LGBTQ+ Travel

I am lucky to have grown up in a place where I had exposure to and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community from a relatively young age, the city I grew up in even has a gayborhood. Growing up, coming out and realising that not everyone has access to this kind of representation, community or safe spaces was upsetting, and I have always wanted to help provide that representation and share those spaces to give a glimmer of hope to those that aren’t in a place that they can safely and comfortably be themselves.

On my first solo trip (you can read more about that experience HERE) in Lisbon, the first person I met in my hostel dorm was queer, and the immediate bond and connection shared made me feel so comfortable and seen, and I truly believe that enhanced my experience. On my last night, we went to Bairro Alto together and went to a gay bar. This was my first experience of queer nightlife and community in another country, and it was magical. To see people from so many different cultures coming together to have fun, with respect and understanding stemming from our shared experiences, really opened my eyes to the power of queer travel. We had all come together, from around Portugal and the world to share an evening together and I have sought after the feeling I got that night ever since.