Check out this slideshow put together and posted to MSN.
While some places still make same-sex marriage complicated (or even illegal), others celebrate it fully, offering welcoming venues and stunning locations for your big day. If you’re looking for somewhere unique, safe, and unforgettable to say “I do,” these destinations offer the perfect mix of charm, romance, and friendliness toward the queer community.
The cities mentioned in the slideshow are:
Amsterdam Netherlands
Queenstown New Zealand
Toronto Canada
Cape Town South Africa
Reykjavik Iceland
Barcelona Spain
Valleta Malta
Sydney Australia
Mexico City Mexico
Copenhagen Denmark
Each town on the slide deck has a short excerpt about why the author included them. Be sure to read it.
If you’re considering a move beyond U.S. borders, this country across the pond might be your ideal destination for a cup of (afternoon) tea.
HireAHelper, an online marketplace facilitating the search and hiring of professional movers, recently conducted a study unveiling the locations where Americans have been relocating the most since the onset of the pandemic. The findings were derived from an analysis of monthly Google searches incorporating keywords such as “moving to Mexico,” “moving to Canada,” and “moving abroad.”
The leading destination, according to these findings? The United Kingdom.
As indicated by the study, although searches for relocating abroad have decreased by 30% compared to last year, the count of U.S. citizens moving to the primary destination countries has risen. For example, more than 11,500 Americans relocated to the United Kingdom in the initial half of the year, marking a 30% increase from the corresponding period in 2022.
An article from The Evening Standard outlines several reasons why numerous Americans are opting to move to London, including the increasing cost of living, soaring house prices, a strengthened dollar, and domestic political uncertainties. If you’re among those who searched “moving to the U.K.” on Google, discover the necessary steps for relocating across the pond.
On a different note, the second most favored destination is Mexico, where 19,620 U.S. citizens have chosen to relocate.
North of the border, Canada garnered more searches than any other nation, despite a 53% decrease compared to last year. Furthermore, Canada witnessed a 10% increase in the number of Americans moving there in the first six months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. If you’re considering such a move, explore the steps for moving to Canada as an American.
Additional countries that attract American emigrants include various European nations, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Israel. In total, more than 821,000 U.S. citizens have moved to 40 different countries since 2017, driven by factors such as lower taxation, improved quality of life, and the growing trend of digital nomadism, among other reasons.
“I dislike the necessity of being present to demonstrate our existence…yet, I also appreciate witnessing so many individuals standing up for this community,” expressed one of the performers.
Approximately 300 individuals attended a “guerrilla drag show” held this week outside an event featuring anti-transgender speakers. The anti-trans event, organized by the conservative student group Turning Point USA, occurred on Cal Poly’s campus in San Luis Obispo, California. It included speeches by de-transition advocate Chloe Cole and Canadian anti-LGBTQ+ activist Chris Elston.
Cole and Elston are currently part of a speaking tour titled “A Dad & A Detransitioner’s Take on the Transgender Movement.” Promoted by Turning Point on Instagram, the event claimed that the speakers would “explain what the transgender movement really is, the truth about it, and the myths that surround it!”
Chloe Cole, a detransitioner with right-wing views, has emerged as a strong advocate for anti-trans laws and policies. Chris Elston, known for wearing sandwich-board signs with anti-trans slogans, gained attention in 2020 and 2021 by displaying a billboard and wearing a sign that declared “I (heart) J.K. Rowling.” He also engaged in confrontations with women whom he perceived as overly supportive of trans rights.
To counter the anti-trans event hosted by Turning Point USA, the Cal Poly Drag Club organized a drag show outside the venue.
“The Drag Club stands as a beacon for the queer community and our allies. We’re appalled by Turning Point USA’s anti-trans agenda on our campus. In protest, we’re hosting a guerrilla drag show to embrace the love and queer joy present here…”
“Unlike the 300 attendees at the drag show, only 100 were present inside to hear the anti-trans speakers, as reported by San Luis Obispo’s The Tribune.”
“Video footage of the drag show captures hundreds of students cheering and dancing joyfully as they witness the performances.”
“I dislike having to be present to affirm our existence and demonstrate our pride, success, and resilience as trans individuals. However, I appreciate the overwhelming support shown by so many people for our community,” expressed Vinny Torres, drag club vice president and performer known as Skinny Mocha. “It’s a mix of emotions, but the solidarity is heartening.”
A university spokesperson responded to upset students who accused the school of insufficient action against Turning Point’s event, asserting the institution’s position.
“We acknowledge the concerns about specific guest speakers at Cal Poly,” stated spokesperson Matt Lazier. “However, it is not the university’s responsibility to determine who can or cannot share their perspectives on campus.”
Canada has updated its travel advisory for the United States, warning its LGBTQ+ residents that they may be affected by some state laws if they travel across the border.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has updated its travel advisory to include a warning for LGBTQ+ visitors to the United States. The advisory now advises LGBTQ+ travelers to check state and local laws before planning their trips, as some states in the US have enacted laws and policies that may affect LGBTQ+ individuals. This update is part of the ‘Laws and Culture’ section of the Canadian travel advisory, which aims to inform citizens about potential risks and legal considerations when traveling to other countries.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has updated its travel advisory to include a warning for LGBTQ+ travelers to the United States. While the advisory doesn’t specify particular laws or states, it highlights that certain US states have passed laws restricting access to gender-affirming care, banning drag shows, and limiting transgender community participation in sports. GAC advises LGBTQ+ travelers to be aware of local laws and customs governing sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics when traveling abroad. The update is meant to help travelers make informed decisions about their destinations, given the potential differences in legal frameworks and social customs. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized that these travel advisories are professionally prepared to address specific risks to Canadians while abroad.
Prior to this week’s stunning presidential election results, a number of LGBTQ advocates and celebrities threatened to leave the U.S. should Donald Trump be elected. Now that the real estate mogul and reality TV star is America’s president-elect, NBC OUT has compiled a handy list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for U.S. expatriates.
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