Canada’s recent travel advisory update has alerted LGBTQ+ travelers to potential impacts of certain state laws in the U.S. The advisory, issued by Global Affairs Canada, advises 2SLGBTQI+ individuals to be cautious when visiting the U.S., indicating that some states have implemented laws and policies that might affect them. It directs travelers to review relevant state and local laws before visiting.
The advisory links to a government page that emphasizes that foreign laws can differ from Canada’s and that LGBTQ travelers might encounter barriers and risks when traveling outside Canada. It also urges travelers to adhere to local laws, even if they infringe on their human rights.
The advisory doesn’t specify the states in question, but it mentions that some states have passed laws banning drag shows and restricting transgender individuals’ access to gender-affirming care and participation in sporting events. The advisory also emphasizes that travelers need to be informed about the legal and social aspects related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics in their destination country.
Canada’s terminology in the advisory includes “2S” for “two-spirit,” a term used by some Indigenous people use as their version of a nonbinary gender identity, and “I” for “Intersex.”
Global Affairs spokesperson Jérémie Bérubé noted that Canadian diplomats assess the situation on the ground to issue travel advisories and enable travelers to make informed decisions. The advisory underscores Canada’s commitment to prioritizing the interests and safety of all Canadians.
The U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to promoting tolerance, inclusion, and human rights for LGBTQI+ individuals. The advisory also highlights how the U.S. itself is listed on travel advisory warnings for certain foreign countries due to urban crime and mass shootings.
Venezuela and Uruguay have previously issued travel warnings against the U.S., citing concerns about violence and hate crimes.
