Going by the literal definition, gay-friendly or LGBTQ+ friendly refers to places that are open and welcoming to gay people. These places offer a warm and supportive environment where equality and justice exist for them. The LGBTQ+ community is now respected socially, legally, economically, and legally.
LGBTQ+ has always been a controversial community. Innumerable protests and marches for the LGBTQ+ community make history. Even after years of fighting for their justice, being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is still a sin. It is also illegal and punishable under the law in several Islamic countries.
Among 195 countries present in the world currently, every one of them has a different opinion about LGBTQ+. Some are striving to make their country a better place for the LGBTQ+ community bypassing several laws, whereas some are still passing anti-gay laws every day.
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What makes them gay-friendly?
The aforementioned five countries are the most gay-friendly and LGBTQ+ welcoming countries in the world. The major reasons are:
- The legalization of homosexual marriage is done in most countries today. People of the LGBTQ+ community are now allowed and encouraged to live together with someone they love, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation. Legalization is increasing all over the world, except a few, which are also considered one of the most dangerous places for them in the world.
- All the aforementioned countries have ‘gay spots’ in the country. They do not mean the entry of a heterosexual is banned there or they will be disrespected, just that they have few spots or few spaces dedicated to their existence. Moreover, it helps make them feel warm and welcome.
- Most of these countries organize pride marches. They attract thousands of attendees every year. Furthermore, people from all over the world participate to show their support and fight for their rights.
- Country infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, employment, and other opportunities are equally provided to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Apart from legalizing the LGBTQ+ community and their marriages, the top-ranked countries have also started accepting them socially and emotionally. The emotional trauma surrounding their existence is eliminated. They do not just exist, but they exist happily.
- The top-ranked countries like Canada, are making heavy investments in gay travel and tourism, public acceptance, and queer revelry.
- The citizens of these countries do not socially discriminate against them. For instance, a person will not get a job just because he is heterosexual or not, but because they possess the necessary skills. Apart from family, society has also started accepting them.
- An adoption facility is provided to homosexual couples. Even today, there are numerous countries that prevent homosexual couples to adopt a child because they are a bad influence. However, the top-ranked gay-friendly countries believe that the parent’s morals, instead of their sexuality, influence and raise the child.
- The employers do not oppress the members of the LGBTQ+ community to basic employment positions. They elect these members to a position of power, publicly and privately, solely depending upon their skills and abilities.
- LGBTQ+ is not just accepted, they are also allowed to do social services such as donating blood. There are numerous countries that do not allow them to donate blood or participate in social programs because they are a bad influence.
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In this article, we have drafted several to make your country gay-friendly and LGBTQ+ welcoming.
1. Canada
Canada is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. It is one of the first countries to legalize homosexual marriage. It is mainly because of their massive investment in tourism, public acceptance, legislation, and queer revelry. Canada is also one of the very few countries where individuals can change their gender without gender reassignment surgery. There are strong anti-discrimination rules against transgender people in the country. The LGBTQ+ community in the country is also loud and proud of its identity. A large number of people live in the most developed cities in the world. However, there are still gay villages throughout the country.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand was the first country in the world to identify a gay-friendly travel certification for its luxurious resorts and restaurants. The country offers every facility to LGBTQ+ community members. These include homosexual marriage, equal employment opportunities, safe and protected housing, and adoption service. They are also provided with equal opportunities to serve in the military. New Zealand is one of the very few countries where equality for the LGBTQ+ community exists in every aspect.
3. Iceland
Iceland has an exceptionally long history of legalizing lesbian relationships. Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir: the first open LGBTQ+ head of state was from Iceland. It is also a proud host for a few of the largest pride marches in the country such as Reykjavik Pride. It has more than 100k attendees every year. Along with it, it offers various LGBTQ+ spaces such as kiki bars.
4. Spain
Spain became one of the first countries to recognize homosexual marriage in 2005. Everyone except the roman catholic church widely accepted the law. According to 2019 Pew Research, almost 90% of Spaniards believe that people should accept homosexuality. Spain also became the third ever city to host a world pride in 2017. Spain is the only country in the world that allows gay men to donate blood, without any specific criteria.
5. Malta
Malta has become a gay-friendly country just recently. It is staunchly orthodox and obnoxious but currently, it is still one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. Due to its small population, it is not as popular in the world. However, it is in progress to becoming one of them and we could not be happier.
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Conclusion
The world has come a long way to make it a better place for the LGBTQ+ community. While appreciating the efforts, remember there is a long way to go. Being accepting is not limited to just legalizing it, it also includes giving them equal rights, opportunities, and representations. Moreover, it also includes accepting them socially. Let us make this world a better and safe place for them to live in!
For more, click here 10 most powerful LGBTQ+ quotes that made history
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