– This post was written by Judd –
In honor of Trans Visibility Day on March 31st, we sat down with five passionate trans and non-binary travelers to learn about their latest travels, get recommendations, and hear a few heartwarming stories from their adventures around the globe.
A lot of us take travel for granted, and during the current global pandemic that’s more tangible than ever, but if you’re transgender or non-binary, there are a few extra things to think about before you explore a new place. Alex, Vic, Adriana, Lee and Mhy share their tips on staying comfortable and safe wherever they go. Trans is beautiful, and so are their travels. These are their stories:
Alex
Alex Guerra (@_alexgguerra) is a trans man living in Los Angeles and works as a caseworker in the mental health field.
Where have you traveled lately?
Bozeman, Montana; Portland, Oregon; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Which destination did you enjoy most and why?
I truly enjoyed each of these places for a different reason. In Bozeman, I enjoyed how outdoorsy it is because that is something I crave since I live in the city of Los Angeles. In Portland I enjoyed how welcoming and inviting the city is. I loved how green and beautiful the scenery was, and you can’t beat the breweries. In Cabo, I enjoyed the beautiful beaches and delicious food! But if I had to choose my favorite, it would be Bozeman, Montana.
Did you feel comfortable traveling there?
I felt very comfortable in Bozeman, even though I had reservations about it before I actually visited. I generally have some fears when entering somewhere that is most generally “conservative” in its views. However, Bozeman really made me feel comfortable and everyone I came in contact with was so kind and welcoming.
Were there a lot of places (restaurants, bars, etc.) that openly welcomed trans people?
One of the best parts about Bozeman was that many restaurants, bars, etc. had stickers outside of its doors that stated they were safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Just these little things can make people feel so much more comfortable and safe. Almost all the stores in the downtown area had these signs and stickers, which was a pleasant surprise.
Did you feel like you could be yourself there?
I did feel overall a sense of safety in being myself and my gender expression. I felt that most people were kind and that the city as a whole was non-judgemental.
Did you meet other trans/non-binary people while there? Do you actively connect to the local queer community while traveling?
Unfortunately, I did not meet any other trans/non-binary people while I was there because I was there visiting family. However, now I usually try to connect with a local queer person through Instagram before going places!
When you’re choosing your next travel destination, what do you look for?
I mainly look for places where I have wanted to visit for a long time and also places that have activities that I enjoy. Being a trans-man who passes, I have few issues with being treated poorly due to the fact that from the outside I present as a cis-male. This is definitely not the case for all trans and non-binary and I wish it was more widely accepted and safety was not so much of a concern.
Vic
Vic Adlaon (@transbicolana) is a trans woman living in the Philippines and works as a public school teacher.
Where have you traveled lately?
I went to an amazing Bicol region, the southern island of Luzon in the Philippines
Which destination did you enjoy most and why?
Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon (Luzon). It is a lovely island paradise. I fell in love with it because of its azure, blue, clean waters and its amazing white sand that sometimes turns to pink when the light hits it just right. What made me especially love the place are the locals who are very warm and welcoming.
Did you feel comfortable traveling there?
I felt at home and on Subic beach, it was super relaxing.
Were there a lot of places (restaurants, bars, etc.) that openly welcomed trans people?
There are no bars on the beach because it’s one of those destinations that cater to those who just want a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. However, in the Bicol region in general, there are numerous restaurants and bars that warmly welcome any member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Did you feel like you could be yourself there?
Absolutely. You can always be yourself in the Bicol region. I’ve never heard of any restaurant or bar that turned away any of our community members there.
Did you meet other trans/non-binary people while there? Do you actively connect to the local queer community while traveling?
I’m always meeting queer folk, not just in the Bicol region but in the entire Philippines. The country is open and very accepting of us.
When you’re choosing your next travel destination, what do you look for?
Before I travel anywhere new, I always make sure my being trans would not be an issue. I also consider whether or not it is a place that is inclusive of everyone.
Adriana
Adriana Roberts (@adrianabootie) is a transfemme woman living in San Francisco, founder and CEO of Bootie Mashup, and works as a dj and nightlife event producer.
Where have you traveled lately?
I did my very first cruise ship! A week-long cruise in the Caribbean, with stops at St. Kitts and the former Dutch Antilles (the ABC Islands). And a few weeks before that, I was in Germany. Mostly Berlin.
Which destination did you enjoy most and why?
Berlin. My partner is based there, but even before we met, I was in love with the city. The scars of the Cold War are still evident, but the arts and nightlife scene couldn’t be more vibrant, especially for the queer community. There is literally a nightclub or party for any flavor. I also love how many museums and galleries there are, many from formerly abandoned spaces that have subsequently been taken over by artists and turned into a combination art gallery/nightclub (and probably with an espresso bar in the front and t-shirt printing press in the back). Black Rock City, better known as Burning Man, is also an incredible experience I recommend.
Did you feel comfortable traveling there?
I feel fairly comfortable traveling in most places, but even in a place as tolerant and gay-friendly as Berlin, it can be a bit strangely behind in regard to transgender and non-binary issues. I’m hoping that will change soon.
Were there a lot of places (restaurants, bars, etc.) that openly welcomed trans people?
Berlin and other European capitals are of course safe and welcoming, but I’ve found that even in small towns in the middle of Germany (or the U.S. for that matter) people are usually pretty chill and just want to live and let live.
Did you feel like you could be yourself there?
I won’t change myself for anyone, but I’d consider traveling to certain places in the Middle East or Russia, which are not known to encourage LGBT+ holidays. That said, I know I’ll make it to places like Dubai someday, I’m too fascinated to stay away and I believe people are more welcoming than they are prejudiced.
Did you meet other trans/non-binary people while there? Do you actively connect to the local queer community while traveling?
