Traveling from Canada to the US? LGBTQIA+ community faces startling advisory

Got your passports and fab plans all ready? You might want to pause and double-check, especially if you’re a part of the vibrant queer community, as Canada just dropped a travel advisory for LGBTQIA+ Canadians heading to the US.

Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa issued an announcement last Tuesday, August 29. Among the travel advisories are safety and security in Mexico borders, boating in US waters, and cruises.

In light of the LGBTQIA+ advisory, they cited some of the risks brought about by the recently passed laws in some US states. The advisory aims to ensure well-being and safety in the land of stars and stripes.

“Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons,” the advisory says. “Check relevant state and local laws.”

Thus, Canada’s advisory warns that if you identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or intersex), make sure to check the state laws you’re planning to go to. While the advisory didn’t disclose these states, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Caption: The New York Times reported today that the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory LGBTQ+ travelers planning visits to the US. 🇨🇦🇺🇸

The United States currently has over 500+ pieces of legislation attacking LGBTQ+ rights with more on the way. pic.twitter.com/BxFVs50HpA

— Los Angeles LGBT Center (@LALGBTCenter) August 30, 2023

According to a source, anti-LGBTQIA+ demonstrations in the US have been imminent and skyrocketing 30-fold compared to a few years back. A lot has changed on that front, but that’s not all.

LGBTQIA+ laws on the rise

The legal landscape has been shifting like care, with some states throwing curveballs that could affect LGBTQ+ rights.

Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, said in an interview, “Every Canadian government … needs to put at the centre of everything we do the interest and the safety of every single Canadian and every single group of Canadians. That’s what we’re doing now.”

She’s all about putting your safety first against potential dangers. During a chat with the reporters, she shared that Canada’s experts are on standby, making sure every Canadian is in the loop.

After all, the US is one of the top destinations for more than 20 million Canadians every year, and about 4 percent aged 15 and above identify as LGBTQIA+.

#Breaking
Canada has issued a travel warning to Canadians about the dangers of #LGBTQ people traveling to the US due to recent anti-LGBTQ hate crimes murders, massive GOP anti-LGBTQ legislation, and huge upticks in anti-LGBTQ harassment. https://t.co/nkR5W8jKUg

— Victoria Brownworth (@VABVOX) August 29, 2023

Furthermore, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the biggest LGBTQ advocacy in the US, has declared a national state of emergency, calling out the threats surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community.

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Some notable and recent bills in the US states

Before heading for the US, check out these recent and advancing US state laws and anti-LGBTQIA+ bills (as of May 22, 2023).

Arizona: Trans students and school personnel banned from sharing bathrooms with their gender preference. People can sue schools if this transpires.

Louisiana: Snatching away gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Ohio: The “no sports for you” law for LGBTQIA+ community exists here.

South Carolina: Censorship for diversity counseling or training in schools

Texas: Ban of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at state universities and colleges

In addition, some of the states that are most aggressive in pushing anti-LGBTQIA+ laws are — Tennessee, North Dakota, Florida, and Texas.

In a nutshell, Canada is waving the rainbow flag and sending you a heads up. After all, nobody wants to step into a legal maze right?