You want to go on holiday. And are looking for queer travel destinations or queer-friendly countries where you can feel safe and enjoy yourself as a gay man? Then we have just the right destinations for your well-deserved break from everyday stress. You can find all the important information about where you can travel in this article.
The most queer-friendly countries, spas and resorts:The WHO and LGBTQIA+
As the situation of homosexuals is problematic in their home countries, this contributes to them being classified as non–queer destinations. The WHO has conducted research on LGBTQI+ health. And defines it as the physical, mental and emotional well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people. In these areas, LGBTQI+ are less likely to access health services. And engage with health workers due to stigma and discrimination. As a result, they are more likely to have their physical and mental health compromised due to negative consequences.
In addition, in countries with legislation that is not queer-friendly and lack of acceptance as a community, they are often victims of human rights violations such as violence, torture, criminalisation, involuntary medical interventions, denial of care, or unjustified pathologization.
For this reason, OHCHR initiated a global UN public information campaign in 2013 to promote equality and fair treatment for LGBTQI+ persons. Which ultimately generated 2.4 billion social media feeds. WHO’s support is based on the fundamental human rights principle that everyone should have access to health services without discrimination. One basis for this is SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression).
Hotels – difference between gay-friendly and gay
Today, it is almost a standard description of hotels to call themselves gay- or queerfriendly. In everyday life, this means that in addition to heterosexuals, gays, lesbians or other members of the LGBTQIA+ community are also welcome in these hotels. They experience the same service as all other guests.
In contrast, gay hotels are usually founded and usually run by gays. Some have adopted the term “hetero friendly” and also accept guests who do not love the same sex. Others call themselves gays-only hotels, which means that only homosexuals can check in as guests. In this way, the hotels create a safe retreat for gays. And you will only meet like-minded people during your stay, which of course increases the chance of hot adventures.
What is a queer travel destination?
Gays are not respected in many countries. There are countries where same-sex sex is a criminal offence, sometimes even punishable by death. In order to walk hand in hand and enjoy a carefree love life, queer-friendly destinations are recommended.
Countries in Western, Southern and Northern Europe in particular are considered to be extremely queer-friendly. Spain’s Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Sitges and Greece’s Mykonos, for example, have established themselves as true hotspots. But you can also immerse yourself in a huge LGBTQIA+ community in metropolises such as Amsterdam, Brighton, Madrid, London, Lisbon or Valencia. And find someone to spend a hot night with in numerous clubs or bars. If you want to travel to Spain or Portugal and do something good for your health, you can do so at the Portuguese Pine Cliffs or the Spanish SHA Wellness Clinic, for example. Sweden is also one of the most queer-friendly countries in the world, second only to Canada.
Despite new anti-gay laws and court judgements, the USA remains a more than queer-friendly destination, with New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Palm Springs. But Canada, Australia and New Zealand (where Aro Ha is a tip for LGBTQIA+) also have many large cities with vibrant communities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy gay life.
In Asia, Taiwan with Taipei is recommended as a queer destination, especially because of the lively community and hotels such as the GS Hotel. Taiwan is the first Asian country to allow same-sex marriages. Thailand with Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui is also ideal for relaxing days as a gay man. With special destinations such as The BARAI Spa or the Amanpuri. Be careful with escorts, check that they are of legal age.
Gay hotels in Europe – non-discriminatory & luxury
In addition to all the far-flung queer destinations, it’s also worth having a look at Europe. If you want to sunbathe, have new horny experiences, blow off steam while partying or just escape your daily routines. There are also queer destinations in Europe where you can just be yourself. Countless gay resorts or gay hotels in Europe offer you just that. Without fear of looks and in the company of like-minded people. Although non-discriminatory holidays should be possible all over the world, they are especially so in enlightened, progressive Europe.
It is therefore worth visiting the so-called “old continent” because there are many reasons why the second-smallest continent in the world after Australia is still considered one of the hottest destinations for LGBTQIA+. A key advantage is that many of Europe’s gay hotels and gay resorts are gay-owned, and thus gay-managed. The staff know how to take care of your needs as a gay guest with sensitivity and appropriate service.
What distinguishes gay resorts is the fact that they go one step further than classic hotels. In almost all hotel-specific aspects. They are usually centrally located and in the immediate vicinity of the local gay scene with its nightlife. As a rule, gay hotels belong to the four- or five-star category, which you can also recognise from the amenities. Air-conditioning, TV and Wi-Fi are just as much a matter of course as private bathrooms, concierge, 24-hour reception, parking, room service or similar. In addition, many gay hotels allow you to bring your pet with you.
Wellness as a trend among homosexuals
Such gay hotels can be found in all European metropolises, for example in the island capital on Malta, in German metropolises such as Berlin, Dresden or Düsseldorf, London, Vienna, Paris or Brussels. Barcelona also offers many hotels for LGBTQIA+. Many of the hotels have large wellness areas, because homosexuals in particular increasingly want a few relaxing hours with wellness treatments in addition to partying and sex.
Despite all the desire for partying and hot sex, a trend towards a healthy lifestyle can be seen among gays. They do a lot to keep themselves attractive for the dating and sex market. Especially during their holiday at a queer destination, many people rely on meditation, sufficient sleep, healthy food and other methods to keep their body and mind fit and attractive.
There are now countless websites on the internet (e.g. https://www.gaymapper.com/, https://www.gaytravel4u.de/) that specialise in queer destinations. There you can search for queer-friendly destinations and corresponding gay hotels or at least queer-friendly hotels and book your whole trip, if you want to have a fun holiday with great parties and hot sex.
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