Overview

Same-Sex Medical Tourism

Regardless of how tolerant your home country may or may not be regarding same-sex relationships, be prepared for certain adjustments when you travel abroad.  What you do in your own time is your own business, but the moment you set foot in a new country, you are subject to the laws (and social customs) of that land.  Some countries have very uncompromising stances when it comes to homosexuality. 

Numerous resources cover same-sex travel far better than we ever could, so we have included a list of useful links for your convenience.  But we also felt it necessary to include some of our own tips as well:

Familiarize Yourself with the Climate of Whatever Country You Visit

How “gay friendly” is the medical tourism destination you’re about to visit?  Hopefully, you already have a general idea of popular destinations that are tolerant of alternative lifestyles.  But by using some of the online guides below, you can develop an even more accurate understanding of the laws, regulations, and general cultural norms surrounding homosexuality abroad: 

• Amnesty International’s Interactive Map.  Provides fairly accurate information regarding discrimination laws, same-sex marriages, adoption regulations, age of consent, etc.

• International Lesbian and Gay Association’s Interactive Country Profile Map.  Offers country by country snapshots of same-sex rules, restrictions, and literature.

• Gay Travel @ About.com.  Hosts a collection of reviews, articles, and galleries from some of the most popular gay friendly destinations around the world.

Use Gay Friendly Travel Agents

Travel agents who specialize in gay and lesbian vacations will be infinitely more sensitive to your lifestyle needs than ordinary travel agents will be.  They know the hot spots, "social customs", packaged deals, and potential headaches associated with most of the medical tourism destinations you might be considering.   

Prepare for Discrimination

Chances are, you’re no stranger to looks, verbal abuse, and discrimination.  As you travel abroad, however, be prepared for even more “feedback” than what you typically encounter at home.  There won't always exist laws or regulations to protect you.

Be Discreet

Being discreet doesn’t mean that you need to betray who you are.  It does mean, however, that you should consider toning down public displays of affection and other outward signs of your sexual orientation.  How much you have to do this ultimately depends on which medical tourism countries you choose to visit.  Thailand, for example, is extremely tolerant of alternative lifestyles.  In fact, ladyboy shows and gay friendly districts help pull in tons of money for Bangkok’s vibrant tourism industry.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for other medical tourism countries.  Many Muslim countries are openly disdainful of same-sex partnerships.  Even countries as progressive as Turkey are reluctant to accept homosexuality openly.  Lesbian travelers should be especially careful given the gender discrimination that often accompanies homophobia.  In our Travel Tips for Women, we discuss some of the obstacles that many face when they visit male-dominated Muslim countries.

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