Sadly, there are still some countries around the world where gay marriage is illegal, so choosing somewhere to go on honeymoon needs to be a concerted decision based on which areas are safe and most welcoming. You don’t want your honeymoon to be ruined by unenlightened or police states who could make life incredibly difficult for you in areas under its jurisdiction.
Being able to share your honeymoon break with your life partner and show off your love for each other is imperative for a relaxing and romantic holiday celebrating the commitment you have made. This article will help you to make informed choices so you can rest assured that your honeymoon will be more happiness and less hassle.
Malta
Underrated as a holiday destination, in our opinion, Malta was the first country in the EU to ban conversion therapy and its constitution states that there has to be equality in queer rights; just one of five countries to do so in the world. The Maltese take LGBTQ+ liberties very seriously and have many designated queer-friendly bars, hotels and hangouts, so you will never be stuck for anywhere to go or things to see and do.
Europride is due to take place in the capital Valetta from 7-17 September 2023 – what better place to celebrate your honeymoon among like-minded people at an international party fully designed to honor the LGBTQ+ community in all its colorful and magnificent glory?
Greece
Greece has always been gay-friendly, ever since ancient times when the isle of Lesbos was the residence of Greek lyric poet Sappho, whose poetry spoke of the love between two women – known as Sapphic love in honour of her verses, and from where we get the word ‘lesbian’.
Sapphires come from the Greek word ‘sapphieros’, as well as being inextricably linked to Sappho, for obvious reasons. So, if you were to opt for a multi-coloured gemstone and diamond rainbow engagement ring as a symbol of your same-sex love, then traveling to the Greek islands – be it Lesbos or any of the others – creates an exquisitely beautiful connection from proposal to honeymoon.
Ancient Greece was a hotbed of homosexual relationships and its history has marked its future as being particularly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Wherever you might choose to go in Greece you can be certain you will be greeted with open arms. Oh, and the weather is generally pretty good too!
Ireland
Ireland legalized same-sex marriage in 2015, becoming the first country in the world to make the step. If you wanted a reason to travel to Ireland on your honeymoon, that has to be it. Although not traditionally seen as somewhere to have a romantic break, its cultural significance outweighs its lack of sunshine and beaches.
Famous poet and playwright Oscar Wilde is from Dublin, and there is a gay-owned bookstore – Gutter Bookshop, after his famous quote ‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars’ from his play Lady Windermere’s Fan – situated in the city. Combine that with the recent weekly Sunday Social ‘Big Gay Disco’ and you can see why Ireland is a popular choice of destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
Belgium
Belgium has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to same-sex relationships, making homosexual activity legal as far back as 1795, in a highly forward-thinking move. Brussels and Antwerp are the areas to head to; with some of the latter’s oldest buildings like the Hessenhuis Cafe (a self-proclaimed Embassy of Freedom) and Boulevard Leopold Hotel hosting some LGBTQ+ hotspots.
If you fancy partying long into the night, the Cargo Club and fetishist The Boots come highly recommended by fellow LGBTQ+ travelers – although membership is required for entrance.
Spain
Capital Madrid is Spain’s tightest LGBTQ+ stronghold, with over half a million members of its population identifying as gay. Its Pride Festival (taking place on 10 June 2023) is one to behold, and is second only to San Francisco, with 1.5million people taking part each year, including the region of 300,000 foreign travelers.
Chueca is the area around which most of the action takes place, known as a ‘gaybourhood’. The range of gay-friendly bars, restaurants and venues surrounding the Plaza is topped with a rooftop terrace and food stalls at Mercado San Anton. For an excellent drag performance, drag yourself away to LL Bar for an evening of entertainment. It has been in existence for 27 years and is a well-established spot to while away a night or two.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several countries and cities, particularly in Europe, which are open to LGBTQ+ couples, many of which have their own gay identity within their boundaries. Whether you want sun or sightseeing, culinary delights or cultural nights, you are sure to find a honeymoon destination to suit you.
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