Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals in Cambodia include a range of perspectives. While same-sex relationships have been decriminalised since the 1700s, same-sex marriage is not legally recognised. 

Although some Cambodians show openness to identities beyond heterosexual and cisgender, there can be a perception that these identities are changeable or associated with past trauma. Traditional Khmer culture acknowledges non-binary gender identities; however, transgender individuals can often encounter discrimination. 

Social pressures can lead LGBTQ+ Cambodians to conform to “traditional” heterosexual marriages and adhere to birth-assigned gender expressions.

Cambodia generally offers a safe environment for LGBTQ+ travellers, with limited overt discrimination observed. While rural areas and small villages might evoke curiosity, the likelihood of encountering discrimination or violence remains relatively low. 

It’s important to note that public displays of affection are infrequent throughout Cambodia, regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

We focus on providing an inviting and inclusive journey for every traveller. If you are travelling solo, our Cambodia community hub has all-gender accommodation or we will match you with roommates of the same gender (as indicated by your passport information) for accommodation. Please let us know if you don’t identify with the gender on your passport, so we can discuss rooming options.

For those who prefer solo accommodation, our Cambodia community hub offers the option to pay for an individual room or additional upgrades with enhanced amenities. Speak to our team during the early stages of the booking process so we can assist you with available options.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the below websites before travelling:

• ILGA World Database: Cambodia
• Equaldex: Cambodia

Costa Rica has made significant strides in advancing LGBTQ+ rights over the years and is considered a safe destination for travellers. 

Although Costa Rica decriminalised same-sex relationships in the 1970s, there was true progress in 2016 with the protection of employment based on sexual orientation. Pivotal legislation in 2020 legalised same-sex marriage and adoption for same-sex couples. 

As of 2022, Costa Rica has introduced comprehensive protection against hate crimes rooted in sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. There was also legalisation of civil partnerships for same-sex couples, supporting the nation’s commitment to inclusivity.

Costa Rica stands out in Central America for championing equal rights and combating discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in areas like employment and identity documentation. 

Costa Rica boasts a vibrant queer culture, especially in urban areas like San Jose. As you venture away from urban centres, LGBTQ+-friendly establishments might be less prevalent, often due to the lingering influence of Catholicism. Considering this aspect while planning leisure activities and weekend getaways is advisable. 

Travellers in Costa Rica can express affection for their same-sex partners in public; however, it’s important to acknowledge that while acceptance is prevalent, differing views may persist among older generations, individuals with strong religious beliefs, or those in rural areas. 

Our priority remains centred on fostering a warm and comfortable environment for every traveller. If you’re travelling solo to our Cartago community hub, we offer all-gender accommodations.

In contrast, at our Kekoldi research station, you’ll share with roommates, usually of the same gender (as specified by your passport information), although this can not be guaranteed.

If you prefer not to share a room with other travellers, please inform us during the early booking stage. While individual room options are not currently available at our Costa Rica hubs, we’d be happy to recommend other GVI locations that align with your preferences.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the below websites before travelling:

• ILGA World Database: Costa Rica
• Equaldex: Costa Rica

Fiji’s journey towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity reflects a commitment to progress, marked by legal and societal reforms. 

In 1997 Fiji introduced constitutional protection based on sexual orientation. The decriminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts took place in 2005, marking a noteworthy leap forward. The landscape further evolved in 2007 with legal safeguards introduced for employment based on sexual orientation. 

Progress continued with the extension of constitutional protection to encompass gender identity and expression in 2013, signifying Fiji’s dedication to recognising and honouring the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. While challenges persist, Fiji’s legal and social changes have fostered an environment that increasingly acknowledges the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals. In the vibrant city of Suva, Fiji’s capital, a burgeoning queer scene caters to locals and visitors.

 Although modest in size, the scene is growing steadily. It’s important to acknowledge that attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community may vary across the country, particularly in more rural areas.

Our foremost commitment is to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all travellers. In Fiji, our accommodations feature all-gender dormitories, ensuring an inclusive stay for LGBTQ+ travellers.

If you prefer not to share a room with other travellers, please inform us during the early booking stage. While individual room options are not currently available at our Fiji hub, we can suggest alternative GVI locations that align with your preferences.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the below websites before travelling:

• ILGA World Database: Fiji
• Equaldex: Fiji

Ghana, predominantly a Christian nation, holds legal restrictions against homosexuality and lacks comprehensive anti-discrimination measures to safeguard the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

While same-sex relationships are formally illegal, enforcement of this law remains rare, as Human Rights Watch reports. Nonetheless, it’s vital to recognise that the conservative cultural and religious beliefs in Ghana contribute to widespread anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. 

