10 Countries with the Best LGBTQ+ Laws in the World (2025 Update)
Looking for the most progressive, LGBTQ+ friendly countries? These destinations lead the way in equality, legal protections, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Why LGBTQ+ Laws Matter for Gay Travelers
As LGBTQ+ travelers, our experiences vary greatly depending on where we go. In some places, we can walk freely, holding hands without worry. In others, we have to adjust our behavior for safety. Davey and I are no strangers to this. We have visited some of the most gay-friendly countries to ones that offer no legal protection whatsoever. LGBTQ+ rights aren’t just about feeling safe, they’re also about being legally protected should safety be needed. Some countries go beyond basic protections and actively celebrate their LGBTQ+ communities, ensuring that everyone can live and travel authentically.
What Makes These Countries the Best for LGBTQ+ Rights?
These destinations stand out because they offer:
✔ Same-sex marriage & relationship recognition
✔ Strong anti-discrimination protections
✔ Legal protections for transgender and non-binary people
✔ An open and thriving LGBTQ+ culture
Chicago, USA is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in America
10. United States – Strong Rights, But Mixed Experiences
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2015 (nationwide)
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Legal nationwide
✔ Anti-discrimination laws: Strong protections in most states, but varies
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Large, diverse LGBTQ+ communities, but experiences vary depending on state
The United States has some of the strongest LGBTQ+ legal protections in the world, but the experience can vary widely depending on where you go. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago are incredibly welcoming, while some states still lack strong anti-discrimination laws.
Lisbon, Portugal
9. Portugal — A Hidden Gem for LGBTQ+ Rights
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2010
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Legalized in 2026
✔ Anti-discrimination laws: LGBTQ+ protections in employment, housing, healthcare, and education
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Growing Afro-Portuguese and Brazilian LGBTQ+ communities
Portugal might not be the first place people think of for LGBTQ+ travel, but it quietly has some of the best protections in Europe. The country is very safe, welcoming, and home to a growing LGBTQ+ travel scene.
Cape Town, South Africa (one of our favourite cities in the world!)
8. South Africa – The Best LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2006
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Fully legal
✔ Anti-discrimination laws: Protected under the constitution
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Diverse Black LGBTQ+ culture, especially in Johannesburg & Cape Town
South Africa is the only African country with full LGBTQ+ rights, and Cape Town is considered one of the best LGBTQ+ destinations in the world and Johannesburg holds the largest Pride celebration in Africa. The country has a strong queer nightlife scene and growing Pride celebrations.
Big Ben in London
7. United Kingdom – A European LGBTQ+ Leader
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2014 (England, Scotland, Wales); 2020 (Northern Ireland)
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Fully legal
✔ Anti-discrimination protections: Laws covering employment, housing, and public services
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Large Black & South Asian LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in London, Manchester & Birmingham
The UK has been a global leader in LGBTQ+ rights, with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and thriving LGBTQ+ communities. London hosts one of the world’s biggest Pride events, and LGBTQ+ rights are well-protected across employment, housing, and healthcare.
Opera House in Sydney, Australia
6. Australia – LGBTQ+ Friendly with Strong Legal Protections
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2017
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Fully legal nationwide
✔ Anti-discrimination laws: Strong federal protections, with some gaps at the state level
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Growing communities of Indigenous, Asian, and African LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in Sydney and Melbourne
Australia has made huge strides in LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex marriage legalized in 2017 after a historic nationwide vote. The country has strong federal anti-discrimination protections, though transgender rights vary by state. Sydney and Melbourne have two of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes in the Southern Hemisphere, with Sydney’s Mardi Gras being one of the largest Pride festivals in the world.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Netherlands – The First Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2001 (first in the world!)
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Fully legal
✔ Anti-discrimination laws: Strong protections in employment, healthcare, and education
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Amsterdam has a large Afro-Caribbean, Surinamese, and Indonesian LGBTQ+ community, but racism still exists in Dutch society
The Netherlands is often considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. It was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001 and has since continued to expand LGBTQ+ protections, including strong anti-discrimination laws and progressive gender identity policies. Their Pride celebration is probably the most gorgeous because their parade comes down canals.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
4. Argentina – A Pioneer for LGBTQ+ Rights in Latin America
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2010
✔ Transgender rights: Most progressive gender identity laws in Latin America
✔ Anti-discrimination laws: Strong legal protections
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Large Afro-Argentine & Indigenous LGBTQ+ communities
Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage and has some of the most advanced gender identity laws in the world. Buenos Aires, in particular, is a top LGBTQ+ destination. We have not been but have many friends who live there, and can’t wait to visit!
Toronto, Canada
3. Canada – Full Equality & Inclusivity
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2005
✔ Discrimination protections: Strong federal & provincial laws
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Fully legal
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Toronto & Vancouver have thriving Black & immigrant LGBTQ+ communities
Canada has been a leader in LGBTQ+ rights for decades, with progressive policies, a welcoming culture, and a strong LGBTQ+ community. Toronto and Montreal are home to vibrant Pride festivals and one of the most accepting societies in the world.
Madrid, Spain (celebrating Omie’s birthday)
2. Spain – One of the Most Progressive Countries in Europe
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2005
✔ LGBTQ+ adoption: Fully legal
✔ Transgender rights: Advanced recognition laws
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Strong LGBTQ+ scene in Madrid & Barcelona, but racism is very alive and well
Spain is known for its lively LGBTQ+ culture, with cities like Madrid and Barcelona leading the way. The country has some of the best legal protections for LGBTQ+ people and is home to one of the largest Pride festivals in the world. Beware, however, as there are a lot of accounts of racism towards people of color. We only had an issue of racism towards Omie by one immigration officer, but outside of that, we’ve had no issues in the many times we’ve visited Spain. We love visiting because it truly is very accepting, particularly in metro cities but even in small towns, too.
Valletta, Malta
1. Malta – The #1 LGBTQ+ Friendly Country in the World
✔ Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2017
✔ Discrimination protections: Strongest in Europe
✔ Transgender rights: Progressive self-ID laws
✔ People of Color & LGBTQ+ Experience: Very welcoming, but small Black community
Trust that we were shocked, too! Surprisingly, Malta consistently ranks #1 on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map and Gay Travel Index, making it the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in the world. Iceland falls in second place, as of 2024, to Malta (another great option for LGBTQ+ travelers). This small Mediterranean island was one of the first to ban conversion therapy and has some of the strongest protections for LGBTQ+ people globally.
