Top 14 Best Gay Friendly Countries to Live In

Same-sex couples considering a move may want to consider these top 8 best gay friendly countries!

Even if you’re not ready to relocate, each spot makes a wonderful LGBTQ destination wedding locale.

Some of them may surprise you!

Read on for the full story, plus learn where you can find the full report with 8 more countries to consider.

Best Gay Friendly Countries to Live In

*The following is reprinted with permission from Internationalliving.com, however we added formatting and videos. T

“All around the world, communities exist where the culture is one of acceptance and friendliness toward LGBTQ+ individuals and issues and where legal protections exist. Our correspondents based in Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia highlight a selection of them, which includes destinations like Montevideo, Uruguay; Madrid, Spain; and Hanoi, Vietnam.

“The same attributes that make a place attractive to any prospective expat—things like warm weather, a low cost of living, natural beauty, sound healthcare, and plenty to do—these come into important play, no matter what. But in this report, we consider a selection of our top-recommended destinations through an LGBTQ+ friendly lens to shed some light on specific communities that demonstrate particular welcome.”

In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations—in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia—ideal for vacation or retirement. Five of the best include:

1. Costa Rica

“Costa Rica is considered one of the most progressive countries in Central America – embracing green initiatives, welcoming different belief systems, and, as of May 2020, officially the first in the region legalizing same-sex marriage,” says Kathleen Evans, IL Costa Rica Correspondent.

“That includes national legislation that offers domestic partner benefits. Same-sex partners are covered as dependents for the healthcare system in the country, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or simply known as the “Caja” (which is available to all, once residency is approved).

“LGBTQ+ rights have so vastly improved over the last decade that there are more hotels, tour groups and events targeting the North American market and beyond for gaycations.”

The biggest LGBTQ+ population is easily found in the capital city of San José and its suburbs; offering locals and visitors a plethora of choices from gay real estate specialists to bars, hotels, events, and bath houses. Although in the report, Kathleen identifies many other areas for consideration.

2. Vietnam

“Vietnam has the most progressive laws in Southeast Asia for LGBTQ people,” says Wendy Justice, IL Southeast Asia Correspondent. “There are no laws prohibiting same-sex relations and there never have been. Gay marriages are legal in Vietnam, though they don’t carry all the protections that opposite-sex marriages have.

Vietnam also allows gender-reassigned individuals to change their gender on their official documents. Gay characters appear in mainstream television shows and films, and most Vietnamese people, especially in urban areas, are quite accepting…a live-and-let-live attitude.

“The former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Ted Osius, lived with his husband and children for four years in Hanoi and was instrumental in shaping the country’s liberal attitudes toward its LGBTQ community. Aside from Taiwan, which has recently legalized same-sex marriage, Vietnam is the most accepting nation in Asia for LGBTQ individuals.”

Gay Pride parades were first held in Hanoi, but now take place in cities across the country. The largest turnouts are in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), where thousands of participants come to take part in the festivities.

3. Spain

Spain is openly gay-friendly. In fact, it hosts Europe’s biggest Pride Parade.

“After suffering years of oppression under the Franco dictatorship, Spain threw its arms wide open to LGBTQ+ citizens, travelers, and expats,” says Marsha Scarbrough, IL Spain Correspondent who lives in Madrid. “Same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples were legalized in 2005.

“A 2013 poll by Pew Research Center showed that 88% of Spanish citizens accept homosexuality, making it the most gay-friendly of 39 countries polled. Madrid and Barcelona appear on many lists of the most gay-friendly cities. Gran Canaria, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a world-renowned LGBTQ+ travel destination.”

In the report, Scarbrough lists areas of particular interest—pride season typically kicks off in May in Spain, though—as everywhere—celebrations are on hold this year for social distancing.

4. Uruguay

“What’s the most LGBT-friendly country in Latin America?” asks David Hammond, IL Uruguay Correspondent.

“Many say it’s Uruguay where you a find culture that values tolerance and inclusiveness, and an LGBT legislative history that echos those values.

“Uruguay was the first country in Latin America to offer same-sex civil unions, which provide most of the same legal rights as marriage. Any adult couple (same-sex or heterosexual) who’ve been together for five years or longer can apply for a civil union at the Civil Registry.

“While you find expats, including LGBT expats, living in various parts of Uruguay, most live in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital and home to half the country’s population. Montevideo sits on the north bank of the Río de la Plata, a sea-like estuary notched out of South America’s Atlantic coast.”

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Business of Uruguay website provides a calendar of LGBT-related events, connections, a list of member businesses, and even offers a diversity-branded debit card.

5. France

“France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world,” says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. “In 2013, it became the thirteenth country to legalize gay marriage and several laws have been passed in recent years which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

“In 2001, Paris became the first European capital to elect an openly gay mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, and the city maintains its status as the most welcoming city in France for the LGBTQ+ community.

“Keeping in pace with its northern neighbor, the Côte d’Azur city of Nice has proclaimed itself the Gay Capital of the French Riviera, and for good reason. A rainbow flag, or a rainbow sticker, has been placed in the windows of cafés, restaurants, and shops after these establishments have completely a training course administered by the city of Nice – in order to be recognized as LGBTQ+ friendly.”

