International School Parent Magazine - Spring 2024

Top tips
FOR LGBTQ+
FAMILIES
TRAVELLING
ABROAD
Research your
destination
Which countries are safe
for your family? What are
their laws about LGBTQ+
rights? According to the Human Dignity
Trust homosexual activity is illegal in sixtyfive
countries. It is also important to be
aware of how these laws are enforced. For
example, in the Maldives, homosexuality
and same-sex marriage are illegal and
punishable by prison and one hundred
lashes for both gay men and lesbians, but
these laws are largely ignored on the island
resorts where tourists stay. Many LGBTQ+
tourists are happy to enjoy that privilege,
whilst others are not. It is a personal choice.
However, laws are laws and it is important
that you understand what the potential legal
risks are if these laws are enforced.
If you have only ever travelled
domestically with your children, consider
starting small. Get confident, then progress
into more challenging travel. First off, book
an all-inclusive holiday with an LGBTQ+
friendly travel company like Destination
Rainbow or through IGLTA (International
LGBTQ+ Travel Association), rather than
do independent travel. Alternatively, choose
a country you are already familiar with; one
where you know that the laws and locals are
inclusive.
Transiting through intolerant countries
on route to your destination can add to your
stresses. It may be easier for your nerves to
fly routes that stopover in countries where
LGBTQ+ people are legal. However, if
you find that you need a night in a hotel
between flights, major chain airport hotels
are often a better choice. It all depends on
your safety comfort levels. Do your research
and decide what is right level of safety for
your family.
Select LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation
When my wife and I travel, we tend to stay
in hotels, rather than ‘family-owned’ guest
houses or a Bed and Breakfast in someone’s
private home. It reduces the chance of your
holiday being ruined by a host who reacts
negatively to your family. Search for hotel
chains who are committed to equality in
the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s
Corporate Equality Index (USA based).
It is a benchmarking tool that measures
which companies are best for LGBTQ+
employees. The list includes major hotel
chains, many of which also have hotels
outside of the USA. Equally, search online
to find one of the companies that specialise
in LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation
internationally.
Consider pre booking a car through
your hotel to pick you up from the airport.
When you’re tired after a long flight and
everything is unfamiliar, a hotel car is a
good safer option. Whilst it very much
depends on the country, drivers are
commonly insured, licensed and therefore
accountable, should anything happen.
Again, you might also like to consider an
all-inclusive holiday. With an all-inclusive
you do not have to leave the hotel much
and staff will be more used to international
visitors and LGBTQ+ people.
“If you have only ever travelled domestically with your
children, consider starting small.”
Bring your documentation!
At international borders it is normal to
expect extra levels of scrutiny. Having the
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT SPRING 2024 | 56