Traveling as a Queer Family: Insights and Experiences
When my wife and I brought our daughter into the world five years ago as two mums, my mother told me, “You’re breaking new ground.” And she was right. According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2019, there were 212,000 same-sex families in the UK, an increase of 40 percent since 2015. As millennials, many of my friends, including my queer friends and my gay cousin, now have families of their own. Not so long ago, getting married and having a family didn’t feel like a viable option for most queer people; now, happily, that is changing.
The Journey of Queer Parenthood
As non-heterosexual individuals, we all embark on our personal journeys of self-acceptance, but queer parenting brings its own unique set of challenges. Children, invariably, “out you” at every opportunity. Our daughter proudly refers to us as “Mummy” and “Mama,” leaving no room for ambiguity about our family structure. This transparency can be daunting while traveling abroad.
Travel Considerations for Queer Families
Before having our daughter, we traveled freely, modifying our behavior to fly under the radar. We’ve visited significant places such as Jerusalem and Morocco, but now, as a family, our travel options are more curated. It is vital for us to feel happy, safe, and comfortable while ensuring our daughter isn’t exposed to homophobia. While this narrows our travel choices, I prefer to invest in destinations that uphold progressive human rights.
Assessing Destinations
Currently, there isn’t a dedicated resource for queer families seeking the best travel destinations, but a couple of barometers can guide us:
- Presence of well-established Pride festivals.
- Legality of gay marriage.
As per Human Rights Campaign, 34 countries have legalized gay marriage, including Canada, Australia, and several European nations, offering inviting environments for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Some Tips on Choosing Destinations
Additionally, destinations like Greece and Israel may not have legalized gay marriage yet often provide a welcoming atmosphere, while places like the Maldives, despite their laws against homosexuality, can be comfortable for queer travelers when staying at resorts.
Personal Experiences
Sharing personal experiences, Stu Oakley recalls a trip to Cuba where assumptions about their family composition led to uncomfortable encounters. Unfortunate incidents can occur, but they remain relatively rare if adequate research is conducted beforehand. Many queer families, like Bex and her wife, have generally positive travel experiences, taking precautions like choosing larger hotels for anonymity.
Making Travel Plans with Care
As a queer family, we constantly navigate the complexities of travel with a heightened sense of awareness. We meticulously ponder over destinations, questioning how others might perceive our family dynamic. It feels like a step backward to need this level of consideration, but until attitudes change worldwide, our sense of security remains a priority.
Future Opportunities for Queer Families
Elle Pinkard, founder of Destination Rainbow, identifies the specific needs of queer families in travel. Researching LGBTQIA+ options can be overwhelming, and having a supportive travel agency can ease this burden. Popular destinations for queer families from the UK include Canada, Sweden, Greece, and Spain, with plans to organize group holidays centered around community engagement and making lasting friendships.
Conclusion
Traveling as a queer family is both rewarding and challenging. The world is gradually becoming more inclusive, yet significant hurdles remain. By sharing experiences, knowledge, and support, we can pave the way for a more welcoming travel landscape for all families.
