Gay Travel Index 2025

Iceland Joins the Most LGBTQIA+ Friendly Countries

The travel magazine and guide Spartacus has released its Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2025, a ranking assessing the situation of LGBTQIA+ people in 216 countries and regions. This year, Iceland joins Malta, Canada, Portugal, and Spain, which already held the top spot in 2024, as the most LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations.

Other Countries Leading the Ranking

Right behind these five nations, Germany and New Zealand share the sixth position, followed by Australia, Norway, Uruguay, and Switzerland, which are tied for eighth place. The ranking takes into account legislation and social acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Progress in Thailand but Stagnation in Asia

The 2025 edition highlights significant progress in Thailand, which became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2024. Thanks to this advancement, Thailand has climbed from 54th to 41st place. Meanwhile, Greece has made significant progress, moving from 38th to 15th place, while Curaçao has risen from 70th to 58th place after also legalizing same-sex marriage.

France at 26th Place, Georgia in Freefall

In this global ranking, France holds the 26th position. In contrast, Georgia has suffered a drastic decline, dropping from 109th to 162nd place. This significant drop is attributed to newly enacted anti-LGBTQIA+ laws, largely influenced by increasing Russian political control in the region.

The United States Drops in the Rankings, Southern States Under Scrutiny

One of the most notable aspects of the 2025 ranking is the decline of the United States, which has fallen from 41st to 48th place. The primary cause of this decline is the growing number of restrictions on transgender rights, particularly under the new Trump administration.

The ranking also sheds light on the internal disparities within the U.S. New York ranks as the most LGBTQIA+ inclusive state, followed by California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. On the other end of the spectrum, the least inclusive states include Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, Montana, and Oklahoma, which ranks last at 51st place in the U.S. state ranking.

The Least LGBTQIA+ Friendly Countries

As in previous years, the countries with the worst records on LGBTQIA+ rights remain Afghanistan, Chechnya, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. In these nations, LGBTQIA+ individuals face extreme persecution, legal discrimination, and, in some cases, life-threatening consequences for their identity.

A Global Snapshot of LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

The Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2025 continues to serve as a vital tool for LGBTQIA+ travelers, providing a comprehensive overview of global inclusivity. While some countries have made significant progress, others have regressed, highlighting the ongoing struggles for equal rights worldwide.

Discover the complete ranking.