As LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. face the bleak reality of another Trump presidency, many are turning to Google to search for safer countries to move to. Searches like “how to move to Uruguay” and “how LGBTQ+ friendly is Iceland?” have spiked as of November 6, with queer people fearing attacks on their rights. 🤟🏼

Luckily, there are countries with much stronger LGBTQ+ rights than the U.S., and moving to many of them **is possible.** 🌈

For example, Uruguay makes it **easy for U.S. citizens to immigrate.** You simply need to submit a letter of intent to the government and prove you have a stable income. 

It’s not just Uruguay. Many other countries have immigration policies that are not only more accessible but also surpass the U.S. when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality, offering trans self-ID laws, conversion therapy bans, and faster access to hormone therapy without long waiting times. ☮️

Here are just a few of the countries where LGBTQ+ people are faring better than in the U.S.


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## Spain
Spain is one of the best places for LGBTQ+ people to live. It has gender self-ID laws, anti-discrimination policies, and is a go-to for transgender people seeking private surgery services. The "trans law" passed in 2022 allows minors from age 16 to self-determine their gender, and even younger kids can change gender on documents with legal support.

Conversion therapy is banned, and same-sex marriage and adoption are legal. A majority of Spaniards support LGBTQ+ rights, with 91% saying they'd support a family member coming out.

![spain](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/16490defb931b46da82eba04fd9c56bf.png)
_Spain’s “trans law” makes it a great place to live. (Getty)_

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## Canada

Canada has long been LGBTQ+ friendly, decriminalizing homosexuality in 1969, even before the U.S. Stonewall Riots. Bill C-16, passed in 2017, provides strong protections against discrimination. As transphobia rises in the U.S., Canada’s welcoming reputation has grown, with many trans Americans seeking refuge there.

The country has comprehensive laws protecting trans rights, including gender recognition, housing protections, and no restrictions on changing gender. Plus, 78% of Canadians support trans protections, and 58% back trans healthcare for all, including minors.

![canada](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/2f54ba4b8b78fd57ccc67c403e8dae1e.png)
_Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau joined Pride in Toronto. (Getty)_

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## Iceland

Last month, Iceland was named the safest destination for 2025, thanks to its low crime rate and strong safety for LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. The country has made great strides in supporting transgender people, becoming one of the top places in Europe—and arguably the world—for transitioning. Since 2019, policies have ensured better rights and protection for trans people.

Iceland ranks highly on equality indexes and meets nearly all the criteria for trans rights, including legal recognition, healthcare, and anti-discrimination laws.

![iceland](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/e107c4e412b1bb26bcea97bc96822889.png)
_The Icelandic capital Reykjavik holds Pride celebrations in August. (Getty)_

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## Malta

Malta is often hailed as one of the best places for LGBTQ+ people to live, especially for transgender individuals seeking safety and freedom. Located south of Sicily, the Mediterranean island boasts top-tier trans rights, including non-binary gender recognition, self-ID, anti-discrimination laws, and access to gender-affirming care.

The public is incredibly tolerant, though Malta still falls short on women’s reproductive rights, as abortion remains illegal except in life-threatening situations. In uncertain times, it's reassuring to know there are places that truly support their LGBTQ+ citizens.

![Malta.png](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/407a6507970b3e7198228c52698e8949.png)
_Malta is widely considered a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people. (Getty)_

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## Uruguay

Looking for an LGBTQ+ friendly country in South America? Uruguay is one of the safest spots on the continent, thanks to its progressive laws. Same-sex activity has been legal since 1934, with anti-discrimination laws in place since 2004.

While it’s still behind on non-binary legal recognition, Uruguay leads with its self-ID laws, protections against discrimination, and access to gender-affirming care. In 2018, Uruguay removed surgery requirements for gender recognition and has since passed more trans-friendly legislation.

![Uruguay.png](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/f0af26f6196f58e0fc6c0c75fa6dd6fc.png)
_Pride in Montevideo is a riot of colour. (Getty)_

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## Norway

Norway is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. It was a pioneer, passing anti-discrimination laws in 1981, and legalized same-sex marriage and adoption in 2009. The country’s laws for transitioning, including anti-discrimination protections and access to healthcare, make it one of the best places in Europe for trans individuals.

While it’s still working on recognizing non-binary people and providing gender-affirming care for minors, Norway offers important protections like self-ID and housing discrimination bans. However, it has recently limited gender-affirming care for minors due to concerns over research.

![Norway.png](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/3990954b1968df34725d7b56ef3208f9.png)
_Despite some negatives, Norway has laws that are beneficial to LGBTQ+ people. (Getty)_

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## Australia

Australia’s treatment of LGBTQ+ and trans people varies across regions, but overall, rights are more widespread than in the U.S. Some states have long waits for gender recognition, but federally, the country is supportive with gender-affirming care and anti-discrimination protections. Public sentiment was clear when anti-trans activist Posie Parker visited—politicians and most citizens rejected her views.

![australia](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/2555ebd4d256c9c5d98d16ddd9067a1b.png)
_Laws vary from Australian state to state but there’s always Sydney Mardi Gras. (Getty)_

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## Chile

Chile is leading the way in trans and LGBTQ+ rights, with self-ID laws, accessible trans healthcare, and recognition of non-binary people’s gender changes. Interestingly, while trans rights have advanced quickly, LGBTQ+ rights overall, like same-sex marriage, lagged behind - Chile even elected its first transgender politician before legalizing same-sex marriage. Still, the country shows strong support for both trans and queer people, with 80% backing anti-discrimination laws for trans individuals.

![chile](https://gaybible-strapi-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/c6b09e2c71c0b485cbcaa488be76fa01.png)
_Queer Chileans have protections and support that people in the US can only dream about. (Getty)_

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As LGBTQ+ people continue to navigate an uncertain future in the U.S., it's heartening to know that there are places in the world where equality, acceptance, and safety are prioritized. Whether you’re considering a move for personal peace of mind or in search of better opportunities, these countries stand as beacons of hope and progress. The world is wide, and there are options—let’s keep pushing for love, acceptance, and the freedom to live authentically, no matter where we call home. 🌍💖

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Tired of the U.S.? Here's the world’s most LGBTQ+ friendly countries 🌎

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