Is Canada safe for my queer friends to visit?

By Christine Kinori

Canada is renowned as one of the friendliest countries and a safe haven for the queer travellers. Canada’s determination to do away with discrimination has made it is one of the progressive countries in the world. Apart all the amazing places to visit featuring beautiful scenery, campgrounds, lakes, forests and sandy beaches, the country has made it possible for the LGBTQ2s+ community to travel without the fear of discrimination. And the locals also play a huge role, with 80% of Canadians having a positive attitude towards homosexuality.

Canada, is considered one of the least discriminatory countries in the world. Over the years, the country has developed friendly rules and laws to improve the lives of the LGBTQ2s+ individuals living and traveling in Canada. Same sex marriages were legalized in 2005 through the Cival Marriage Act. Same sex relationships and activities are not a crime as compared to other countries. In Canada, queer travellers don’t have to censor themselves in fear of being arrested.

Canada is also one of the few countries that has taken transgender travellers into consideration. In 2017, Canada introduced gender-neutral options on their passports meaning transgender travellers aren’t required to reveal their gender identity. This is really fundamental given that it is one of the things that frustrates non-binary, inter-sex and trans travellers. The transgender community go through so much stress while traveling due to discrimination. This is a good first step towards breaking down the barriers to gender autonomy.

Canada continues the fight to eliminate the negativity, associated with identifying as queer not only in its country but across its borders. Rainbow Railroad is a charitable program that assists LGBTQ2s+victims of state sponsored violence due to their sexuality and gender identity. It helps by providing safe routes to travel when seeking asylum, moral support and means of travel to the safe countries while connecting them to the settlement groups with the aim of promoting social justice and equality among the LGBTQ2s+individuals. The Rainbow Refugee Committee (RRC) is a Vancouver based community group that supports people seeking refugee protection because of persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. These and many more resources can be found in this magazine’s Resource Centre.

Vancouver, one Canada’s more famous travel destinations, is considered to be the most-gay friendly city in the world. LGBTQ2s+ visitors can move freely and safely through the city. In Vancouver’s west end you’ll find rainbow crosswalks, a public gathering spot that is named after one of the city’s dedicated activists Jim Deva Plaza, pink bus stops, gay friendly events, huge Pride celebrations every summer, many queer friendly shops and businesses, at least five dedicated gay bars in the West End area, and many musical, cultural, theatrical and arts events year round.

Canada has taken queer tourism seriously and has done so much to make sure that tourists are never discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. With open arms, Canada is ready to showcase the best of Canadian charms and beauty. If you are thinking of a friendly LGBTQ2s+ destination to down a mimosa and appreciate aesthetically-pleasing nature then Canada is the place to visit.

Christine Kinori is a travel freelance writer. “I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new culture. I believe in equality and I want my daughter to live in a better world.”