Traveling without being able to be yourself: why more than two-thirds of LGBTQ+ people hide who they are when they travel

Traveling should mean freedom.

The possibility of discovering new places, learning about new cultures, and having experiences that broaden our worldview.

However, for millions of LGBTQ+ people around the world, travel still involves a question that many other people never have to ask themselves:

Is it safe to be myself here?

A recent international study conducted by Booking.com as part of its Travel Proud program reveals a troubling reality. More than two-thirds of LGBTQ+ individuals report partially or completely concealing their sexual orientation or gender identity when traveling to certain destinations. Furthermore, 40% admit they would be willing to hide part of their identity to visit a place they've always wanted to see.

Behind these figures lies a much deeper reality than a simple tourism issue.

The research reminds us that, even in 2026, millions of LGBTQ+ people still feel the need to modify their behavior, their expressions of affection, or even conversations about their personal lives in order to feel safe while traveling.

The closet that many people reopen

For many lesbian, bisexual, queer, and non-binary women, traveling involves constantly evaluating the environment.

Can we hold hands?

Can we book a double room without receiving awkward questions?

Can we talk about our partner freely?

Can we show affection in public?

According to the study, almost half of LGBTQ+ people continually analyze whether it is safe to show themselves as they are when visiting certain destinations.

What for some people is a simple getaway or a vacation, for others involves much more complex planning that includes researching laws, social attitudes, cultural customs and possible risks before even booking a plane ticket.

A global reality that we cannot ignore.

This data comes at a particularly delicate time for LGBTQ+ rights internationally.

Although there have been historic advances in many countries over the past few decades, we are also seeing worrying signs of regression in different parts of the world.

Same-sex relationships remain criminalized in dozens of countries. In some places, LGBTQ+ people continue to face imprisonment, institutional discrimination, or severe restrictions on their fundamental rights.

This reality is of particular concern to Kristin Hansen, founder of ELLA Festival and an activist committed for years to the visibility and rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Hansen maintains a deep personal connection to Senegal, a country he has considered his second home since childhood. For this reason, he follows with particular concern the situation of LGBTQ+ people in different regions of the world and the tightening of certain laws that directly affect their lives.

As she herself points out:

"It's easy to forget that millions of people continue to face discrimination, invisibility, and even criminalization for being who they are."

Her words serve as a reminder of a reality that can sometimes seem distant to those who live in relatively inclusive environments.

But for millions of LGBTQ+ people, the freedom to love, express themselves, or simply exist remains a daily struggle.

More than security: the need to belong

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this study is that it doesn't just talk about safety.

It speaks of belonging.

It talks about the possibility of relaxing.

To stop monitoring every word.

Not having to constantly calculate how much of oneself is safe to show.

Because true freedom is not just about being able to travel.

True freedom lies in being able to travel while being who you are.

Fearless.

Without explanation.

Without having to hide parts of your identity.

Why spaces like ELLA are still necessary

For more than two decades, ELLA Festival has brought together lesbian, bisexual, queer and non-binary women from dozens of different countries.

Some come from cities where they can live openly.

Others travel from places where visibility still has social, family, or even legal consequences.

Many had never before encountered thousands of people who share similar experiences to their own.

And yet, there is one phrase that is repeated time and again among those who participate for the first time:

"Here I can be myself."

It may seem like something simple.

But for many people it is extraordinary.

Because it means being able to talk freely about your partner.

Being able to dance with whomever you want.

Being able to show affection without looking around.

To feel like you belong.

Kristin Hansen summarizes this mission very clearly:

"ELLA's goal has always been to promote visibility, empowerment, and connection within the community. We create spaces where people can feel free, safe, and represented, but we also want to remember that, for many LGBTQ+ people around the world, living openly as themselves remains a daily challenge."

Perhaps that's why ELLA is much more than a festival.

It is an international community made up of people who believe that diversity should be celebrated, not hidden.

And proof that when people feel safe, connected, and represented, something extraordinary happens: they can be themselves.

Traveling can also be an act of freedom

Despite the difficulties, the report also leaves room for hope.

More and more LGBTQ+ people are choosing destinations, events, and communities where they know they can have authentic experiences.

Places where they don't have to hide.

Places where diversity is not only accepted, but celebrated.

Places where they can feel part of something bigger.

Because traveling should be about discovering the world.

Not by hiding from him.

And because no one should have to choose between fulfilling a dream and living it as their authentic self.

At ELLA Festival we believe that visibility, community and belonging are not privileges.

These are fundamental human needs.

And as long as millions of LGBTQ+ people continue to feel they must go back into the closet to travel, we will continue working to build spaces where every person can feel free, safe, and proud to be who they are.

Because the world should be a place where all people can travel without fear.

And to live without hiding.