Safety as an LGBT Person: Comparisons Across Countries

Living as an LGBT individual can present varying degrees of safety and acceptance depending on the country and the environment one finds themselves in. This article explores the experiences of several individuals from different parts of the world, highlighting the challenges and the growing acceptance that is becoming more prevalent in some regions.

LGBTQ in Australia: A Mixed Picture

Let's start with Australia, where the individual's experience in Tasmania is notably different from their experience in Brisbane. In Tasmania, the author feels extremely safe, as it is 'extremely rare to have a problem with the people.' However, when traveling to Brisbane, the situation changes. The author mentions encountering bigotry, particularly in their stay at a hotel. Despite these challenges, the situation is improving with the author's increased safety after transitioning and undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

United States: Challenges with Hate Crime Laws

In the United States, the city of Atlanta provides a contrasting yet layered picture. The author feels safe here, praising the city's hate crime laws and the LGBTQ division within the police force. The chief of police is openly gay, reflecting a progressive stance within law enforcement. However, the effectiveness of these laws is questionable due to the high bar required to prove that an attack happened out of hate, making these laws almost symbolic rather than practical.

Morocco: A Country with High Barriers

Morocco presents another set of challenges. The author finds it difficult to express themselves freely, with bullying and occasional violence being prevalent. Financial and legal barriers, such as the lack of a visa, complicate the situation further. The author seeks help and support from a community for the safety and security they need.

Scotland: A Safe Haven for LGBT Individuals

Scotland, on the other hand, offers a stark contrast with its progressive stance towards LGBT individuals. The author feels safe and considers their home country a sanctuary. However, there are still implicit biases present in the society, which can affect daily life. The author witnesses improvements but acknowledges that personal experiences from the past still hinder full acceptance.

Mexico: Acceptance with Issues

Mexico presents a nuanced scenario where homosexuality is not fully accepted. Despite this, the situation is better compared to most countries. The primary challenges lie in criminality and impunity, where the author finds it hard to feel safe. Social acceptance is gradually improving, reflecting a shift in cultural attitudes.

Conclusion

The experiences of these individuals paint a complex picture of the global LGBT landscape. While significant progress has been made in some countries, there is still a long way to go to ensure full safety, acceptance, and equality for LGBT individuals everywhere.