Retirement.  That magic word we all look to with hope and excitement. The opportunity to finally stop working and pursue our hobbies and interests full-time is a goal shared by many.


You probably have a list of things you’d like to do upon retirement.  Spend time with your family, take up a new hobby, or just simply relax. That said, have you given any thought to where you would like to live? One of the beautiful things about retirement is that you can go anywhere you desire. And, thankfully, there are a number of LGBTQ-friendly countries that make retiring abroad an incredible opportunity.


Where To Go


Whether you are looking to visit temporarily or considering a permanent relocation, it makes sense to consider cities and countries that are LGBTQ-friendly.  Let’s face it. Vacationing or living where you are not welcome is quite simply not enjoyable. So, consider gay-friendly spots.


While there are many areas around the world that are gay-friendly,  today we are going to highlight five fabulous locations.


  • Canada


Our neighbors to the north are incredibly welcoming to the LGBTQ community. In fact, Canada is widely regarded as the most gay-friendly country in the world.  If you do move there, there is so much to see and do.  And, if you want to come back to the states, travel is easy. Take some time and research Canada and all that it offers.


  • Europe


Who doesn’t dream of retiring to Europe? It’s such a glamorous idea! If you are a member of the LGBTQ community, it’s important to realize that some countries are more welcoming than others. For example, Sweden is well-regarded as incredibly gay-friendly. In fact, it has been a regular host of Europride, with celebrations taking place across the country each year. And, same-sex marriage has been legal for over a decade. Add Sweden to your list of places to consider. Happily, other parts of Europe are also good options including Paris, Madrid, Lisbon and Portugal.  Each of these cities is rich in culture and would be a lovely spot to live. 


  • Asia


Asia….it’s far away, exotic and enticing!  Happily, several Asian countries make LGBTQ individuals and families feel right at home. If you are a member of our community and are dreaming of retirement in Asia consider Tai Pei, Taiwan which has antidiscrimination laws in place and allows both same-sex marriage and gays to serve in the military.  While there, make sure to enjoy the Tai Pei Pride gay festival. Another good option is Bangkok, a city known for its active gay population and its affordability. Put it on your list of places to check out!


  • South America


If you are hoping to retire to South America may we suggest visiting both Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aries, Argentina?  Both cities allow gay marriage and in Argentina gay couples can adopt.  Montevideo is a beautiful place to live with an active gay social scene and an incredibly low crime rate.


  • Israel


In general, the Middle East is not the most welcoming spot for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ community. However,  Tel Aviv, Israel is the exception. Those who live in Tel Aviv tend to be open-minded and welcoming. If you are a member of the Jewish community and the LGBTQ community,  Israel may be the perfect place for you.


Travel, Enjoy and Choose


The decision to retire is often easier than choosing where you should live. If you have the opportunity to travel prior to retirement, consider some of the places listed above. You can spend some time in different locations and learn what you like and what you don’t. In the end, you can choose to live in a location you enjoyed while you visited. In short, vacationing in gay-friendly locations is a great way to “plan” for your retirement in the most enjoyable way!