Turkish summers are an attractive proposition, with the promise of white sandy beaches and boat parties providing the perfect summer escape. Unlike many majority-Muslim nations , homosexuality is legal in Turkey, and despite political hate speech, tolerance is often the norm in urban areas like Istanbul. The absence of support keeps many locals in the closet: several people living in Turkey chose not to speak or to give only their first names when interviewed for this piece.
In , police sprayed Istanbul Pride marchers with tear gas and water cannons. Last June, authorities detained over Pride participants at events around the city. He cites the right to marry and gender discrimination as two of his deciding factors. But public displays of affection like kissing are "not in the country's culture, even for straight people. What's expected of locals only sometimes applies to tourists.
Still, it's best to use discretion β particularly in small, conservative towns, where adopting a "don't ask, don't tell" policy about sexuality and gender can safeguard against hostility. But even in Bodrum, which Mustafa likens to rainbow flag-flying Mykonos , it's possible to run into prejudice. In , travel blogger Ben Schlappig reported that several local hotels would not allow two men to stay in the same room - a policy that discriminates against gay couples.
Travelers worried about a potential issue should call ahead before booking a stay. But before getting caught in the crosshairs of travel ideology, it's essential to consider personal comfort and safety. If you have an easy time passing as straight or cisgender, discrimination might not pose a threat. Likewise, if the physical expression of same-sex desire isn't necessary while traveling, local customs might not hinder your happiness. Kaan has visited 39 countries and doesn't allow discrimination to stop him from seeing new destinations.
Still, when it comes to personal pleasure, he prefers countries where he doesn't have to hide his sexuality. The amount of intolerance you're willing to accommodate in your itinerary, however, is entirely up to you. Mix and match our expertly designed Greece itineraries to build the one-week, two-week or even three-week trip of your dreams. Train Travel. Day Trip. Destination Practicalities. Read more articles.
