Canada was recognized as the safest country for LGBTQ+ tourists, according to recent research by two journalists. This report results from a 400-hour-long research to understand the safest countries for LBTQ+ travelers. The outcome came from several laws and data from international sources.
Canada was recognized as the safest country for LGBTQ+ tourists
Also, these safest countries are the outcome of the following ten LGBTQ+ factors:
- Safety
- Criminalization of Violence
- Protection against discrimination
- The illegality of same-sex relationships
This is the third year Canada has gained recognition as the safest country on the planet. This implies that the country ranks at the top of the list for 2023. Fergusson (the journalist) states that Canada maintains a good track record of legislation in favor of the LGBTQ+ community and their rights.
Additionally, Canada is one of the rare countries that initiated accepting same-sex marriages.
Canada comprises LGBTQ+ communities
Canada comprises a few of the most friendly communities, specifically for LGBTQ+ communities, such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto.
Interestingly, Toronto consists of the greatest gay community in the nation. Moreover, the Church and Wellesley Village form part of Toronto’s most lively places with LGBTQ+ communities.
Next, there’s Montreal, another significant gay community that even consists of a gay village known as Montreal Pride. Besides this, there are several sex bars and clubs.
Interestingly, Montreal has also showcased LGBTQ+ film festivals to educate the community and enhance their awareness since 1988. Meanwhile, there’s an LGBTQ+ community in Vancouver located nearby Davie Street. Next, Grandview’s Commercial Drive also offers various youth and senior programs through a ‘Qmunity Center’. Besides this, it also offers employment help, counseling programs, and Trans ID Clinic to the LGBTQ+ community.
Canada’s top rank as the safest country for the LGBTQ+ community
A variety of factors contributed to Canada’s top rank as the safest country for the LGBTQ+ community. These are as follows:
- Protections in the workplace.
- Recognition of combined or second-parent adoption.
- Transgender legal identity laws.
This top recognition of Canada emphasizes its aim to provide a well-integrated society to all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender recognition. Moreover, this could be specifically helpful to those new immigrants who arrive in Canada from countries where they aren’t legally permitted to use LGBTQ+ rights.
In such grave circumstances, people denied LGBTQ+ rights would seek refuge in another safer country.
Apart from this, Canada also offers a variety of immigration policies to identify the rights of individuals from the LGBTQ+ community.
Relationships and same-sex marriages are able to apply for Family Sponsorship, while economic-class immigrants have the right to accompany their partner of the same sex.
Additionally, having same-sex partners or spouses of those with Canadian citizenship and permanent residents would have the right to apply for an Open Work Permit. This is during the processing of their PR application.
Canada protects the LGBTQ+ community
Historically too, Canada was seen helping and protecting the LGBTQ+ community. Besides this, IRCC also protects the refugees facing violence through sponsorship. The violation could result from their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and HIV status.
The department best helps these refugees by offering funding assistance to Rainbow Refugee Society.
Besides this, IRCC assists other national organizations by providing them with links and resources to promote the rights of sexual orientation.
Overall, Canada’s initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community highlight its objective of creating a more inclusive and fulfilling society for vulnerable sections.