Absolutely, I always seek out the local gay bars and clubs whenever I travel to a new place. I don’t think there are too many specifically trans bars, but practically every major city has a queer bar with drag and neo-burlesque shows or something fun like that. I’ve seen some of the best ones in cities like Tokyo, Amsterdam, Bangkok and Sydney.
When you’re choosing your next travel destination, what do you look for?
My general rule is if I’ve never been there, I want to go. I also get excited by smaller cities with an alternative art scene (like Marfa, Texas, a town made famous by artist Donald Judd) or really remote places (like Pitcairn Island, where I’m planning to travel to next year).
Lee
Lee Arnon, aka Fluid Snow (@king_fluid.snow) is a non-binary human living in Tel Aviv and performs as a drag king.
Where have you traveled lately?
I traveled through Central America and did a road trip along the Southern United States last year.
Which destination did you enjoy most and why?
My experience in the States was amazing. It was very relaxing and I got to see so many new things, eat great food and enjoyed more than one drag show.
Did you feel comfortable traveling there?
I was not concerned with safety, especially in cities that have an established queer culture. However, because I identify as non-binary and my appearance is neither man nor woman, I was concerned at times and I chose to not use the restroom more than once purely because I didn’t want to deal with how people would react.
Were there a lot of places (restaurants, bars, etc.) that openly welcomed non-binary people?
LA and San Francisco were of course very welcoming, but I feel it’s like that in any major city.
Did you feel like you could be yourself there?
I still didn’t feel completely comfortable being 100% myself while traveling and I had to put on the facade of a heteronormative couple with my partner. Unfortunately I’m used to doing that in my daily life as well, but luckily in the more tolerant cities I don’t have to compromise as much on my gender expression.
Did you meet other trans/non-binary people while there? Do you actively connect to the local queer community while traveling?
I actively look for queer life wherever I go, so I got to meet a lot of people in the States, especially in Austin, LA and San Francisco, where LGBT+ life is flourishing.
When you’re choosing your next travel destination, what do you look for?
I’d love to see more of the States, but I’m happy to travel anywhere around the world and spread happiness and glitter. I dream of performing around the globe, telling my story and sharing the transformative power of drag culture.
Mhy
Mhy Kee (@mezmira) is a Filipino trans woman living in London and works in marketing.
Where have you traveled lately?
I recently spent five days in Marrakech, Morocco.
Which destination did you enjoy most and why?
Definitely Istanbul. I was a bit cautious beforehand because I usually travel alone and I didn’t think Turkey would be the safest place as a transgender woman. However, to my pleasant surprise, I discovered that Turkish people are warm and welcoming! I did get one silly comment while walking through the Grand Bazaar, but overall it was such a pleasant experience from beginning to end.
Did you feel comfortable traveling there?
As I mentioned, I was welcomed with open arms.
Were there a lot of places (restaurants, bars, etc.) that openly welcomed trans people?
I didn’t notice any visible businesses that were geared towards the LGBT+ community, most likely because homosexuality is not widely accepted in Turkey yet. However, I’m a major foodie and any restaurant I ate at was very welcoming.
Did you feel like you could be yourself there?
Oh absolutely. That’s one of the reasons I had such a great time in Turkey. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. In one country I visited in the Middle East, I had to put on a male appearance and even cut my hair. Trans travel is becoming more mainstream, so I hope no one else will have to go through that.
Did you meet other trans/non-binary people while there? Do you actively connect to the local queer community while traveling?
I don’t actively connect with the local queer community while traveling, so I didn’t happen to meet anyone while I was in Turkey.
When you’re choosing your next travel destination, what do you look for?
I look at travel restrictions for visas, but importantly, the weather! If it’s cold, I say no thanks.
Travel tips for trans and non-binary people
Making sure you’re safe and comfortable while traveling is our top priority, so we asked all five interviewees to share some of the expertise they’ve acquired and give us their most important travel tips when going somewhere new.
- Research before you travel to a new destination: It’s important to feel safe while traveling. If the destination country or city has a reputation of hostility towards the LGBT+ community, make an informed decision and choose what’s best for you.
- Reach out to other queer people: It’s always insightful to hear the personal experiences of foreign LGBT+ communities before and during your travels.
- Bring a travel buddy if possible: Although the world is quickly becoming more accepting of LGBT+ people, having someone on your side in case anything happens is always a good idea.
- Be patient when experiencing new cultures: People mean well, but you can’t expect them to know your personal story or share your view of the world. It will get better with time, but in the meantime, exercise patience and compassion with the people you meet, they’ll usually reciprocate.
- Learn a few words in the local language: People are very appreciative and welcoming if you can say basic terms like, “Hello”, “Thank you” and “Please”.
- Travel like a local: If you want to truly experience a place, immerse yourself in the culture, food, beliefs and traditions of the destination.
- Use a car-sharing service if it gets late: If it’s legal or available in your destination, a service like Uber or Lyft can often be more reliable than taxis.
- Don’t mind the body scanners at airports: In many countries security personnel have had transgender sensitivity training in the past couple of years, and will do their best to avoid awkward conversations. If you frequently fly in the United States, consider joining TSA’s PreCheck program, which can reduce the likelihood of screening problems.
- Have fun: Duh.
Great online resources for LGBT+ holidays
- Damron – the historic gay travel guide from 1964 now offers information on lesbian and trans travel, including numerous online listings.
- Out Traveler – the latest news and trends in LGBT+ travel.
- The British government’s LGBT+ travel guide – includes helpful information on trans travel policies around the world.
- The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association – a comprehensive travel guide including worldwide tours and events.
Travel will pick up again soon! Stay updated on the adventures of these travelers and follow them on Instagram. Don’t forget to follow our own page for your daily dose of culture.