Travel media company Asher & Lyrie has released an intriguing report titled “The 203 Worst (& Safest) Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023.”

Based in the United States, Asher & Lyrie conducted extensive research on the LGBTQ+ rights and situations in each country. After over 400 hours of research, they created the “LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index” as an indicator to determine which countries are the safest for LGBTQ+ travelers, collecting data from individual countries’ legal statuses and various international sources.

The LGBTQ+-friendly country ranking is based on 10 factors related to LGBTQ+ safety (such as protection against discrimination, criminalization of violence, and the legality of same-sex relationships) and is scored accordingly.

In the 2023 survey, Canada was ranked the most LGBTQ+-friendly country for the third consecutive year. Asher & Lyrie stated in their overall assessment: “Canada has an excellent legislative record on LGBTQ+ rights. It was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage, it enshrines protection against discrimination in its constitution, and the majority of Canadians report that it is a safe place for gay and lesbian people.”

LGBTQ+ Communities in Canada 

Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are home to some of the largest LGBTQ+ communities and are ranked among the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Canada.

Toronto

With Canada’s largest gay community, Toronto’s Church and Wellesley Village is known as the most vibrant and populous LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The annual Toronto Pride event is a celebration of unity and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.

Montreal

Montreal is known for its large gay community, with events like Montreal Pride and the “Gay Village” area, which is home to many same-sex bars and clubs. Since 1988, Montreal has also hosted an LGBTQ+ film festival that educates and raises awareness about the community.

Vancouver

In Vancouver, the LGBTQ+ community is centered around areas like Davie Street and Commercial Drive. Additionally, the city has a community center called Qmunity, which offers programs for LGBTQ+ youth and seniors, a transgender ID clinic, employment support, and counseling programs.

LGBTQ+ Rights in Immigration Policies

One of the key reasons Canada maintains its top position is its protection of LGBTQ+ people in workplaces, recognition of joint adoption and second-parent adoption, and laws surrounding legal identities for transgender individuals. Notably, Canada’s commitment to building an inclusive society where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can participate is a major factor. This has led many people from countries where LGBTQ+ rights are not protected to immigrate to Canada in search of a safe and welcoming environment.

Same-Sex Partners: Visa and Permanent Residence Applications

Under Canadian immigration law, same-sex marriages and relationships are eligible for family class sponsorships and permanent residence applications. Same-sex partners can also be included in economic class permanent residence applications. Partners of work or student visa holders can apply for spouse visas. Furthermore, same-sex spouses or partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can obtain an open work permit during the permanent residence application process.

Socially Vulnerable Groups and Refugee Acceptance History

Canada has a long history of providing protection and resettlement assistance to the most vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sometimes accepts individuals facing violence or persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as refugees.

Funding and Resources for Private Organizations

One of the ways IRCC supports the LGBTQ+ community is by providing financial aid to the Rainbow Refugee Society, which works with sponsors to assist LGBTQ+ refugees entering Canada. Additionally, the immigration agency collaborates with domestic organizations that advocate for the promotion and protection of LGBTQ+ rights, such as Eagle Canada, which has contributed to the advancement of equality for gay and lesbian people by pushing for sexual orientation to be added as a prohibited ground of discrimination under Canada’s Human Rights Act.

Thus, Canada’s ranking as a top LGBTQ+ destination is the result of the country’s ongoing efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights and create a more inclusive society for all individuals living in Canada.

At Visa JP Canada, we assist LGBTQ+ clients in the same proactive manner as we do with heterosexual couples. We have helped over 100 LGBTQ+ couples with their spouse work visas, family class permanent residency, and economic class permanent residency applications.

Featured Article: Welcome to Canada, Where LGBTQ+ People Can Live Freely!

It is not uncommon for individuals who initially did not come as couples, but sought a more LGBTQ+-friendly environment, to move to Canada and find a partner along the way while applying for permanent residency.

Many people from countries like Japan wish to get legally married in Canada, and we provide advice for these types of consultations as well. At Visa JP Canada, we take utmost care to protect the confidentiality of our clients’ personal information, including LGBTQ+ clients.