Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or gay travel is a kind of travel marketed especially to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. In countries where same-sex sexual relations are criminalized or strictly tabooed, many people may be open about their sexuality and gender identity at other times, but far less so when it comes to places like Africa, where same-sex relations are often illegal or even considered unacceptable. It’s the duty of every gay traveler to explore his options before heading off on the road.
When it comes to travel to Africa, there are many possibilities. One may Gay travel to areas in search of the famous Bali and Lusaka, where one may stay in luxury, indulge in a myriad of activities, and watch the sun set over the waves of the Indian Ocean. But one may also choose to stay in less expensive African resorts where one can enjoy a taste of the local culture in addition to exploring new regions. Some areas of Africa offer gay friendly hotels and even host gay travel nights where travelers can relax and socialize with gay groups and members of the community while on their way to their destinations.
The world famous African safari offers travelers a chance to explore the wildlife in their natural habitat. These tours have a number of activities ranging from walking through open fields in search of animals to horseback riding through the Serengeti or Lake Bogoria in Namibia.
Gay travel also offers opportunities to explore the culture of the people of a country. There are places like the town of Bambuhu in Zambia that are home to the first openly gay community in Zambia and has been a pioneer in accepting gay rights for many years. The town’s gay pride celebration is an annual event which brings out thousands of participants. Another place that is worth seeing is the capital city of Lusaka, Zambia.
Of course, one of the most exciting aspects of gay travel is the opportunity to experience the cultural aspects of the countries they visit. As a gay American I have had my share of experience with cultures that accept me as a gay man and have welcomed me into their communities. It is exhilarating to see how much acceptance there is for the sexual minority in some of these places. Some people are still very scared to embrace change, especially in a country like Zambia where attitudes about gay men and women have been known to be quite harsh. One can even have trouble traveling to these places in certain countries because of the homophobia.
Gay travel is about as far away from “safe” as you can get from a gay person. Because of the stigma associated with being gay in some countries, people who are open about their sexuality may be subjected to physical harm and harassment in some cases, especially at borders or when traveling to towns with higher rates of crime.
However, there are some gay friendly travel destinations that actually welcome gay travel and have been working to make gay travel safer for many years. Places like Costa Rica are perfect for those who prefer to experience more liberal attitudes towards sexual minorities and travelers.
The idea of gay travel asia is actually one of freedom of choice for many travelers. Many people who are looking to explore the wonders of the world choose to spend their holidays in countries that allow same-sex relations without worrying about how they will be treated. It is not uncommon to find people who are open about their sexuality living and working in this way in countries like Australia, which is probably the best known destination for gay travel.
