Travel Without Hassle Isn’t a Given For Transgender and Nonbinary Folks
iglta.org and transequality.org).In the wake of last year’s passage of anti-trans legislation in numerous states, trans travelers (and parents of trans kids) have concerns about traveling through or to those locations, while allies may wonder if they should boycott these destinations.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Tanzella says, “IGLTA doesn’t say ‘don’t go’ to our LGBTQ+ traveling community.” But, he adds, “We do always say to be informed on local culture and mindful of laws that can impact your safety, and this becomes even more significant for trans travelers or those that don’t fit binary gender expectations.”In regards to those laws, Hunt clarifies, “The anti-trans bills that we’ve seen introduced or passed over the past year have almost entirely targeted trans people — particularly trans children — who are residents of those states.
The laws themselves aren’t likely to impact most travelers…and don’t necessarily even mean that anti-trans sentiments are prevalent in that state.” That’s particularly true when local jurisdictions support trans protections while state legislators remain hostile to gender diversity.
While it is also possible for trans travelers to experience discrimination in locations where legal protections exist, it makes sense to research destinations before traveling. “Forewarned is forearmed,” Hunt says. “There’s absolutely no substitute for being prepared.
