LGBTQ Pride Month – Traveling with safety and pride as an LGBTQ

Each year, the month of June is observed as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. The celebrations are carried out to honor the Stonewall riots that took place in Manhattan in 1969 which served as the tipping point for homosexual rights in the U.S. Previously, the last Sunday of June was committed as Gay Pride Day, however, major cities across the U.S. started extending the events across the entire month.

Now, the celebration encompass parties, picnics, pride parades, concerts, symposia, and workshops, which garner the participation and attention of millions of LGBTQ people across the globe. Throughout the month, memorials are conducted to honor members of the community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS or hate crimes. The premise behind commemorating this month is to provide recognition to the impact that members of this community have made at the local, national, and international levels.

Despite the rising awareness, members of the LGBTQ community have their fair share of challenges and one of them is traveling. Traveling is about discovering new places, getting acquainted with different cultures, and spending time with diverse people. However, for an LGBTQ, traveling to certain places can be a nightmare as these locations might discriminate against same-sex associations, gender non-conforming individuals, or transgenders. While there is a need for building safety awareness for an LGBTQ traveler, it is also important for the traveler to take steps in keeping themselves safe as well.

Below are some of the tips when an LGBTQ plans their next travel excursion:

• Doing your homework diligently: After choosing their destination, research if the destination has any anti-gay laws? A person needs to be aware that some traveling locations might damper their spirit as the city or town might not be LGBTQ friendly. One can learn about most of these aspects by seeking travel advice from the U.S. department of state website and the Equaldex: The LGBTQ Global Knowledge Base.
• Finding LGBTQ-friendly businesses: Even in very conservative regions where visitors belonging to the LGBTQ community are not welcomed, one can still find properties owned by LGBTQ members. One can get a lot of information regarding the preferred tour organizers, local tourism bureaus, lodging, partner airlines, and so much more through the official website of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. For hotels, one can check out the TAG AG Approved® LGBTQ-friendly accommodations.
• Attending LGBTQ events: Traveling during the month of LGBTQ Pride Month could be a rewarding experience because film festivals, marathons, sporting events, concerts, and so many more activities are held across the world. At some locations, events are held throughout the year to build the community. One can check out the events calendar at websites catering to the LGBTQ community to plan in advance.
• Connecting with locals: Connecting with the LGBTQ members in the destination one is preparing to visit can provide an individual with priceless resources. One can use social media platforms to connect with locals and establish a rapport before even arriving to one’s destination.

Road to recovery

Traveling should be a fun experience and one’s orientation should not come in the way of exploring a new destination, especially at the cost of one’s security and self-respect. Therefore, one must be aware of their rights, do their research extensively, and then, pursue their travel plans. However, if an LGBTQ member faces a traumatic event during their travels, it is important that they seek professional help once they are back. If left unattended, the traumatic event may affect their well-being leading to poor mental health, paving the way for developing a mental disorder.

If you or a loved one is battling mental health disorders, feel free to reach out to the Mind Health Network. We can connect you with reliable residential mental health services. The experts at our network facilities can conduct a thorough mental health assessment before designing a treatment plan catering exclusively to the individual’s requirements. Call our helpline for more information about mental health facilities, or you can also chat online with a representative for further assistance.