Now travel restrictions are lifting, I bet you’re itching to get out and see the world – if you can afford it with these post-isolation prices! But if, like me, you’re waiting until it’s a tad more affordable, why not utilize the time to consider some safety tips?
The first thing to do is look into the country’s laws on homosexuality. It’s natural to grow accustomed to your home country’s policies on female homosexuality, as a lesbian or bisexual woman, but it’s worth checking out which countries are dangerous (or most safe) for sapphic women.
How the society or culture views homosexuality might be different to its laws, so research that too. Even if the country you travel to has no specific laws against female homosexuality, which is common where there are laws against male homosexuality, that doesn’t mean you’re safe. Policies and opinions are not the same.
The opposite is true, too: on paper, the US has progressive policies on homosexuality. However, gay people in the US are more likely to be the victims of hate crimes than any other US demographic.
Where, in the country, are you going? Think about your own country. Is it uniform in its acceptance and/or homophobia? Or is homophobia more likely in certain location(s) within the country?
Consider the country’s expectations of women, especially if you’re GNC. Are you allowed to participate in certain activities? Are you expected to wear headscarves or other ‘feminine’ articles? If you want to stay safe, it’s wise to respect local customs even if you don’t relate to them.
Leave your itinerary and contact information with someone you trust. No, not the itinerary by the second. But it’s smart to leave a brief idea of what you’re doing, where you plan on heading, the contact information of hotels and your flight numbers with someone at home.
Link up with organizations dedicated to LGBT travel. Find LGBT-owned or accepting businesses and, even if you don’t visit, have them on standby for if you need more information in a foreign country. This is especially true if you’re travelling in a country less accepting of lesbianism than your own.
Instead of using Tinder to connect with lesbian locals in the destination country, reach out before your flight. Dating apps are sometimes used by the police to trap homosexual people so it’s worth connecting with gay people from the country before you leave. They’ll be able to tell you where the best sapphic hangouts are.
Think before publicly displaying affection. Even two people of the same sex requesting a double bed at a hotel can be dangerous in some countries, let alone touching or holding hands. Such innocent acts can be illegal, leading to anything from a fine to execution.
Could you book through an LGBT-specific tour provider? Rainbow Gay Tours, Olivia, LezJourneys, and RFamilyVactions are some resources to consider. They will have more than enough information on how to have a safe journey in a variety of countries.
