By Randi Locke
With America heading in a less-than-favorable direction, some African Americans are deciding to leave the United States for good. They join thousands of families who chose to go for affordable living and less systemic racism. Countries like Ghana are even encouraging African Americans to move there. Since Ghana first launched its “Year of Return” initiative in 2019 Ghana has welcomed 524 African Americans to their country. Making it one of the most popular countries for African American Expats. Although Ghana has rolled out the welcome mat for African Americans, their laws make it clear that the welcome is conditional. Despite being in the top countries for African American Families to immigrate to, for some, it can also be the most dangerous. Last year Ghana passed a law that makes being openly LGBTQ+ illegal. According to the BBC, the punishment is three years in prison for openly identifying as a member of the LGBTQ community and five years for those who form LGBTQ+ activist organizations. Unfortunately, Ghana and other countries that are popular amongst black expats like Nigeria, Jamaica, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are known to have some of the worst LGBTQ rights. On the other hand countries with some of the best LGBTQ+ laws might not have the most diverse population. Based on recommendations from Black Expats and LGBTQ+ activists, here are the best countries for Black LGBTQ+ people.
Portugal
One of the most popular countries for American Expats to immigrate to earns its spot on the list yet again. With a population of over 900,000 ex-pats from all corners of the globe, Portugal is known for its affordable cost of living and slower pace of life. Facebook groups like Black in Portugal not only help other black people immigrate to Portugal, but they come together to celebrate holidays and explore the country. Portugal’s welcoming nature is also extended to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Portugal decriminalized same-sex relationships in 1982 and legalized gay marriage in June 2010. Making it the eighth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. In 2016 Portugal legalized same-sex adoption. In 2018, Portugal passed a bill that not only outlawed unnecessary surgery on intersex children, the bill also no longer required trans people to be diagnosed with gender identity disorder for their gender to be recognized.
South Africa
South Africa is the best of both worlds. With the rich culture provided by South Africa’s many tribes and modern cities like Johannesburg, South Africa has been a popular place for African Americans to immigrate. This is because the day-to-day living and social scene are comparable to the United States. South Africa is at the forefront of African LGBTQ+ rights. In 2006 South Africa was the first and only African country to legalize gay marriage. They were also the first country in the world to make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal. South Africa also allows trans people to change their legal gender while transitioning.
Spain
Spain has a well-known reputation among digital nomads because of their digital nomad visa. The slow pace of life and colorful culture draws people in. From villages to mountains, Spain has something for everyone. For Black Expats, the city of Malaga makes them feel at home. According to InterNations.org, Malaga is ranked number one in the Expat City Ranking of 2023. Spain is also one of the most accepting countries. Spain not only hosts the world’s largest Pride event, Spain was one of the first countries to legalize same-sex adoption and same-sex marriage in 2005.
Netherlands
With 21% of the Netherlands population consisting of immigrants the Netherlands is very popular amongst expats. It is said to be a utopia due to its progressive values and futuristic architecture. Though the cost of living is high, the quality of living is well worth it. This is because of their amazing healthcare system, school, and progressive laws. They were the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001 and, they are at the forefront of trans rights. Allowing individuals to change their gender marker before transitioning.
Canada
After offering California, Washington, and Oregon to be the eleventh province in response to Trump’s ignorant remarks about buying Canada, it remains one of the top places for Americans to immigrate to. With ten unique provinces and major cities like Toronto, Canada is known for their amazing healthcare and diverse landscape. After legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005, Canada continued to progress when it passed Bill C-16 in 2017. It was one of the first bills to ban discrimination against gender expression. Major cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Ottowa are the most popular cities for Black and LGBTQ+ expats.
Photo by Negative Space: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-wearing-black-backpack-riding-down-the-escalator-34126/
