Travelling as a lesbian couple or LGBTQ+ couple, being safe while you travel is top of mind when you think of that holiday.
Visiting a new country can envoke fear; fear of rejection, fear of reaction, and fear of safety. South Africa, being one of the countries that have a forward constitution when it comes to LGBTQ+ is still a place where it can be dangerous for lesbians, especially with all the corrective rape and killings that are still happening in 2022. So it’s very important to take safety into consideration when you decide to go on that holiday, whether in South Africa or abroad.
So, here are some pointers on :
How to Travel Safely as a Lesbian Couple
Travel to Places that are LGBTQ+ Friendly
When you are planning your trip, make sure it’s in countries where same-sex marriage is recognized, and more than that, be careful of certain areas that may put your life at risk of being assaulted or attacked.
For example in South Africa, our constitution allows for same sex marriages, however there are certain places in the townships where lesbians and members of the LGBTQ+ community are attacked just for being who they are, and those are places that you should avoid.
So, when planning your trip as a lesbian couple, the first step is choosing a place where same sex relationships are recognised. That means a place where being a member of the LGBTQ+ community will be more socially accepted.
And wherever you decide to travel to, be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant of people around you.
Tone Down on the PDA
Public displays of affection can be a thing . . . even among heterosexual couples, it might not be as common. And if it’s a no for heterosexual couples, that will be a clear indication that it’s a no for us LGBTQ+ couples.
Your hotel room will be the best place if you want to kiss, hug or hold hands with your partner. If you are not sure, look around you, what are the other couples doing?
That will give you a good indication on what is acceptable for you to do and what is not. Your safety comes first, everything else comes second.
Sometimes You Might Have to be Content with “Being Friends”
There might be situations where you will have to play the “we are friends” card, to keep safe. And it’s a situation that sucks, and can be quite challenging. However, if a situation arises where you are feeling uncomfortable, that might be your way to protect yourself and your partner.
You and your partner need to understand that your safety comes first, and even though in a situation like that it may seem like you are not being true to each other or the relationship, the primary instinct should be to take care of each other and to keep each other safe. Remind each other why you have to do certain things to stay safe.
Research Safe LGBTQ+ Spaces
A holiday is supposed to be a fun and exciting time, and having to constantly think about your safety, places you can’t go and things you can’t do, can be tiring.
Before your holiday, make sure that you research LGBTQ+ spots, bars, cafes and holidays – find those places where you can be free to be you, where you can enjoy being with your partner safely and without prejudice.
You may even meet new friends and like minded people there, which is always amazing when that happens.
Conclusion
Your travel experience with your romantic partner is something that is supposed to be exciting and full of joy. We all have the right to feel free to be ourselves and to indulge in shared beautiful new experiences, but in the world that we lie in, this is for some more than others.
Traveling as an LGBTQ+ couple requires extra mental work and careful preparation, and we hope these tips will help travel a little more safer.
The whole point of a holiday is to have fun, to rest, to have new experiences and more, so be safe but try and enjoy your holiday.
