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Socialism/Safe Space Travel for the Black LGBTQIA+ Community: Because Closet Life was Never that Chic...

Updated: Jun 9


Let’s get something clear: being Black and queer isn’t just an identity—it’s an art form. We bring style, joy, resilience, and rhythm into every space we enter. But when we travel, we don’t just want stunning views and cute Airbnbs—we want to feel safe, celebrated, and seen.

So where can you live your best Black queer fantasy without worrying about microaggressions, side-eyes, or pretending to “tone it down”?



Don’t worry—we made a list. From queer beach days to spaces that actually get intersectionality, these 5 cities know how to welcome us properly. They have the receipts—and the vibes!




1. Toronto, Canada

Why we love it: Community-centered and unapologetically inclusive.


Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and it shows. Black LGBTQ+ folks will feel seen here, especially during Pride Toronto, which features Blockorama—a long-running stage celebrating Black queer and trans communities.


  • Legal protection: Same-sex marriage legalized in 2005. Anti-discrimination laws include gender identity and expression.


  • Bonus: The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.



2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Why we love it: Bicycles, Black Pride, and big love.


Amsterdam has a long history of progressive policies and LGBTQ+ rights. But what makes it stand out for Black queer travelers is Black Pride NL, an annual celebration uplifting queer people of African descent.


  • Legal protection: First country to legalize same-sex marriage (2001). Strong anti-racism and anti-hate crime laws.


  • Fun fact: Amsterdam has a dedicated LGBTQ+ monument—the Homomonument—and a thriving Afro-Dutch cultural scene.



3. New York City, USA

Why we love it: We built the culture—period.


New York is where the Black LGBTQ+ experience lives out loud. From the Harlem Renaissance to modern-day ballroom culture, it’s not just a city—it’s a movement. It’s also home to Brooklyn Black Pride and The Audre Lorde Project, which center queer people of color in advocacy and care.


  • Legal protection: Strong anti-discrimination laws in New York State; gender-affirming care and rights are widely protected.


  • Real talk: The U.S. isn’t perfect, but NYC is an oasis where queerness and Blackness aren’t just accepted—they’re foundational.



4. London, United Kingdom

Why we love it: Proper queer, proper Black, proper powerful.


London hosts UK Black Pride, the largest celebration in Europe for LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, and Latin American descent. It's more than a party—it’s a political and spiritual exhale.


  • Legal protection: Same-sex marriage is legal. Discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, and gender identity is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010.

  • Note: The queer nightlife in Soho and cultural depth in Brixton are a whole vibe.



5. Cape Town, South Africa

Why we love it: Rainbow Nation and room for Black queer joy.


I know…I know but South Africa was the first—and still only—African country to legalize same-sex marriage (2006). Cape Town is its queer capital, with LGBTQ+ friendly districts like De Waterkant and a growing number of events centered on Black queer folks.


  • Legal protection: Strong constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ people and one of the most inclusive legal frameworks on the continent.


  • Tip: Pair queer nightlife with vineyard tours and a beach selfie that screams “main character.”




Final Thought: Travel Where Your Full Self Can Breathe


This isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about traveling as your whole self. Being Black and queer isn’t a burden to hide—it’s magic to take with you. These five cities don’t just let us show up—they make space for us to thrive.


 

Safe spaces aren’t about running away from the world. They’re about having a place to rest, recharge, and remember that you deserve respect, love, and a community that sees you fully. We fight better when we’re not constantly in survival mode.

So let’s protect them. Build them. Be them.


So book that flight. Take up space. Let them stare (they’re just jealous of the glow).

And if anyone ever says, “Ugh, safe spaces are for snowflakes”—just smile, sip your iced oat milk latte, and say, “Damn right. I’m a snowflake. And I sparkle….


Feel free to to share your thoughts on Socialism/Safe Space Travel. Let us know if any travel experiences you've had. Have you visited any of the above locations? Every 2nd Monday of the month we will blog about Socialism/Safe Space concerns and examples. With the state of the government, it is very important to be aware of safe spaces. Let's watch each other's backs and share tips. If you have a place or topic that you would like highlighted in our Socialism blog or want to create an I Am Me Socialism blog, please reach out to Angel Brown at Angel@iammecorp.org


References:

Blockorama by Blackness - https://www.pridetoronto.com/blockorama

Black Pride Netherlands - https://www.blackprident.org

The Audrey Lorde Project - https://www.alp.org

Brooklyn Black Pride - https://www.brooklynblackpride.org

OUT LGBT Well Being - https://www.out.org.za

Mamba Online (South Africa's LGBTQ+ News Platform) - https://www.mambaonline.com



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