In an unusual move by the State Department, a “global alert” travel alert was issued on May 17, warning of “increasing potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against LGBTQI+ people and events.” did. A comprehensive global warning for Americans traveling abroad was issued ahead of Pride Month, urging travelers to “use caution in areas frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ people.” We advise you to continue.”
This broad advisory is based on a standard rating system that ranks the level of safety associated with traveling to a particular country, ranging from level 1 (“use normal precautions”) to level 4 (“do not travel”). This is different from the State Department's order. The travel advisory was last issued in October, warning of demonstrations and violence against American citizens and interests amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The latest warning “feels more widespread than we've seen before, but it also serves as another reminder that LGBTQ+ travelers are a target in certain parts of the world,” the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association said in a statement. said John Tanzella, Chairman and CEO of IGLTA. ) told Condé Nast Traveler.
The advisory comes just a week after the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security released a public service announcement about the possibility that foreign terrorist organizations are targeting Pride rallies scheduled for June. (The FBI did not distinguish between domestic and foreign threats in its May 10 announcement). The State Department did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
“Unfortunately, it's not all that unusual these days to hear warnings against LGBTQI+ travelers,” said Miles Mitchinson, owner of gay adventure travel company Detours, which opened last summer in Canada to certain parts of the United States. He says, pointing to travel advisories and the UK's warning last month. Discrimination in parts of Greece.
How LGBTQ+ travelers can stay safe
“Travelling as an LGBTQ+ person always involves some level of risk,” says IGLTA's Tanzella. “This is the reality of our world. More than 60 countries have criminalized our relationships, and anti-LGBTQ+ laws are increasing around the world.”
Despite these challenges, he added, “It's important that we don't let fear completely prevent travel,” noting that communities should “prioritize vigilance” when traveling, especially during Pride Month.
The State Department advisory recommends that U.S. travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The program sends alerts in dangerous situations and allows local embassies to be notified of your location in case of an emergency. Social media sites such as the State Department's Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) also provide real-time updates.
Both Tanzella and Mitchinson say it's important for LGBTQ+ travelers to research the laws and cultural norms of their destination before departing. Country-by-country guides to regulations around the world can be found in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section of each country's travel page on his State Department website. This section has a subsection with resources specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Additionally, Mitchinson recommends the International Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Association's Travel Map as a reliable source of information. Tanzella says planning a trip with an LGBTQ+ travel expert (IGLTA's network includes more than 13,000 travel professionals) can give travelers an added sense of security. He added that those attending large Pride events in June can also ask event organizers questions about safety measures.
“We've been a community for a long time where the first instinct wasn't necessarily to back out, hide or cancel all travel plans,” Mitchinson says. By connecting with trusted resources, staying informed of the news, and following advice on staying vigilant, individuals can make decisions that best align with their risk tolerance, he said.
Tanzella agrees and has this advice for LGBTQ+ travelers: “You don't have to fear the world, but always research travel-specific information.”