Several other, larger cities, like Lyon and Montepellier, are known for their gay-friendly climates. Over 20 French towns, including Tours, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence, organize annual pride events.

6. Canada

Canada is among the most gay-friendly countries in the world. The Canadians support for the LGBTQ is touching, with 84% of the citizens thinking that their country is a great place for lesbians and gay people to live.

Thanks to the good policies, it’s easy for the gay community to get housing and employment without discrimination. Same-sex couples also have access to altruistic surrogacy as well as the right to adopt children. They also enjoy tax and social benefits, including bankruptcy protection and pensions

When it comes to healthcare, same-sex couples have a right to change their names even without surgery. And those who decide to go through surgery can use the medical cover. Individuals with non-binary gender identities can freely note that in their passports.

Canada still remains one of the countries that support gay advancement rights in the world. Canadians hold several gay pride events and festivals such as Vancouver pride, Montreal pride, and Toronto Pride.

7. South Africa

South Africa is the only country in Africa that has legalized same-sex marriages. The 1996 constitution banned any discrimination against the LGBTQ community, and they’ve been able to marry since 2007. Gay people are allowed to do IVF, surrogacy, or even adopt kids. If you in a same-sex relationship and your country doesn’t allow gay marriages, you’ll be thrilled to know that foreigners can get married in South Africa.

That said, it’s important to note that not everyone in South Africa has an open mind, and homophobia is still a big setback in the country. And although transgenders are treated equally, if they want to change their names legally, they’ve got to undergo surgery, medical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy.

A poll carried out in 2017 showed that 17% disagreed that lesbians, gays, and bisexuals have equal rights, and a solid 67% agreed that they have equal rights.

8. Netherlands

The liberal Netherlands is known for the great lifestyle it offers to the LGBT community besides its windmills and tulips. This is not a surprise because it was the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage.

The Netherlands has many gay-friendly businesses, as well as fantastic nightlife. Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is one of the gayest cities in the world. They hold an annual pride where floats travel down the city’s canal with spectators cheering from the sidelines. Other parts of the country also hold festival prides such as Rotterdam, which shows the Netherlands is a very gay-friendly community.

In general, the poll showed that 62% of Netherlands citizens support the LGBTQ community rights, which makes it the top 10 out of the 49 European countries in creating a gay-friendly environment.

9. Iceland

Iceland is known for their progressive approach to homosexual rights, and was ranked in recent years as one of the happiest countries for gay couples, and one of the best homes for expats looking for a quieter lifestyle.

In the 1940s the first step was taken when Iceland decriminalized same-sex relations. In following decades, anti-discrimination laws were passed, and in 2010 same-sex was legalized. Later refinement of the laws specifically labeled marriage as a union between two individuals, regardless of gender or sexuality.

In addition, their Prime Minister from 2009 to 2013 officially came out during her term – the same year that same sex marriage was legalized.

10. Denmark

Denmark holds a place in history as the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage, with the law being passed in 1989. The capital of Copenhagen is one of the top destinations in Europe for expats looking for a home.

Discrimination is banned, and Denmark strictly enforces hate crime laws, as well as allowing homosexual men and women to serve openly in both the military and public office. In addition, Denmark is known for its high quality of living, and its vibrant homosexual culture and events.

11. New Zealand

This country is attractive to expats of the homosexual persuasion not only because of its stable economy and excellent climate, but because residents openly and enthusiastically promote the homosexual community, both among tourists and those who live there.

They were also among the first to embrace homosexual residents and visitors, starting in 1998, and have since passed legislation for equal laws on all fronts, including anti-discrimination and legalizing adoption and IVF.

12. Malta

Listed as one of the gayest countries in the world, Malta has ranked Number One in LGBTO+ rights and progressive legislation since 2015. Not only are homosexual marriage and adoption legalized, but even single LBGTQ+ individuals can be approved for adoption or IVF procedures.

Pro-LGBTQ+ legislation has been in place since 2014, and includes the criminalization of procedures that are classed as conversion therapy or invasive surgeries that go against personal orientations or identification.

Over all, this country is not only beautiful, it’s considered one of the safest countries in the world for LBTQ+ individuals, couples and families.

13. Portugal

Portugal is one of the European countries with the most long-standing progressive response to homosexuality, and currently ranked one of the most openly accepting of homosexual PDA and ‘loud and proud’ behaviors. They were one of the first to legalize gay marriage, with the initial legislation being passed in 1982.

The eighth country to permit same-sex marriage, they boast an incredible 80% acceptance rate among the population as of 2019, and homosexual couples, as well as their families and children, have all the rights of their heterosexual neighbors.

With all of that and the Mediterranean climate, this is a popular destination for expats.

14. Norway

Norway was among the first to pass anti-discrimination laws to protect the LGBTQ+ community, starting in 1981. They were also among the first to legalize gay marriage, with the laws going into effect in 2009.

They’re currently ranked Number 6 out of all countries by HSBC for gay communities and homes for homosexual expats looking for a place to start over. The country has laws allowing transgender individuals to change gender identity by self-determination, and allows same-sex couples equal rights in regards to IVF and adoption.

Of interest, Norway has the distinction of hosting  and showcasing the Number One gay choir in the world.

Which of these gay-friendly countries would you move to? Share below!