Experiencing wanderlust can bring on a myriad of emotions. If experiencing mental or emotional challenges, traveling can be a nail-biting experience.
Add to that, the pressure of hiding sexual orientation might be likely in countries where laws exist that do not allow us to be equal.
There are steps to prepare for an adventure and traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) is one way to manage anxiety, panic disorder, or depression when being away from home.
An ESA is an assistance animal, usually a cat or a dog, that helps to relieve the symptoms of a mental or emotional disability through companionship and affection.
Anxiety and LGBTQIA+ Travel?
When visiting a foreign country, we are subject to the laws of that country as soon as we cross the border.
There are still many countries where LGBTQIA+ rights aren’t recognized, in fact, it is considered illegal in some countries.
It is always advised to research legislation on LGBTQIA+ rights when visiting countries within the continents of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The U.S. State Department has a helpful page laying out LGBTQIA+ information, and you can search the local laws of a specific country to see their stance.
LGBTQIA+ travelers could experience possible discrimination and prejudice, not just in the continents mentioned above.
Even wearing a rainbow flag T-shirt in some parts of the world could attract an unwanted police presence.
Familiarize Yourself with the Culture
It is essential to respect the culture of the destination that you choose to travel to, whether you believe it is right or wrong. Some countries with a high religious population require a specific dress code. Some places have different rules at the dinner table and some countries find actions such as hand gestures or physical contact rude or unnecessary.
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In order to relieve a little anxiety, it’s important to learn a handful of basic words in order to greet or thank locals in their spoken language.
If research has shown that there is negative legislation or cultural indifferences with the country of choice and LGBTQIA+ rights or freedom of being, it is likely safer to refrain from disclosing sexuality, whether by word or actions. Consider this merely a part of adapting to the chosen destination. Safety is a priority over everything.
For a quick view, Equaldex shows you the legal stance of all human rights within various countries.
While a lot of the world may have legalized gay marriage, it can still be taboo in a community. Few governments are knowns to relax their laws for visiting tourists, so be informed about the destination of choice beforehand and do it well.
Choose a Furry Travel Companion: How Your ESA Can Help
If your Jack Russell eases anxiety, or your Pocket Beagle helps you get through the day, then the best thing you can pack in your luggage is your ESA Letter.
Can My ESA Travel With Me?
Companies such as CertaPet can connect people with a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) that can discuss mental health and issue a prescription of an ESA.
With an ESA Letter, a fur baby can be taken on a traveling adventure. It is advised to always check that a chosen airline will accommodate service animals, be sure to check their ESA policy.
Nowadays, finding pet-friendly accommodation isn’t very difficult. Airbnb allows you to filter your search to find somewhere where you can curl up with a furry travel companion after a full day of sight-seeing. Camping is also a great option if your furry friend is with you.
Five Ways your ESA Can Make LGBTQIA+ Traveling A Little Easier
1. Unconditional acceptance. With your companion by your side, you can feel accepted even when you need to hide your sexual status.
2. Travel when you want to. If you’ve had a particularly stressful day and your anxiety is mounting up, then your furry friend will be happy to take a day off with you, no questions asked.
3. Added security. Okay, this isn’t permission to set your dog onto prejudice homophobes, but some small dog breeds are very protective of their owners and will defend you with their bark if they need to. Always make safety a priority when traveling and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
4. They’ll get you out! For someone with Agoraphobia (phobia of crowds), visiting drag shows, gay bars, conventions, and famous LGBTQIA+ pride parades in a new country isn’t all rainbows for some. The busy crowds and loud noises can be too much for some. Taking an ESA can ease anxiety and might even help start conversations with some like-minded individuals.
5. They’re a welcome distraction. Your ESA has needs, and by taking care of them, you can divert a cluttered mind. Having a dog that is excited to go exploring in a new city could be what gets you out of bed.
Plan and know how to prepare for your ESA’s jet-setting adventure. Traveling with ESAs isn’t a unique concept, and Instagram has many explorers who fling their travel dog over their backpack and hike up glaciers.
Having your ESA with you could give you the courage to explore cities that you’ve never dreamed of visiting before. Go out! Be Proud! Be Brave!
Traveling with ESAs isn’t a unique concept, and Instagram has many explorers who fling their travel dog over their backpack and hike up glaciers.
Learn how to get an ESA!