This article will discuss why you should use the Equaldex when traveling internationally, what it is, and how to use the provided data. So, if you want to learn more, please stay with us.
©Our World In Data
What is Equaldex ?
Firstly, we’ll try to explain the term. Equaldex is a collaborative knowledge base for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) movement. Its goal is to become a platform to collect, display, and analyze data about LGBT laws, facts, polls, and opinions. Equaldex is unique because its data, in a structured and consistent format, is contributed to and verified by its users, making you an integral part of the LGBT movement.
Using this data, Equaldex can reveal which countries are progressing, which need the most help, and how the LGBT movement has advanced over the years. This insight can give us hope and optimism for LGBT rights.
Laws were just the start. More features will give more insight into the LGBT movement, including how LGBT people feel, how the population feels about LGBT issues, who is helping move us forward (e.g., organizations, individuals), and who is holding us back (e.g., discriminatory laws, societal attitudes). Equaldex is about showing us the progress of LGBT+ rights, which we’ll explain in the following paragraph.
LGBT+ Rights
Most importantly, LGBT+ rights are human rights that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other people outside traditional sexuality and gender categories have. But in practice, these rights are often not protected to the same extent as the rights of straight and cisgender people.
Among others, LGBT+ rights include:
- physical integrity rights, such as not being executed for their sexuality or gender and not being subjected to conversion therapies;
- social rights, such as changing their legal gender, being sexually intimate, marrying, and adopting children with people of the same sex;
- Economic rights include not being discriminated against at work and political rights, such as being able to advocate for themselves and their communities publicly.
The protection of these rights allows LGBT+ people to live the lives they want and to thrive in them.
On their page, you can find data and visualizations on how the protection of LGBT+ rights has changed over time and how it varies across countries. This understanding can empower you, as an LGBTQ+ traveler, to make informed decisions and feel more secure when traveling abroad. It puts the control in your hands, allowing you to plan your trip confidently.
Note: If you want you can also read our article about the safest European nations for the LGBT+ travelers.
Planning your trip
In this paragraph, we will give you a few tips on planning your trip as an LGBT+ individual. Furthermore, we will explain how the Equaldex App could be useful when planning a trip. So here are a few key Considerations for Traveling as an LGBTQ+ Individual:
Research Laws Before Traveling:
Understand that LGBTQ+ rights vary widely between countries. Research the legal protections in your destination, as some places may criminalize homosexuality. Use the Equaldex app to access vital information about acceptance and discrimination.
Safety Comes First:
Prioritize your safety while traveling. Understand the security situation in your destination, as legal advancements don’t always reflect public sentiment. Being informed and prepared empowers you to travel confidently.
Be Aware of Cultural Attitudes:
If traveling to a country with a hostile environment toward LGBTQ+ individuals, connect with local LGBTQ+ or human rights organizations for insights and best practices. Their firsthand knowledge will help you navigate challenges effectively.
Human Rights Violations Are a Reality:
Stay informed about reports of discrimination, as they affect law enforcement behavior. Use the Equaldex app to identify safe spaces for help.
Prioritize Your Health:
Be aware that local healthcare providers may not understand LGBTQ+ health needs and could be discriminatory. Prioritize your mental health and consider professional help if needed. Thorough preparation, including appropriate travel insurance, is essential.
Considerations for Transgender Travelers:
Transgender individuals should ensure their identification matches their presentation to avoid complications. Update documents and have an explanatory letter ready. Be mindful of access to gender-affirming medication and weigh risks before disclosing your identity.
You can navigate your travels safely and confidently by focusing on research and preparation.
©Equaldex
How do we use Equaldex ?
Firstly, the Equality Index consists of the Legal and Public Opinion Index. So, it is an average of the Legal and Public Opinion Index. Let’s see how they are estimated.
Equality Index Methodology
Equaldex’s Equality Index is a rating from 0 to 100 (with 100 being the most equal) to help visualize the legal rights and public attitudes towards LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex…) people in each region. The Equality Index averages two indexes: the legal Index and the public opinion Index.
Legal Index
The LGBT legal index measures the current legal status of 13 different issues ranging from the legal status of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, transgender rights, LGBT discrimination protections, LGBT censorship laws, and more. Each topic is weighted differently (for example, if same-sex marriage is illegal in a region, it would have a much more significant impact on the score than not allowing LGBT people to serve in the military).
Public Opinion Index
The LGBT public opinion index measures the public attitudes towards LGBT people using surveys and polls from respected associations. Furthermore, this index is scored based on averaging the outcomes of all surveys in a given region. The average value is usually the poll’s most “equal” response. In some cases, a survey may be weighted less if the survey is particular or includes a specific group of people (such as Christians) and might not fully represent the overall attitudes of the region.
©Equaldex
So, why are both indexes equally important?
Take a look at the map above. You will see that some countries have incorporated advanced legislation that is way ahead of public opinion. On the contrary, some countries still need to modernize their legislation. If you take a look at the San marino case. The legislation is less advanced than in other European countries, but the public opinion is. So, despite the not-so-advanced legislation, you should feel safe when traveling there because the public opinion is highly LGBT+ favorable.
The conclusion
So, as you can see, Equalindex does not only provide data about laws but also public opinion, which can be equally important, especially if the disparity between the two is significant. We advise you to use the Equaldex App when planning your trip abroad.
Take a look at
References and sources:
Photo credits: