Even though the world is quickly embracing the gay community and many countries have legalized their settlement, there are still many places where gay travelers and community members can face risks. Even some countries also have laws that direct to stone all LGBTQ community members. One such example is Brunei Darul Islam where gay people face risks that can endanger their lives.
The majority of Islamic nations outright forbid the tradition of same-sex marriages and are highly rigorous with their laws. Therefore, you should just avoid traveling to nations like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran if you identify as LGBT and do not want to take any risks. Additionally, these are not the only nations that forbid same-sex unions and the LGBT lifestyle. Gay tourists will undoubtedly encounter serious hazards because there are already more than 71 nations where the gay lifestyle is completely prohibited.
So, you must be aware of all the problems that you are likely to face while traveling internationally as a gay traveler. To guide you further, we have listed the least safe places for gay travelers.
Source: Statista
Nigeria
You might be surprised to learn that Nigeria, which is in the center of Africa, is the most dangerous country for LGBTQ+ people. It was placed so high because there, being gay carries severe consequences, including up to 14 years of imprisonment and, in states where Sharia law is in effect, the death sentence. Under the current system, it is illegal to even discuss LGBT rights. The same-sex marriage (prohibition) act of 2013 in Nigeria has led to an increase in intimidation and brutality against the LGBTQ+ community in that nation.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia also implements the death penalty for homosexual couples and does not allow any discussion of homosexuality within its boundaries. In the cities of Saudi Arabia where death is not a law for gay people, 100 whips or banishment for one year are necessary. This is the country that also prohibits men from acting as women and vice versa.
Qatar
Qatar ranks third on our LGBTQ+ Danger Index. According to Sharia law, any homosexual actions are punishable by up to three years in prison, whipping, or the death penalty in this oil-rich Middle Eastern nation. Given that Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup, tourism there is anticipated to soar.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, LGBTQ+ issues are not frequently at the top of the political agenda. Therefore, even though Pakistani law does not exclusively focus on incarcerating or stoning the gay population, it is still seen as a very odd and stigmatizing social issue, and people intensely loathe, hate, and disqualify homosexuals and gay couples. Gay travelers are unsafe here as they may face bad treatment of the people.
Sudan
Sudan is hateful and unfriendly towards gay travelers and gays are never welcomed here. People even consider it taboo the talk about homosexuality or the gay community. If you are a gay traveler and moved to Sudan, there are strong chances you will be imprisoned for three years.
Source: Radio Free Europe
The LGBTQ Danger Index, a new study by travel company Asher & Lyric, ranks the 150 nations with the highest numbers of foreign visitors according to how safe they are for LGBTQ persons.
We have listed major dangerous countries for LGBTQ people below.
1. Nigeria
2. Qatar
3. Yemen
4. Saudi Arabia
5. Tanzania
6. Iran
7. Sudan
8. Barbados
9. Malaysia
10. Malawi
11. Zambia
12. Saint Lucia
13. Uganda
14. Pakistan
15. W. Bank & Gaza
16. Kenya
17. The Maldives
18. Jamaica
19. Ethiopia
20. Egypt
Stay away from these destinations as a gay traveler.
