The journalists Lyric and Asher deeply looked into LGBTQ+ rights in every country. In the 400 hours of research, they reviewed every country’s laws and accumulated data from various international sources to create an LGBTQ+ safety index to help travelers find the safest countries.
The list was based on ten factors related to LGBTQ+ safety, like protection against discrimination, violence, the illegality of the same sex, relationships, etc.
Interestingly, Canada ranked at the top position claiming to be the safest country for LGBTQ+ travelers consecutively for the third year. It is the first nation to legalize same-sex marriage and have constitutional anti-discrimination protection, thus making it a safe place for gays and lesbians.
LGBTQ+ Communities In Canada
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc., have some of the most prominent LGBTQ+ communities.
Toronto has the largest gay community, and Church and Wellesley Village are Toronto’s most populated and dynamic LGBTQ+ neighborhoods.
Montreal is another city with a massive gay community. The city has the ‘Gay Village’ and many same-sex bars and clubs. In addition, since 1988, Montreal has hosted an LGBTQ+ film festival, thus educating and raising awareness about the community.
Similarly, Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community is located on Davie Street and Commercial Drive, a center that provides youth and senior programs, a Trans ID clinic, counseling programs, and much more.
Canada Ranks First
The factors contributing to Canada’s top ranking include LGBTQ+ protections in the workplace, transgender identity laws, and second-parent adoption recognition.
The highest ranking highlights Canada’s commitment to creating an inclusive society for every individual, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity.
This is specifically integral for the new immigrants who might come from countries where LGBTQ+ rights are not protected and who might be looking for a safe & welcoming environment.
Canada has numerous immigration policies recognizing the rights of LGBTQ+ people. For example, same-sex relationships and marriages are eligible for economic-class immigrants and family-class sponsorship, accompanied by a same-sex partner.
In addition, same-sex spouses or partners are eligible for open work permits while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Canada’s history represents offering protection and helping resettle vulnerable groups. For example, IRCC encourages sponsoring refugees who are persecuted and subject to violence due to their sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, etc.
One of the ways of supporting LGBTQ+ communities is by providing funding assistance to the Rainbow Refugee Society. This society works with sponsorship agreement holders to sponsor LGBTQ+ refugees who come to Canada.
In addition, IRCC provides accessible links to national organizations that work to promote & protect sexual orientation rights.
Canada’s top ranking represents the country’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and their rights, thus creating a more inclusive society for all individuals.