Venice – one of the destinations featured in “Out In The World”
‘Worldwide: an LGBTQIA+ (and friends!) travel guide to over 100 destinations around the world» is National Geographic's first travel book for the LGBTQIA+ community. Authors Amy B. Scher and Mark Jason Williams look at 120 destinations—from Austin to Antarctica—and what makes them a great, inclusive vacation for every traveler. I spoke with Scher and Williams about the need for this book and what they love most about traveling.
What motivated you to write a travel book for the LGBTQIA+ community?
Mark Jason Williams: We wrote this book because it didn't exist. The LGBTQIA+ section of travel guides is usually at the back and focuses on hotspots, bars and clubs. These things are great but they aren't for everyone. Sometimes I want to go to a small town, go hunting and stay in a cozy inn. We wanted to create a book that was inclusive and provided many different ideas and inspiration for different types of travelers.
Amy B. Scher:Our litmus test for this book was is this a place we could take our mother? We want the same diversity that other communities have access to. We all know the places to go for Pride, what can we do beyond that? There are drag brunches in the book, but also places where you could attend a family reunion. The idea was to create a curated list of safe and welcoming destinations.
How has being part of a same-sex couple affected your travel experiences?
abs: Until I met my future wife, I had never dated a woman before. As a single woman, I had to think about where I could and couldn't go – like many heterosexuals. But I never thought about the places I couldn't go as a same-sex couple. When we got married, I wanted to go to Marrakech. Some family members lovingly told me that at that time they were worried it wouldn't be welcoming. It made me understand what the community is facing, not being able to freely be themselves when traveling. But I'm happy to say that things have really changed there and it looks like we're finally going there after 15 years together.
In the world
MJW: My husband and I arrived at this boutique hotel once and there was a welcome card that started with “Welcome Mr. and Mrs.” I was upset because I had exchanged emails with the concierge and they knew we were a gay couple. . I reported it to the innkeeper. She said: “I have a lot of gay friends. We are not homophobic. » And it made me realize: we are beyond the obvious homophobia, but there are still ways to not be welcoming in the community.
What was one of your favorite places you traveled to for the book?
MJW: Antarctica is one of the most breathtaking soul healing trips I have ever taken. You are at the end of the world. I was so close to a whale that I could hear it breathing. The Penguins. The glaciers. The breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
abs: One of my biggest surprises was the Hill Country surrounding Austin, Texas. Most people know that Austin is very LGBTQIA+ friendly, but as my wife and I have traveled further afield to some of these smaller towns, we have felt welcome. And I don't think it's a place I would have gone many years ago.
Author Amy B. Scher
Is the book purely positive or is it also a warning about places not to travel?
abs: It’s extremely positive. These are mini-guides to 120 selected destinations. What to do, see and where to eat and stay. A sample itinerary and a taste of all the possibilities. If a company is in the book, it means we like it.
But there are also caveats that, perhaps, This place where you want to exercise this type of caution or being more conscious in terms of public displays of affection.
Is this one of the most frustrating aspects of traveling with a same-sex partner?
MJW: People universally want to have the same freedom as the heterosexual community to hold hands or furtively kiss. But if you go to a place where PDA is frowned upon and you can't go there without holding someone's hand – maybe it's just not the place for you.
In some countries, stations are in a bubble and will welcome the LGBTQIA+ community. Holding your partner's hand on the beach will be fine. But if outside the resort there is a less progressive place where I would say not to do this, then you have to ask yourself if the concession is worth it.
Author Mark Jason Williams
Are there places where you give separate advice to different members of the LGBTQIA+ community?
abs: Each chapter contains an LGBTQIA+ overview that indicates when certain parts of the community should be more aware. But we also highlight many positive points. As in this particular area, trans rights and inclusion have made a lot of progress Or this place is very popular with lesbian couples.
What surprised you the most while researching the book?
MJW: Even in America's least progressive states, there are welcoming pockets and very inclusive communities. There's Galena, Illinois or Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Kentucky has Louisville. There were more pride flags and LGBTQIA+-owned and welcoming businesses there than I ever imagined. Same thing in Salt Lake City, which has more people identifying as LGBTQIA+ per capita than Los Angeles. Don't exclude a location because of political beliefs.
Are there ways heterosexual travelers can help make destinations more inclusive?
ABS: One solution is to support businesses that outwardly state that they are welcoming to the community. Invest money in these places so they can continue to operate. it's vacation and you certainly don't have to research every company. But sometimes spending a few extra minutes can make a big difference for the community.
MJW: If you are a straight person traveling with an LGBTQIA+ person, they may sometimes need a little space and that's okay. Maybe there's a bar they want to go to alone and if they don't want company, don't take it personally. And if they don't feel comfortable in a particular space and want to leave, don't minimize their feelings. These are small things but they go a long way.