Notably, in 2023, Ghanaian MPs approved a draft bill that seeks to criminalise not only LGBTQ+ individuals but also organisations and advocates supporting their rights.

Our central goal is to create a warm and inviting environment for every traveller. If you’re embarking on a solo journey to our Ghana community hub, you’ll share with roommates of the same gender (as indicated by your passport information) for shared accommodations. Please let us know if you don’t identify with the gender on your passport, so we can discuss rooming options.

While our Ghana community hub currently doesn’t offer individual room options, we’re more than happy to suggest alternative GVI locations that cater to your preferences. Feel free to engage with our team for personalised assistance during the early booking stage.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the below websites before travelling:

• ILGA World Database: Ghana
• Equaldex: Ghana

Madagascar does not impose legal regulations on same-sex relationships. It’s worth noting that while homosexuality is legal in Madagascar, the age of consent is 21.

As you explore the country’s attractions, you should encounter no obstacles due to your sexual orientation. However, it is essential to exercise cultural sensitivity, as overt displays of affection, regardless of orientation, may be perceived as culturally inappropriate. Also be mindful that societal attitudes and acceptance can vary, particularly in rural regions.

Our primary objective is to provide all travellers with a welcoming and inclusive experience. If you embark on a solo journey, be assured that our Madagascar community hub offers all-gender accommodation. 

Furthermore, we offer the option to pay for an individual room, catering to those who prefer solo accommodations. To explore the options that best suit your needs, feel free to chat to our team during the initial stages of the booking process.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the below websites before travelling:

• ILGA World Database: Madagascar
• Equaldex: Madagascar

Nepal stands out as one of Asia’s more progressive nations regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with laws granting the right to express one’s chosen gender and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. 

In 2007, Nepal decriminalised consensual same-sex sexual acts and made further strides in 2015 by introducing constitutional protection grounded in sexual orientation. 

While discussions about same-sex marriage persist, progress has been limited, and societal pressure to conform to traditional norms and marry a partner of the opposite sex remains. It’s important to note that Nepal retains conservative values, where public displays of affection may cause unease among locals. Nevertheless, younger generations of Nepalese are often more open and expressive.

Our primary focus is on creating an inviting and inclusive experience for all travellers. If you’re embarking on a solo journey to our Nepal community hub, we’ll pair you with roommates of the same gender (as per your passport information) for shared accommodations. Please let us know if you don’t identify with the gender on your passport so we can discuss rooming options.

Additionally, our Nepal hub offers the option to pay for an individual room, catering to those who prefer solo accommodations. Please contact our team during the early booking stages for personalised guidance on the available options.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the below websites before travelling:

• ILGA World Database: Nepal
• Equaldex: Nepal

South Africa is a global champion of LGBTQ+ rights, being the first country to incorporate a sexual orientation protection clause into its constitution and the fifth to legalise same-sex marriage. 

The nation’s commitment to inclusivity is evident through a timeline of milestones. In 1994, South Africa laid the foundation with constitutional protection based on sexual orientation, followed by protection in employment in 1996. There was a pivotal moment in 1998 with the decriminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts, accompanied by protection in healthcare.

The following years led to broader safeguards, including protection in housing in 1999 and in goods and services and education in 2000. By 2002, joint adoption for same-sex couples became legally recognised. In 2005, South Africa implemented protection based on sex characteristics. 

The zenith was in 2006 with the legalisation of same-sex marriage and the prohibition of discrimination in all areas based on sexual orientation. While South Africa’s legal landscape reflects inclusivity, it’s important to recognise that societal attitudes and acceptance can differ, particularly in rural regions.

While overall attitudes are welcoming and warm, some rural areas still navigate evolving perspectives toward acceptance. Metropolitan areas like Cape Town and Johannesburg embody accepting cultural attitudes, whereas rural regions like Hoedspruit in Limpopo lean more towards conservative socio-cultural views.

Our priority is creating a welcoming and comfortable experience for all travellers. For solo adventurers, our Limpopo research station offers all-gender accommodation. 

While individual room options aren’t currently available at our Limpopo hub, we’re happy to suggest alternative GVI locations that align with your preferences.

For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the below websites before travelling:

• ILGA World Database: South Africa
• Equaldex: South Africa