Venice — one of the destinations featured in “Out in the World”
Provided by National Geographic
Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More than 100 Destinations Around the World is National Geographic's first travel book aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community. Authors Amy B. Sher and Mark Jason Williams dig into 120 destinations from Austin to Antarctica and explore what makes them both great vacations and inclusive for all travelers. . I spoke to Cher and Williams about the need for this book and what they love most about traveling.
What inspired you to write a travel book for the LGBTQIA+ community?
Mark Jason Williams: We wrote this book because it didn't exist. His LGBTQIA+ section of travel guides is usually towards the back and focuses on hotspots, bars and clubs. These are great, but they're not for everyone. Sometimes I like to go to small towns to look for antiques and stay in cozy inns. We wanted to create a book that was inclusive and offered a variety of ideas and inspiration for different types of travelers.
Amy B. Sher: The litmus test for this book was, is this a place I can take my mother? We want the same diversity that other communities have access to. We all know where to go for pride, but what can we do beyond that? This book has not only drag brunch, but also places you might go for a family gathering . The idea was to create a curated list of safe and welcoming destinations.
How has being part of a same-sex couple affected your travel experience?
ABS: I had never dated a woman until I met my future wife. As a single woman, like many straight people, I've had to think about the places I can and can't go. But I never thought about the places that same-sex couples can't go to. I wanted to go to Marrakech after I got married. Several family members have lovingly told me that they were worried at the time that they weren't welcome. It helped me understand the challenges our community faces in not being able to be themselves freely while traveling. But things have really changed, and after 15 years of being together, I'm glad that it finally feels like things are going to work out.
Out in the World
Provided by National Geographic
MJW: My husband and I checked into this boutique hotel once, and there was a welcome card that started with “Welcome Mr. & Mrs.” I was upset because I had been communicating with the concierge via email and they knew we were a gay couple. I informed the innkeeper about it. She said: She said, “I have a lot of gay friends. We're not homophobic.'' And that made me realize. Although we have moved beyond overt homophobia, there are still ways in which we are not welcome in the community.
What is your favorite place you traveled to for this book?
MJW: Antarctica is one of the most epic, soul-stirring and soul-healing trips I've ever taken. You are at the end of the world. We were so close that we could hear the whale's breathing. Penguins. Glacier. Amazing scenery and wildlife.
ABS: One of my biggest surprises was the Hill Country that surrounds Austin, Texas. Most people know that Austin is very friendly towards her LGBTQIA+, but in some of these small towns my wife and I further afield felt very welcome. . And I don't think that's where I would have been years ago.
Author Amy B. Shah
Provided by National Geographic
Is this book purely positive, or is it also a warning about places not to travel?
ABS: Overwhelmingly positive. A mini guide to 120 carefully selected destinations. What to do, see, where to eat, and where to stay. Sample itineraries and experience all the possibilities. If a business is in our books, it means we like it.
However, the caveat is that this location may require you to take this kind of care and be more conscious about public displays of affection.
Is it one of the most frustrating aspects of traveling with a same-sex partner?
MJW: People universally want the freedom to hold hands and secretly kiss each other, just like in the straight community. But if you're going somewhere where PDA is frowned upon and you have to hold someone's hand to get there, it might not be for you.
In some countries, resorts will be in bubbles and welcoming the LGBTQIA+ community. It's okay to hold hands with your partner on the beach. But you have to ask yourself if it's worth making the concessions in a less progressive area outside the resort, which I would say I wouldn't do.
Author Mark Jason Williams
Provided by National Geographic
Is there a place that offers personalized advice to different members of the LGBTQIA+ community?
ABS: Each chapter has an overview about LGBTQIA+, pointing out when certain parts of the community should be more aware. But we also make a lot of good points. Transgender rights and inclusivity are very advanced in this particular area, making this place very popular with lesbian couples.
What surprised you most while researching this book?
MJW: Even in the less progressive states of the United States, there are welcoming neighborhoods and very inclusive communities. Galena, Illinois and Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Kentucky has Louisville. There were more pride flags and welcoming LGBTQIA+-owned businesses there than I ever imagined. The same goes for Salt Lake City, which has more people who identify as LGBTQIA+ per capita than Los Angeles. Don't exclude places based on political beliefs.
Are there ways that straight travelers can help destinations become more inclusive?
ABS: One way is to support businesses that publicly say they are welcoming to their communities. Put money into those places and keep them running. Since you're on vacation, you don't have to look into every business. But sometimes a few extra minutes can make a big difference in your community.
MJW: If you're straight and you're traveling with an LGBTQIA+ person, they might need a little space, and that's okay. There may be a bar you want to go to alone, but if you don't want to socialize, don't take it personally. And if they don't feel comfortable in a certain space and want to leave, don't hurt their feelings. It's a small thing, but it goes a long way.
