MyDatingAdviser.com has released a report titled “The Best Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023” to raise awareness of global attitudes during LGBTQ Pride Month. Australia has secured the eighth spot on the list, with an impressive LGBTQ+ travel index score of 94.3 out of 100.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, some countries are more welcoming than others when it comes to travel and adventure. While there have been significant changes in laws and norms surrounding same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights around the world, public opinion on accepting homosexuality remains divided by country, region, and economic development.
Australia’s high ranking on the list is due to its public acceptance towards homosexuality, with 81% of Australians accepting homosexuality, according to a ‘Global Attitudes & Trends’ survey by Pew Research. Additionally, same-sex sexual activity has been legal for women and men (in some states and territories) since the mid-1970s. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, and adoption rights were granted nationwide in 2018.
Australia also boasts anti-discrimination laws that ban all anti-gay discrimination and allows for military service rights for gay men, lesbians, transgender, and intersex people. However, some states legally require sex reassignment surgery to change sex on a birth certificate.
Overall, Australia stands out as a gay-friendly country that welcomes visitors from all walks of life and all backgrounds.