If you or your loved ones are looking to visit the Caribbean, the good news is that you have plenty of choices. It’s always a good time to visit this beautiful part of the world.
However, what if you and your travel partners are part of the LGBTQ community? Are there places to avoid? Places to travel to? How friendly is the Caribbean for the LGBTQ crowd?
Not only do you have quite a few options for travel if you’re LGBTQ, but they also happen to include some of the most incredible locations in the Caribbean.
St. Martin
If you are traveling to the Caribbean, St. Martin is a must-see for anyone in the LGBTQ community. It’s full of beautiful businesses, shops, restaurants, and ferries that can take you all over.
The resorts and businesses in St. Martin are very accepting and welcoming of all types of visitors, including the LGBTQ. However, once you step outside the tourist area, you might catch the attention of those disapproving of your lifestyle. It’s a shame that these backward views are on display, but that’s just the world’s reality.
However, most businesses in St. Martin, including the hotels, restaurants, and attractions, are very welcoming and kind to visitors from all walks of life.
Curacao
Curacao is one of the smaller islands in the Caribbean, but you can’t leave it off your list if you and your LGBTQ friends and loved ones are considering traveling. A gay beach, gay events, and even gay hotels attract people worldwide to warm water, bright sun, and a great time with friends.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has come a long way over the last few decades and is now one of the most inclusive and loving areas in the Caribbean. If you are part of an LGBTQ group traveling to the Caribbean, you’d be wise to add Puerto Rico to your itinerary.
There are now numerous gay clubs in Puerto Rico, and the island has two Pride parades yearly. This is just a taste of the great LGBTQ love you can find when visiting Puerto Rico.
Aruba
Aruba has become very gay-friendly over the years and is now a great place to visit when you’re on a trip with members of the LGBTQ community. The capital city of Oranjestad has a few clubs to choose from, and there are quite a few Pride events that keep the party going and allow all types of people to be their true, authentic selves.
Martinique
Heavily influenced by the nation of France, Martinique is one of the more progressive parts of the Caribbean. It has a population of 415,000 and has had legal gay marriage for about ten years. In this nation, gays can marry, give blood, adopt children, and even change their legal gender.
But there are more gay-friendly aspects aside from politics. The island is very welcoming to LGBTQ travelers and has a bunch of queer hotels all over. You can easily find a gay party in Martinique if you want one. Plus, the beaches are to die for and remain clean, safe, and active all year round.
If you’re in Martinique during its annual carnival, you’re in for a real treat. The local LGBTQ is heavily involved with the party, and they go all out. Expect a lot of dancing, skimpy outfits, and loud, blaring music from sun-up to sun-down.
St. Barts
St. Barts is not only a gorgeous location to visit when you’re in the Caribbean but also a very LGBTQ-friendly one.
There are multiple beautiful beaches on St. Barts, most of which are very LGBTQ-friendly. Many cruises launch from St. Barts, most of which are perfect for you and your LGBTQ friends. Therefore, St. Barts isn’t just a place to visit when you’re in the Caribbean; it’s a place to launch your next adventure with friends.
Saint Croix
Saint Croix is a part of the Virgin Islands, which is a part of the United States, so this island hot spot has the same rules, regulations, and laws related to gay rights that America does. Therefore, you’ll feel at home here – for better or worse.
The people of Saint Croix, however, are very inviting and ready to welcome any traveler to their slice of heaven, no matter their sexual orientation. They’ve even created areas of the island filled with rainbow flags. Take Frederiksted, for example, which has plenty of restaurants, bars, and other locations that will attract the LGBTQ crowd all year round.
Gay-friendly beaches in Saint Croix are just jaw-dropping. They’re enormous, so you’re sure to find a spot to lay your towel. And if you are there for Gay Pride, you’ll find tons of stuff to do, including the world-famous Pride Parade and the late-night after party that follows, kicking off at Sand Castle at the Beach. Oh yes, don’t expect too much sleep on that night!
It’s a shame that you need a guide to tell you where you can vacation and feel comfortable being your authentic self, but it is the evolving but still flawed world we live in. But rest assured, there are plenty of places you can go for a comfortable and safe getaway no matter who or how you love, and I’d love to help you plan it!