Is India Safe for LGBTQIA+ Travelers?

Even though India has decriminalized homosexuality, the question still remains – is India safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers? LGBTQIA+ travelers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and those who identify beyond these sexualities and gender expressions.

Every traveler deserves to have a fun and safe experience on their trip, but India being largely conservative, the LGBTQIA+ community may run into some issues while visiting the country.

LGBTQIA+ rights in India

The legal status of LGBTQIA+ rights in India is complicated. Homesexuality was decriminalized in India in 2009. However, it was again made illegal in 2013, and then decriminalized once more in 2018. In 2014, India granted legal recognition to transgender people as third gender, one of very few countries with such a law. In 2022, LGBTQIA+ partners gained some rights as “live-in” couples.

Even though the legalities of LGBTQIA+ community are complex, it is a non-issue in India, as long as they behave in compliance with the local customs of the region.

Is India safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Whether or not the people of India are open-minded about the LGBTQIA+ community, you are safe in India.

Tourism is a large industry in India, and the country is welcoming to all visitors of any community. Queer Western travelers enjoy the “tourist privilege” in this country, where the foreigners are treated differently than locals here. The locals often overlook a few things about foreign tourists that they may not tolerate among their residents.

We, at India Someday, have hosted many couples from the LGBTQIA+ community in India, and they have always had a lovely experience in the country.

However, India is majority a conservative society, and public displays of affection are frowned upon, even among heterosexual couples.

Local attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community

There have been many changes in LGBTQIA+ laws over the years, many of them positive, yet people of this community are sometimes harassed. Because Indian society has not yet fully accepted same-sex relations, queer scenes in India are still quite discreet as compared to the other parts of the world.

However, you might often see Indian men being openly affectionate with each other – holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, sitting extremely close to each other, or talking closely. But do not mistake them for sexual partners – they are not gay or in a relationship.

There are no places in India that are especially banned for the LGBTQIA+ community. All major tourist attractions are open for all LGBTQIA+ guests as well, although it is important to respect the local customs and be modest in public.

LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in India

While it is not generally unsafe for LGBTQIA+ travelers to explore India, here are the top places in India that accept the community wholeheartedly.

Mumbai

One of the most progressive cities in India, Mumbai is loved by domestic and international travelers alike for the freedom it offers. The city is also known as the “gay capital of India”. The Mumbai Queer Film Festival, known as KASHISH, is held every year in May and celebrates LGBTQ+ cinema.

Mumbai

Goa

Goa is one of the few places in India that doesn’t discriminate among people of different communities. The state has many gay-friendly clubs, stays, and beaches.

Some of the major attractions for the LGBTQIA+ travelers in Goa are privately organized tea-dances, hang-outs, and open-air beach parties.

Goa

Delhi

The capital of India, Delhi is one of the first LGBTQIA+ community supporters in india. The first Queer Pride Parade was held in November 2007 and takes place every year to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters.

Delhi

Bangalore

If you are looking for LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations in India, Bangalore should definitely be on your list. The city is famous for its lesbian motorcycle club and the Dykes on Bikes procession that took place at the Bangalore Pride of 2013 for the first time. The city also holds the Bangalore Queer Film Festival every year, as well as the Gender Bender Festival.

The city also has many queer-friendly places and events that you can check out.

Bangalore

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to recognize transgender rights. The Chennai Pride is held in June each year under the banner of “Tamil Nadu Rainbow Collation”. The Chennai International Queer Film Festival, known as “Reels Desires” started in 2004 and includes panel discussions on the same themes. The annual festival of Koovagam sees tens of thousands of transgender women come together for an 18-day long temple festival.

Tamil Nadu

LGBTQIA+ Travel and Safety Tips

• LGBTQIA+ tourists are advised against making public displays of affection with your partner. But that is true for all couples – try to avoid being intimate in public.
• Try to choose 4 star or 5 star accommodations. These hotels and places are usually more LGBTQIA+ friendly, and your sexuality will not be an issue in such places. In fact, many luxury hotels actively seek LGBTQIA+ business.
• India is primarily a conservative country, so try to be respectful of that. Avoid public displays of affection especially in rural areas. Lesbian couples usually do not face any issues with respect to their sexuality, although their concerns may be about safety and harassment.
• If you decide to use dating or hook-up apps in India, be careful not to meet alone at first. Always meet someone in a public place and make sure someone knows about it.