Growing concerns over a perceived rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and sentiment in certain parts of the United States are prompting some international LGBTQ+ travelers to reconsider their travel plans. While the U.S. remains a popular destination for many, a sense of unease is spreading through some international LGBTQ+ communities, leading to cancellations and a search for alternative, more welcoming destinations.
The change appears most pronounced among first-time visitors and those planning trips to states perceived as having less inclusive policies. Concerns are often fueled by reports in international media highlighting legislative battles over trans rights, restrictions on LGBTQ+ healthcare, and debates surrounding same-sex marriage recognition. One such case that grabbed interational attention was the recent ban on gender-affirming care for minors in a Midwestern state, generating angry online discourse and prompting calls for boycotts. Several related Facebook groups saw activity triple, showing very little mercy for the United States as a travel destination. “It’s not just about the laws themselves,” says Amelia Rodriguez, a travel blogger focusing on LGBTQ+ travel based in Barcelona. “It’s about the message they send. Do I really want to spend my vacation dollars in a place where my very existence is being debated, where it is being challanged?
Dilemma Posed: This shift presents a complex dilemma for the U.S. travel industry. On the one hand, the country prides itself on being a welcoming destination for all. On the other, the decentralized nature of its government allows for state-level policies that can contradict this image. The economic impact could be considerable. LGBTQ+ tourism represents a significant segment of the global travel market, and any sustained downturn in this sector could have repercussions for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that rely on tourist dollars.
Competing Perspectives: However, opinions within the LGBTQ+ community are hardly monolithic. Some argue that avoiding the U.S. altogether is counterproductive, saying it allows discriminatory policies to go unchallenged. They advocate for continued engagement, supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses within the country, and using tourism as a form of quiet protest. Others believe that the financial implications of tourism boycotts can spark greater change, forcing legislators to reconsider discriminatory laws and practices.
“Boycotting is a tough call,” says David Lee, an activist with the group Equality Now, “but sometimes it’s the only language these politicians understand. We need to hit them where it hurts: their wallets. That will challenge their previous assumptions,”
Adding fuel to the fire, recent posts and comments on X.com and Instagram showcase the divisiveness of opinions on both sides, making it difficult for many international travelers to decide whether or not they should take a trip to the United States. Some social media influencers have even begun highlighting LGBTQ+ freindly destinations within the U.S. that have been the victims of misrepresentation, such as a beach in California where a gay couple was verbally attacked in the summer of 2023. As a result, it appears that some tourists feel that the risk of travelling to the country is not worth the reward.
One notable incident involved a planned LGBTQ+ conference in Orlando, Florida. Originally scheduled for 2024, the conference was moved to Toronto after organizers cited concerns about Florida’s increasingly restrictive laws and what they described as a “hostile environment” for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conference, which typically draws thousands of attendees, is anticipated to bring a significant boost to Toronto’s tourism economy, showing the extent to which these concerns influence travel-based decision-making. This shift in perception, even if only among a subset of potential visitors, presents a real challenge for U.S. tourism.
Another point of contention is the mixed messages that tourists receive. While many U.S. cities and states have strong anti-discrimination laws and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, other regions project a very different image. “It’s hard to tell what’s real sometimes,” admitted Javier Gomez, a tourist from Spain who recently cancelled a trip to visit family in Texas. “We were really looking forward to the trip, but after seeing what is happening in certain states, we feel it is too risky.”
- Legislation on trans rights is causing international concern.
- Economic boycotts are seen as a necessary evil by some
- LGBTQ+ tourism represents a considerable segment of the global travel market
The U.S. Travel Association has acknowledged these concerns and is working to reassure international travelers that the vast majority of the country remains welcoming and inclusive. They point to statistics showing strong support for LGBTQ+ rights among the general population and highlight the many destinations that have actively championed LGBTQ+ inclusion. They are also launching an awareness campaign aimed at correcting what they see as misrepresentations of the U.S. and emphasizing the country’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. As they continue to advocate for inclusion, they are also trying to emphasize the importance of tourism to local legislators. As one employee mentioned off the record, “Tourism is crucial to state economies, and at times lawmakers forget this.”
Call for Decision: Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to travel to the U.S. rests with the individual traveler. Factors such as personal risk tolerance, political views, and destination preferences will all play a role. However, the growing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. is undoubtedly casting a shadow over the country’s image as a safe and welcoming destination for all. The U.S. must take decisive action to address these concerns, both through policy changes and by actively promoting a message of inclusivity and acceptance, or risk losing a significant share of the international tourism market.
