Love Without Borders? Where Queerness Is (Not) Accepted Around the World

Not everywhere in the world can LGBTQIA+ people live openly, love freely, and be their authentic selves. While in many countries legal equality, Pride events, and LGBTQ-friendly societies are part of everyday life, others are still marked by discrimination, invisibility, or even persecution.

According to the Gay Travel Index 2025 by Spartacus, Canada, Malta, Portugal, Sweden, and Uruguay are among the most LGBTQIA+-friendly countries worldwide. They offer comprehensive rights, protection, and safe social climates for LGBTQIA+ individuals. In stark contrast, countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Nigeria, or Uganda still enforce prison sentences—or even the death penalty—for homosexuality.

These extreme differences raise a central question: Why is queer life safe and visible in some places, but dangerous in others?

Regional Contrasts: A Global Overview

Europe – Diversity Meets Conservative Pushback

Western European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands have made significant progress in recent years. Same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination laws, and vibrant Pride events are now standard in many areas.

According to the latest LGBTQ+ rights ranking by ILGA Europe, Malta, Belgium, Iceland, Denmark, and Spain top the list. These nations symbolize legal security and societal acceptance. Particularly in large cities, queer people enjoy equality before the law, cultural visibility, and access to diverse community spaces, from LGBTQIA+ bars to community organizations. Queer figures are also increasingly visible in media and politics.

Vinicius, originally from Brazil, who has been living in Portugal for quite some time, shares:

“Portugal is traditionally Catholic, but I feel very safe here as a gay man. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and adoption and gender identity laws are progressive. Cities like Lisbon or Porto are open and tolerant, especially among younger people. Rural areas can be more conservative, and many queer folks stay closeted there—but overall, I experience a positive and inclusive atmosphere.”

In contrast, countries like Hungary and Poland tell a different story. LGBTQIA+-hostile rhetoric is often used for political gain, queer education in schools is banned, and Pride events are restricted. Alarmingly, anti-LGBTQIA+ narratives are frequently promoted by government parties, fueling public rejection.

Asia – Invisibility Despite Massive Populations

In many Asian countries, homosexuality is still taboo. While it’s legal in places like Japan, Thailand, or Taiwan, legal protection is often lacking. Taiwan remains a positive exception, becoming the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019.

The situation is drastically different in countries like Kazakhstan, as shared by Kirill:

“Many people here think being queer is a Western trend that’s corrupting youth. Showing your queerness publicly can get you harassed or even attacked. Even dyed hair or earrings on men are enough to be labeled as ‘different’. There’s no legal protection, no visible LGBTQIA+ community, and even the police don’t offer much help. In major cities, there are a few hidden queer clubs, but going there can be life-threatening. Most people connect anonymously via apps or secret online groups. Coming out is unthinkable for many—ostracization or job loss is a real threat. Public role models are almost nonexistent. Being queer here means living in the shadows, hoping for a safer life abroad.”

Latin America – Legal Progress, but Violence Remains

Countries like Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil have made impressive legal strides: same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and improved healthcare access for trans people are a reality. Yet violence, particularly against trans women, remains a persistent threat.

Marcello from São Paulo shares:

“Brazil is contradictory for queer people. The Supreme Court granted us major rights like marriage and adoption. But the Congress often tries to roll these back. Overall, I’d say the mood is mostly positive. I feel comfortable and confident. Holding hands with my husband in public is no big deal—some people stare, but no one says anything.

Still, Brazil is a land of extremes. Trans women are especially at risk. Every year, Brazil records the highest number of trans murders globally. Much of this violence comes from ignorance—people don’t understand what it means to be trans and see trans women as weak. That’s also why coming out in sports, like soccer, is almost unheard of.”

Africa – High Risk for Queer Communities

Across Africa, LGBTQIA+ rights are in a precarious state. In more than 30 countries, homosexuality remains criminalized. Nations like Uganda, Nigeria, and Somalia actively prosecute queer people, with laws that may include the death penalty.

One exception is South Africa. Since 2006, same-sex marriage is legal, and the constitution explicitly protects sexual orientation. However, even here, rural areas often remain unsafe for queer people, with hate crimes and exclusion still widely reported.

USA – Freedom and Backlash

The United States is known for its strong queer visibility, especially in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, where LGBTQIA+ rights are protected, and diverse representation is common. Pride parades, queer media, and public figures shape the culture.

Yet conservative states like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee are rolling back progress. Recent anti-LGBTQIA+ laws have restricted education, medical care, and trans rights. Queer youth in rural areas face increased vulnerability and limited access to safe spaces.

These contradictions highlight an important truth: even in democratic societies, queer life is not automatically safe.

Why Do These Differences Exist?

The global inequality in LGBTQIA+ rights stems from complex factors:

• Religion: Conservative interpretations of Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism often fuel rejection.
• Colonial history: Many anti-LGBTQIA+ laws are remnants of colonial rule, especially in Africa and Asia.
• Politics: Authoritarian regimes frame homosexuality as a “Western threat” to justify repression.
• Media & education: A lack of representation and awareness contributes to fear and discrimination. Visibility is still key to change.

Conclusion: Visibility Can Be Life-Saving

The world remains divided on LGBTQIA+ rights. Countries like Portugal, Canada, and Taiwan are setting powerful examples. Meanwhile, in many regions, queer individuals still face fear, secrecy, or danger.

But even in progressive countries, the fight for acceptance continues. It’s only through visibility, education, legal protection, and global solidarity that queer lives can become safer—everywhere.

Quick Facts – LGBTQ Worldwide in 2025

• Homosexuality is still criminalized in over 60 countries, according to ILGA World.
• 14 countries guarantee full marriage and adoption equality.
• South Africa remains the only African country with marriage equality—yet violence persists.
• The Gay Travel Index helps LGBTQIA+ travelers assess global travel safety.