Sites Unseen

Satisfy your wanderlust in these unexpected LGBT-friendly destinations.

By LoAnn Halden

Lion's Head offers a spectacular sunset view of the bay.

Loann Halden

Where to go next? For travel junkies, it’s the million-dollar question. Do you revisit the places you love or leap off the beaten path and find a new LGBT-welcoming destination? As more countries move toward equality for all citizens, the options are expanding rapidly. At the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), where we have travel business members in 80 countries, we’re often asked about new places for LGBT globetrotters. Here are a few of our favorites across three continents – two far-flung spots that are worth the long haul and one close to home for a quick getaway that won’t break the bank.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is already well known among LGBT Europeans, but Americans have been slower to follow suit. While the flight is long, airfares aren’t much pricier than a summer trip to Europe and the very favorable U.S. dollar-to-rand conversion rate ensures that you can vacation in grand style when you arrive. In 1996, South Africa became the first country in the world to enshrine sexual orientation protection in its constitution. Marriage equality followed in 2006, nearly a decade before the United States got on board. Although neighboring countries frequently make headlines for homophobia, South Africa is a pioneer – and nowhere is that progressive spirit more evident than in Cape Town. Think of it as the West Hollywood of Africa, with a cosmopolitan dining scene, fantastic regional wines, and plenty of queer nightlife. The LGBT scene centers on the De Waterkant/Green Point area. Visit Beaulah Bar for women-centric events, Beefcakes for burgers with a heaping side of drag, and Crew Bar for late-night dancing. But don’t forget, there’s more to this stunning waterfront city than the nightlife. Hike to the top of Lion’s Head or Table Mountain for the sweeping vistas, visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during apartheid to better understand the country’s fight for freedom, or take a day trip to the Cape Winelands for tastings far more affordable than Napa. Gay-owned Rhino Africa can assist with short excursions or longer South African safaris that include the country’s famous game reserves, like Kruger National Park.

The Harajuku district of Tokyo bursts with nighttime activity. Credit: LoAnn Halden.

Sometimes getting lost in translation is a beautiful thing.

Japan

LGBT rights in Asia have lagged behind other parts of the world, but keep an eye on Japan. Tokyo’s Shibuya and Setagaya wards now recognize same-sex partnerships, and the city of Iga joined their ranks earlier this year. The Hotel Granvia in Kyoto embraced LGBT couples before the law caught up and began offering same-sex wedding packages in 2014, complete with a traditional Buddhist ceremony at Shunkoin Temple. Visit Tokyo for the eye-popping fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and a sampling of the estimated 200 gay and lesbian bars. Many of them are tiny and tucked away, but Out Asia Travel can provide an introduction into this fascinating world. Venture beyond Japan’s largest city to become immersed in Japan’s rich culture, from Kyoto’s ancient temples and traditional teahouses to Nara City, where the serenity of the shrines is supplemented by freeroaming sika deer that offer kisses to passersby in the town’s central park. For those who love to explore less touristy areas, travel to Shikoku, the least populous of Japan’s four main islands. There you can lounge in romantic onsens (hot springs) overlooking tranquil rivers, and eat fish so fresh they were swimming only moments before hitting your plate. While English-language infrastructure is lacking, the island is known for its 88-temple pilgrimage route and because of this has deservedly earned the reputation of welcoming all travelers. Sometimes getting lost in translation is a beautiful thing.

St. Petersburg, Florida

South Florida often grabs the lion’s share of LGBT attention, but don’t overlook this Gulf Coast gem. St. Petersburg’s devotion to individuality serves as a magnet for artists, entrepreneurs, and a sizable LGBT community. The city is home to the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s artwork outside of Spain and enough independent galleries to rival a much bigger metropolis. More than 100,000 participants flock to the downtown Grand Central District for St Pete Pride’s festival and nighttime parade each June, making it the largest Pride event in the state. Central Avenue is home to the bulk of the LGBT nightlife and the popular gay-owned Queen’s Head Eurobar and Restaurant. The 35 miles of powdery white-sand beaches running from St. Pete to Clearwater are often ranked among the best in the country. The LGBT sunbathing spot, Sunset Beach, is located west of downtown toward the southern end of Treasure Island between two jetties. It gets busiest on Sundays, after which the crowd migrates to the tea dance at the Flamingo Resort, a sprawling LGBT complex with multiple bars.

Shunkoin Temple welcomes same-sex marriages. Credit: Hotel Granvia Kyoto.

LoAnn Halden is Communications Director of IGLTA, the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBT tourism. To learn about more LGBT-friendly travel destinations, check out our welcoming members at iglta.org.

Credit: Jurriaan Teulings.

St Pete Pride throws the largest annual LGBT Pride celebrations in Florida. Credit: Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.