2SLGBTQI+ travellers
Laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) can vary widely in different countries. As a result, your clients could face certain barriers and risks when travelling outside Canada. Careful consideration should be given to whether your clients are comfortable with the laws and social customs affecting 2SLGBTQI+ people in their destination.
In many countries, only heterosexual relationships are recognized as legal and accepted by society. In some cases, same-sex relationships are criminalized. Even if the relationship is legally recognized in Canada, this may not be the case in other countries. Local laws in destination countries may be enforced or applied inconsistently. For instance, countries that criminalize same-sex relations may also use the law to criminalize certain gender identities and gender expressions.
Even if there are no legal concerns related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics, your clients may face discrimination or harassment if social customs are unfavourable to 2SLGBTQI+ people.
Refer your clients to the “Laws and culture” section of their destination country’s page in our Travel Advice and Advisories for information on the local laws and social customs that could affect 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians there.
For more general information and recommendations for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers, visit our Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics page.
Help Sofia!
8 - Sofia mentioned that her girlfriend might join her for part of her travels, but she’s not sure in which country they will connect. You mention that some countries have strict rules on same-sex relationships and look up the laws and culture section of the Travel Advice and Advisories for Indonesia.
True or false: Relationships between persons of the same sex are prohibited and punishable under local laws in some provinces of Indonesia.
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