Best countries to live in for gay people

Though they may work for an LGBT-friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. The top 20 countries to relocate to as an LGBTQ+ person, based on 10 factors for LGBTQ+ safety, including same-sex marriage, adoption recognition, survey results from LGBTQ+ residents and transgender access to healthcare.

1. Many cities hold their own Pride events, the biggest of which are in Utrecht and Rotterdam. Besides the usual decisions such as career impact or healthcare quality, queer people often have to consider more severe consequences. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, can also enjoy adoption rights and donate blood.

Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals can change their legal gender without surgery and receive gender-affirming health care. New Zealand: Nature and Inclusion. The country decriminalized homosexuality in ; opened its first gay bar in Amsterdam in ; and unveiled the Homomonument — a memorial for gays and lesbians killed by the Nazis — in Amsterdam in To do this, they must prove they have an exclusive relationship, sufficient income, and pass the integration exam.

6. Malta holds its Pride Parade every September in Valletta, often with local politicians in attendance. Same-sex marriage in the country has been legal since and Spanish literature, music, and cinema frequently explore themes of gender identity and expression. May is generally Pride Month across the country, with Brussels Pride being the biggest parade of them all.

Canada: A Model of Tolerance. Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have several legal rights when they register their partnership. However, there is still more work to be done. Among the issues are the following:. Find out more here. 5. Transgender and intersex rights are amongst the strongest in the world in Malta, allowing people to legally change their gender without surgery.

These include:. Medically unnecessary surgeries are also still performed on intersex children. Working overseas brings many rewards, from the chance to experience new cultures to career advances. In this article, we explore 10 of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries globally, renowned for their progressive legislation and inclusive cultures.

Furthermore, unnecessary surgery on intersex children is banned. This enables gay couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples, including:. As of , anyone over 16 years of age can change their official gender ; while those between 12 and 16 can do so with permission from a judge or guardian.

Here, you can find out about daily events across the country, from club nights to easygoing meet-ups. 2. Which countries offer the best legal protections for LGBT people? Despite this, there is much left to be done to improve Thai LGBT rights, particularly for transgender individuals.

Additionally, transgender individuals are also supported by Dutch legislation. This includes but is not limited to the following:. Same-sex sexual activity was made legal way back in and same-sex marriage was legalized in Non-heterosexual couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples in the country, including the right to adopt and anti-discrimination in all spheres.

Most notably, the same-sex marriage bill was only approved in , making it the first Southeast Asian country to do so. Pride is celebrated in different months in Thailand, depending on where in the country you are. Discover the most LGBT-friendly countries to relocate to, because being able to express who you are should be a normal right.

As a result, their sexual orientation or gender identity might open them up to harassment or persecution. Spain: Vibrant Culture and Acceptance. Countries with the most progressive LGBT laws and legal protections include Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada.

Madrid Pride is the largest LGBT-friendly event in the Spanish calendar, consisting of a week of celebrations, street parties, and cultural events every July. The best countries for LGBT expats are the Netherlands, Canada, Spain, South Africa, Belgium, New Zealand, and Denmark.

Netherlands: LGBTQ+ Rights Pioneers. Sweden: Equality at the Core. Of course, LGBT-friendly events are held throughout the year all over the country, with plenty of bars, meet-ups, and cultural happenings to keep you busy. 4. 3. Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBT-friendly scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences.