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Germany is LGBTQ+ friendly, with legal protections in place. Schöneberg and Kreuzberg are well-known LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Berlin, for example.
Uruguay is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in South America. Montevideo, the capital, has LGBTQ+-friendly areas, and the country has progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
Malta is known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity. It was one of the first countries to ban conversion therapy and has a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ visitors.
Sources: (Rainbow Europe) (Pew Research Center)
Vienna, the capital of Austria, has a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. Austria legalized same-sex marriage in 2019.
New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. Auckland, the largest city, has a thriving LGBTQ+ community with a variety of events, including the Auckland Pride Festival.
South Africa legalized same-sex marriages in 2006, acting as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa. Cape Town and Johannesburg have prominent LGBTQ+-friendly scenes, as well as massive Pride parades.
Chile has made strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex marriage in 2022. Santiago, the capital, has a growing LGBTQ+ community, particularly in neighborhoods like Bellavista.
Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2010. Buenos Aires is known for its LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods like San Telmo.
Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles are LGBTQ+ friendly and host large Pride events. The US has seen significant advances in LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex marriage legalized nationwide.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in England since 2014, and LGBTQ+ individuals have legal protections against discrimination in areas like employment and services. Major cities like London have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and events.
Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017. Sydney's annual Mardi Gras is a world-famous LGBTQ+ event, and Melbourne has also developed a thriving LGBTQ+ scene.
France has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex marriage. Paris, with its LGBTQ+ neighborhoods like Le Marais, is a welcoming destination.
Sweden has progressive LGBTQ+ laws and a strong LGBTQ+ community. Sweden's capital, Stockholm, hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.
Luxembourg is known for its significant LGBTQ+ rights. It was one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
Canada is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly policies, including nationwide marriage equality. Toronto is a hub for LGBTQ+ culture, with Church-Wellesley Village as a focal point.
Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and is celebrated for its LGBTQ+ culture. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid have built up thriving LGBTQ+ communities in recent years.
Belgium was one of the early adopters of same-sex marriage. Its capital, Brussels, hosts the Belgian Pride Festival.
Iceland is renowned for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with Reykjavík hosting a lively Pride festival. Public opinion in Iceland is remarkably open-minded and accepting.
Norway is known for its LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, anti-discrimination laws, and legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. Oslo, the capital, has a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene.
Ireland made headlines by legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015. Dublin, the capital, has a welcoming LGBTQ+ community and a vibrant Pride celebration.
Denmark is a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, with recognition of same-sex partnerships since 1989. Copenhagen hosts a lively LGBTQ+ scene and one of the best Pride celebrations in the world.
Portugal has some of the most progressive laws assuring the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto act as LGBTQ+ hubs. But like many countries on this list, society at large still needs to make strides in acceptance.
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Amsterdam, in particular, is a vibrant LGBTQ+ destination with a long history of acceptance.
Scotland's LGBTQ+ friendliness shines with legal protections, same-sex marriage, vibrant Pride festivals, and ongoing education efforts, making it an inclusive and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.
Andorra has taken major steps in recent years to establish itself as an LGBTQ+-friendly country. For instance, Andorra has recently legalized same-sex marriage.
Wales is LGBTQ+ friendly, with legal protections against discrimination and various LGBTQ+ events and organizations. The capital, Cardiff, has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, but challenges like hate crimes and inequalities still exist.
Finland is known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness. It has implemented anti-discrimination laws and recognizes same-sex partnerships, offering a high level of legal protection to the LGBTQ+ community. Helsinki, the capital, hosts a vibrant Pride celebration.
The LGBTQ+ community has gained a lot of support in recent decades when it comes to promoting equality in both laws and public acceptance. Many countries around the world have made massive strides in ensuring a welcoming society for people from all walks of life. Whether that be in the form of laws being passed or communities hosting events centered around raising awareness, change is definitely in the air.
With that said, some countries do it better than others. In this gallery, take a look at the nations that are the most welcoming for the LGBTQ+ community and have taken positive action to ensure that changes are implemented. Click on for a pleasant discovery!
The most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world
With Georgia's recent approval of new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, let's look at some of the countries that prefer to go in the opposite direction
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The LGBTQ+ community has gained a lot of support in recent decades when it comes to promoting equality in both laws and public acceptance. Many countries around the world have made massive strides in ensuring a welcoming society for people from all walks of life. Whether that be in the form of laws being passed or communities hosting events centered around raising awareness, change is definitely in the air.
With that said, some countries do it better than others. In this gallery, take a look at the nations that are the most welcoming for the LGBTQ+ community and have taken positive action to ensure that changes are implemented. Click on for a pleasant discovery!