Do you need some travel inspiration for next year’s vacation? Want to know where you can find friendly, accepting people or get up to date with LGBTQ+ events and destinations? Whether you’re into outdoor expeditions or finding the best croissant in Paris these travelers will keep you in the know, as well as providing guides for LGBTQ+ travelers to stay safe and have the best time. Meet five queer travelers who are spreading positivity, guidance, tips and beautiful photos from their travels around the world.
Pattie Gonia
As well as an incredible name, drag queen Pattie Gonia brings style, sass and fun to the outdoors and strives to make it more inclusive for all. They describe themselves as a ‘drag queen, environmentalist and professional homosexual’ and use their incredible outfits and TikTok presence to promote environmental activism. Pattie says dressing in drag on hiking trails helped them connect to a ‘massive’ queer community in the outdoors that they didn’t know existed. This kickstarted a commitment to building community and diversifying the outdoors that has led to a career as an activist. Follow for hilarious memes, positive energy on climate activism and inspiration for outdoor feats- heels or no heels.
The Nomadic Boys
Greek Stefan and French Sebastien met in a club in London whilst working as a lawyer and a financial analyst respectively. At the same time as falling in love with each other they realized they had fallen out of love with their jobs and comfortable lives and wanted to travel the world together. They embarked on an 18-month trip to Asia followed by the same length of time in South America, and started sharing their travels, tips and experiences meeting LGBTQ+ locals. Most importantly they learned what it was like to travel as a gay couple in places where being gay is either illegal or something that needs to be hidden to remain safe. They set out to never boycott these places in order to give other adventurous queer people the advice they need to stay safe, and also meet the local gay community to connect with and support them.
Bani Amor
Bani Amor is a gender queer travel writer who focuses on race, power, decolonialisation and how this all intersects through travel. Their family are originally from Ecuador but Amor was born and brought up in New York city and this juxtaposition of place led them to question ideas of travel, homeland, privilege and what ‘home’ really means. They have written for the Lonely Planet, CNN Traveler and Teen Vogue and delivered lectures about decolonizing the travel experience. They believe the travel industry does not really support trans travelers, and especially BIPOC trans people and they write, lecture and campaign to change this.
Gastro Gays
If food is a big reason for traveling (yep!) you’re going to want to follow these two travelers from Ireland. Self proclaimed foodophiles Russell and Patrick blog about restaurants, recipes, food-led travel and gastronomy and have city guides for most countries in Europe. They have become so successful they have even written their own cookbook, make a foodie podcast and develop recipes and content for other companies. They are also based in the Irish countryside and have a detailed guide to a country packed with food and drink producers, country pubs and wild coastal fish and chip vans- it’s the Ireland of all your travel fantasies! And with articles like ‘The best Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon’ and ‘Our definitive London bucket list’ you’ll never have to wander European streets looking for something good to eat again.
Vagabroads
This adventurous couple left comfortable lives and well-paid jobs, packed up a Landcruiser with a tent on top and set off south from their hometown of Nashville. They planned to roughly follow the Pan-American highway through the States, Mexico, central and south America until they hit Argentina. Their instagram and website documents their journey and has tons of useful resources from a full rundown of their off-road vehicle build, to tips for cooking while camping and some great resources for lesbian travelers to the region. There is a post on how to feel safe in Central America as an LGBTQ+ person and rundowns of friendly bars, restaurants and clubs in all of the towns they have visited so far. It’s hard not to get itchy feet after reading this one.
It’s a privilege to travel without having to consider if you will face prejudice for being who you are. These explorers are opening up the world, creating community and sharing it to provide inspiration and support for others. Give them a follow and start planning your next adventure!
Written by Laura Sedlak
