Rainbow Families
Numerous companies cater for the LGBQ market with villa holidays in Cyprus, Crete, Tuscany, Lanzarotte, Menorca and the Algarve, the US and Caribbean.
Organising a holiday can be stressful however, for families within the LGBQ community, the “where” takes on a particular importance. The attitudes of local populations can make, or break a holiday.
A single sex couple with children can draw out unwanted attention.
The significant advice from travellers and organisations is to research where you are going, know the local laws, customs and attitudes.
Also, invest in a comprehensive guide book specialising in guidance for LGBT travellers.
Kate Mitchell, and her partner Kate Everall’s blog, “Lesbemums” is an informative read. Kate Mitchell wrote:
“But for an LGBT family, there are also other things that we take into consideration when choosing where to holiday, not just expense. Things such as cultural and religious differences, the law, even what rights the other parent has if one were to fall ill. The rights you have in one country may not be reflected in the next country you visit. For us, these factors are more important.”
ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) produces a global map charting, “Criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts” in which countries are graded by colour.
Countries with the most extreme views against the LGBTQ community include:
- Saudi Arabia,
- Yemen,
- United Arab Emirates and Sudan,
- Ethiopia
- Kenya .
The British Government’s publication, ‘Support for British Nationals Abroad: a Guide.
www.gov.uk/home/helpforBritishnationalsoverseas/adviceforallcountries/Lesbian,Gay,
An American Jon Bailey, an American blogger, writing in National Geographic recommended the following places.
Amalfi Coast
Aruba, Caribbean
Puerto Vallarja, Mexico
Barcelona, Spain
London
Amsterdam
Cambodia
Also the recommended by Kate Mitchell:
Carnaval de las Palmas, Grand Canari is one of the most popular gatherings.
Gay Pride carnival include
- Maspalomas (May),
- Cyprus (May),
- Ibiza (June),
- Barcelona (July),
- Malta (September).
Although, the situation is changing, still, extraordinarily, similar judgements have to made by families of colour.