Recently, Jason and I were on vacation and met a delightful gay couple from Australia. In their professional roles, they frequently travel to the U.S. for government and corporate business. Naturally, we said that if they found themselves in the States, we’d love to meet up for dinner.
Their response surprised us.
They told us they’ve decided to boycott the United States — not just for personal reasons, but because of what they see as escalating hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community and a broader breakdown in how the U.S. is treating its allies, including Australia. They no longer feel welcome or safe here.
At first, I was taken aback. But their sentiment isn’t isolated.
Outlets like The Boston Globe, NBC News, Forbes, and BBC have already reported on a noticeable dip in U.S. tourism, driven in part by policies and rhetoric stemming from the Trump era and its aftermath. Some countries have even issued travel warnings, urging caution for visitors to the U.S.
And the numbers back it up: The BBC reports that tourism from Canada has dropped by 20% — a loss that could cost the U.S. up to $2.1 billion in revenue and threaten countless jobs in hospitality and related industries. In the U.K., The Telegraph ran the headline: “Boycotting America? These holiday destinations look just like the U.S.”
Now let’s talk about LGBTQ+ tourism. This June, Washington, D.C. is set to host WorldPride — a global celebration of LGBTQ+ rights. But already, The Washington Post is reporting concerns that international travelers may stay away. Organizers are trying to reassure visitors, but the warning signs are real.
Axios recently noted that trans individuals whose passports don’t match their gender identity might face issues entering the U.S. And two major international LGBTQ+ organizations have raised red flags:
• The African Human Rights Coalition has called for a boycott of WorldPride over safety concerns.
• Egale Canada, that country’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, has declined to participate in any U.S.-based events.
The United States has long been a destination where LGBTQ+ people from around the world could feel free and celebrated. Are we no longer that place?
We’ve rightly criticized other nations for attacking LGBTQ+ rights and supported boycotts in response. So why are we surprised that others might now view us the same way?
It’s worth considering the ripple effects — especially for members of our own community who work in tourism, hospitality and service. How much of their livelihood is at risk?
So let me end with a simple but urgent question:
If you’re LGBTQ+ and from Mexico, Canada, Africa and yes, even western Europe — how safe do you feel traveling to the United States right now?