5 Destinations That Welcome BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Travelers
Travel is freedom — a chance to experience beauty, culture, and connection beyond the everyday. But for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ travelers, there’s always the question: Will I be safe? Will I be welcomed?
The truth is, not every destination is built with us in mind. Yet there are places around the world where inclusivity isn’t just a slogan — it’s lived and celebrated. These cities and countries have made progress toward safety, visibility, and community for travelers of color and LGBTQ+ explorers alike.
1. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is often called the most multicultural city in the world — more than half of its residents were born outside of Canada. With neighborhoods celebrating Caribbean, South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern culture, this city is a vibrant quilt of global influence.
Why it’s safe/inclusive: Canada legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and has some of the strongest anti-discrimination protections in the world.
Don’t miss: Church-Wellesley Village, the city’s LGBTQ+ hub, and Caribana Festival, North America’s largest celebration of Caribbean culture.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Few cities embody freedom like Amsterdam. Known for its canals, bicycles, and art, it’s also one of the most LGBTQ+ progressive places on the planet. Same-sex marriage was legalized here in 2001, and the city continues to lead with inclusivity.
Why it’s safe/inclusive: Strong LGBTQ+ protections and visible Afro-Dutch cultural communities.
Don’t miss: The Homomonument — a striking tribute to LGBTQ+ lives — and the AfroVibes Festival, which highlights African diaspora performance and art.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has quietly become a go-to destination for travelers seeking history, warmth, and diversity. Its African heritage is visible in music, cuisine, and community, while LGBTQ+ culture thrives in nightlife and public life alike.
Why it’s safe/inclusive: Portugal ranks consistently high on global LGBTQ+ safety indexes and has deep Afro-Portuguese cultural roots.
Don’t miss: Bairro Alto’s lively queer bars and the Museu da História e das Culturas Afro-Portuguesas, which celebrates Afro-Portuguese heritage.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is where breathtaking natural beauty meets deep cultural history. It’s home to one of Africa’s most visible LGBTQ+ communities, alongside important Black cultural landmarks that tell the story of resilience and liberation.
Why it’s safe/inclusive: South Africa was the first African nation to legalize same-sex marriage and is still the only one with LGBTQ+ constitutional protections. In urban Cape Town, queer life is especially visible.
Don’t miss: Clifton 3rd Beach, a favorite LGBTQ+ gathering spot, and the District Six Museum, which preserves stories of communities displaced under apartheid.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is one of Latin America’s most dynamic, colorful capitals — and one of its most inclusive. With thriving Indigenous, Afro-Mexican, and queer communities, the city feels both historic and cutting-edge.
Why it’s safe/inclusive: Same-sex marriage is now legal nationwide in Mexico, and Mexico City has long been at the forefront of queer rights.
Don’t miss: Zona Rosa, the LGBTQ+ neighborhood known for nightlife and art, and cultural events highlighting Afro-Mexican heritage.
Final Thoughts
To travel as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ is to carry resilience with every step. We’ve always moved, crossed borders, and claimed space in places that weren’t always designed for us. But there are destinations where inclusivity is more than a promise — it’s reality.
Whether it’s walking through multicultural neighborhoods in Toronto, celebrating queer life in Lisbon, or dancing at Pride in Mexico City, these journeys are about more than just travel. They’re about belonging.
Because the truth is: you are deserving of safety, joy, and exploration everywhere you go.
