Hello hello — Happy Sunday and welcome to our new readers from the Two Bad Tourists Mallorca giveaway! More on that below — here's what's on tap this week:
🏳️🌈 We love these 6 LGBTQ-friendly Caribbean destinations
🚨 Giveaway: Enter to win a free trip to Mallorca, Spain!
🗞️ Travel Briefs: News & vibes for gays on the go
🔥 GoQueer’s Hot 10 Deals: Our favorite escapes this week
The 6 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Caribbean Destinations
As LGBTQ+ travelers, finding paradise means more than just perfect weather—it means finding places where we can truly be ourselves.
To be honest, the Caribbean can be a mixed bag when it comes to Queer acceptance, with some islands still maintaining discriminatory laws while others have emerged as rainbow-flag-waving havens.
Based on extensive community feedback, legal protections, and on-the-ground experiences, here are the six Caribbean destinations that consistently rank as the most welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers.
1. Puerto Rico
Why it's perfect right now: San Juan is hailed as the "gay capital of the Caribbean" and offers the convenience of no passport required for U.S. citizens, plus full federal LGBTQ+ legal protections.
Puerto Rico's vibrant Queer scene centers around San Juan's bustling neighborhoods, packed with gay-friendly bars and clubs. The island celebrates two Pride festivals annually—one in late May/early June in San Juan and another during the winter.
2. Curaçao
Why it's perfect right now: On July 12, 2024, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in Curaçao, making this Dutch territory even more progressive.
The nation's sole gay bar, GAZE Bar & Lounge Curaçao hosts dancing and regular drag nights. The island hosts Curaçao Pride Week annually, usually in September, and embraces a "live and let live" philosophy that perfectly suits LGBTQ+ travelers. Here’s our full guide to Gay Curaçao.
3. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John)
Why it's perfect right now: Gay marriage has been legal here since 2015, and as U.S. territories, visitors enjoy familiar legal protections and no passport requirements.
St. Croix has Danish colonial architecture, rum distilleries, and an LGBTQ+-owned boutique resort, Sandcastle on the Beach, located on a queer-friendly beach. The islands host annual Pride celebrations in June, with local businesses like Sion Farm Distillery actively participating.
4. Aruba
Why it's perfect right now: Same sex marriage is legally recognised, and, like Curaçao, it hosts annual Pride celebrations (June 28, 2025). The "One Happy Island" truly lives up to its inclusive reputation.
Aruba's gay scene centers around Oranjestad, with venues offering drag shows, bingo nights and karaoke nights, and Cage nightclub featuring weekly drag shows. It’s a beloved Queer destination.
5. St. Barthélemy (St. Barts)
Why it's perfect right now: As a French territory, St. Barts benefits from France's progressive LGBTQ+ laws and general openness to the LGBTQ+ community, thanks in part to the island's connections to French culture. While there isn't a dedicated gay nightlife scene, LGBTQ+ travelers are easily integrated into the island's social scene, with no reports of discrimination or violence.
6. St. Maarten/St. Martin
Why it's perfect right now: This tiny island is divided in two: half is French, the other half is Dutch, and it prides itself on its inclusivity and fusion of cultures. Both sides offer LGBTQ+ protections and acceptance.
It’s the opposite for St. Barts: the island's party scene is legendary, with numerous gay-friendly beach bars and clubs. The dual culture creates a unique blend of European sophistication and Caribbean laid-back vibes.
Have you been to any of the spots on our list of top Gay-friendly Caribbean destinations??
Win a 2-Night Stay in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Start the year off right with an unforgettable getaway! We’ve partnered with our friends at Two Bad Tourists along with Summun Boutique Hotel to bring you an exclusive giveaway. Sign up for a chance to win a 2-night stay for two people at this 5-star hotel in the historic, city center of Palma de Mallorca—plus a $200 USD flight credit.
The history of this medieval palace, located in the heart of Palma's old town, will captivate you. Built in 1570, the Can Berga-Ladària Palace is a vestige of time from the past. Inspired by Mallorcan architecture and the Palma nobility, it remains unbeatable as time goes on, with its ancient stables and water tank converted into modern rooms.
