area per se, its open-minded attitude means LGBTQ travelers will feel welcome throughout the city.

As with any gay-friendly country, Iceland's capital has a lively Pride, Reykjavík Pride, which takes place every year, usually in August. The very first pride here took place in 1999, showing the country's longstanding open attitude towards LGBTQ people. Statistics from ILGA-Europe show that Iceland lags just a little behind some of its other European counterparts regarding overall LGBTQ rights, generating a score of 47%. This puts it in position 19 among 49 European countries. With its beautiful landscapes, thermal springs, and open attitude towards gay and lesbian travelers, Iceland will be sure to enchant.  

Book your accommodation in Reykjavík

  

Want some travel inspiration for the year? Check out our Gay Bucket List on 50 Things to Do in 2020.