Don’t miss out—enter now for a chance to enjoy this unforgettable getaway!
Travel News for Gays on the Go
What’s worth knowing in queer travel this week — from major headlines to the best finds worth your clicks.
⚖️ Queer Politics & Rights
Tens of thousands protest transphobia as London Trans Pride returns
Outrage after border agents subject detained gay Vermont superintendent to hours of ‘psychological terror’
After being wrongfully deported by Trump, gay makeup artist Andry Hernández Romero describes horrific sexual & physical abuse at CECOT in El Salvador
Phoenix LGBTQ+ film fest canceled because of Trump's anti-DEI orders
Disgraced gay ex-congressman George Santos bids farewell as he starts seven-year prison sentence
Sarah McBride's first bill just passed Congress & not one Republican voted against it
U.S. Olympic Committee bars trans women from competing, caving to Trump
Trump bill adds $250 fee for some foreign travelers. Here’s how it works
Trump is pulling out of the cultural heritage UNESCO program—here’s what it means for travelers
The U.S. slips again in passport power rankings (shocking!)
🔥 Trending & Viral
South Park takes aim at Donald Trump with jaw-dropping NSFW depiction: ‘He’s going to lose his mind’
Harry Styles has released his own line of sex toys
Bottoms up? Beach beer bottle’s cheeky shape has gays doing a double-take
Hilarious TikTok stars ‘The Old Gays’ reveal their favorite part about being queer
25 lesbian web series that time forgot & where to stream them now
🏳️🌈 Travel Inspiration
This queer-owned paradise is St. Croix’s best-kept secret
Gay Asbury Park Guide: one of our favorite getaway spots for queers in the tri-state area
London’s secret tunnels that helped inspire James Bond will open to the public, complete with a bar
💋 Sexy Stuff
Check out the hunky and hairy men of Bear Week Provincetown 2025
The Italian capital is awash in hot naked men — here’s a taste of gay Rome
What is a 'lesbian bottom?' LGBTQ+ sex experts explain
⚖️ Q&A Time:
Last Week’s Results:
Last week, we asked: Is going to Pride important to you?
31% said YES
69% said NO (COINCIDENCE?)
Verdict: Pride is Everything
Y’all have spoken loud and clear! With nearly 9 out of 10 readers saying yes, it's obvious that Pride isn't just another event on the calendar—it's a cornerstone of our queer experience.
Whether you're there for the celebration, the community, the activism, or just to dance in the street with thousands of your closest rainbow family members, Pride matters. And the comments were on point:
“I wish the organizers every success but at this time I don't feel safe at all as a gay tourist to travel to the U.S. I'm afraid of being arbitrarily detained at the border, or having my phone confiscated, or being attacked or shot at.” Well, yes!
“Fun weekend. Bars cover charges are excessive during this weekend with nothing extra. Nevertheless a good time will be experienced.”
“No - but thanx for promoting this event - it’s now on our list for future US visits.”
“I’ve been to Decadence twice since 2019 and loved (almost) every second. I started attending NOLA Pridefest instead though. I’ve been to that twice now, as well. The heat and humidity is overwhelming in August.”
Category is: Hot Travel Deals — 10s across the board.
CCBC in Palm Springs (if you know, you know) is doing a HUGE Christmas in July sale — offering 25% off rooms and day passes through the end of the year. Under “rate options” enter promo code XMAS25 — must book by July 31!
Our OTHER favorite clothing-optional Palm Springs resort also has a good deal going on: stay seven nights at our favorite Gay PS resort, get one free.
Head to P-Town this fall and get 20% off your stay at the Brass Key Guesthouse — use promo code 2420, valid on stays between September 15 and October 29.
That’s a wrap for this week. ✈️ Safe travels — and we’ll see you next time.
— The GoQueer Team
🗳️ Psst — got a sec? We’d love to hear your thoughts — it helps us make GoQueer even better. Reply to this email or answer below.