Discover which Caribbean islands recognize same-sex marriage and offer legal protections for LGBTQ+ travelers
The Caribbean is a dream vacation spot but it’s something of a minefield if you’re LGBTQ+. Gay rights vary considerably across the Caribbean, ranging from super gay-friendly islands like Aruba to far less welcoming islands, such as Jamaica.
In this article, we’ll focus on the varied legal landscape in the Caribbean islands. Gay marriage is legal in some of the islands, so you can even plan a gay wedding or honeymoon in the Caribbean. Read on to find out where you stand legally as a gay traveler.
Caribbean Islands That Recognize Same-Sex Marriage
Marriage equality remains a rarity in the Caribbean, but there are a few destinations where same-sex couples can legally wed. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as U.S. territories, have recognized same-sex marriage since 2015 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling. These islands not only allow same-sex marriage but also have broader protections against discrimination, making them among the most LGBTQ-friendly in the region.
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Bermuda’s stance on same-sex marriage has been turbulent, with the government initially legalizing it, then replacing it with domestic partnerships, and finally having the courts rule in favor of marriage equality again. While same-sex marriage is legal, the ongoing legal battles highlight the complexities of LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
In the Dutch Caribbean, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao recognize same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands, though they do not conduct ceremonies locally. This means LGBTQ+ couples looking to marry must do so in the Netherlands before having their union legally acknowledged in these territories. Meanwhile, the Cayman Islands legalized same-sex marriage in 2022 after a long legal fight, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
French Caribbean territories, including St. Barts, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, fully recognize same-sex marriage, following French law. These islands offer the same legal protections as mainland France, making them some of the safest Caribbean destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
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LGBTQ+ Rights and Protections in the Caribbean
Beyond marriage, some Caribbean nations provide broader legal protections for LGBTQ+ travelers. Aruba and Curaçao, for example, have anti-discrimination laws that protect people based on sexual orientation, making them the most inclusive destinations for gay travelers. Curaçao has also emerged as an LGBTQ+ travel destination, actively promoting gay-friendly tourism and hosting annual Pride events in Willemstad.
Puerto Rico stands out as one of the most progressive destinations in the region. In addition to legalizing same-sex marriage, the island has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws covering employment, housing, and public accommodations. San Juan, in particular, is home a decent LGBTQ+ scene, with bars, clubs, and Pride events.
St. Martin, the French side of the island shared with Dutch Sint Maarten, benefits from France’s LGBTQ+ laws, making it one of the more welcoming destinations in the Caribbean. Although same-sex marriage is not legally conducted on the Dutch side, Sint Maarten is generally accepting, especially in tourist areas.
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Islands Where LGBTQ+ Rights Are Limited or Nonexistent
Unfortunately, several Caribbean nations still uphold laws that criminalize same-sex relationships. Jamaica remains one of the most challenging destinations for LGBTQ+ individuals, with colonial-era anti-gay laws still in place and a history of homophobic violence. While the country has a small underground LGBTQ+ scene, open expressions of gay identity can be dangerous. The dancehall music scene of Jamaica has notoriously targeted gay Jamaicans with violent slurs in song lyrics, including invocations to commit murder. Such sentiments haven’t been heard in dancehall in recent years, and there’s evidence to suggest that Jamaica is becoming more tolerant. Nonetheless, Jamaica is not a destination we recommend to our clients.
Barbados has taken steps toward LGBTQ+ inclusion by decriminalizing same-sex relationships in 2022, but same-sex marriage remains illegal, and discrimination is still a widespread issue. Similarly, Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada have laws that criminalize same-sex intimacy, creating an unsafe environment for gay travelers. The Bahamas, while not criminalizing same-sex relationships, lacks legal protections against discrimination and does not recognize same-sex marriage. The country’s LGBTQ+ community continues to push for change, but societal attitudes remain conservative.
Conclusion For LGBTQ+ travelers, choosing the right Caribbean destination requires careful planning. While some islands embrace marriage equality and legal protections, others remain restrictive.
We’re experts in booking gay-friendly trips to the Caribbean. Get in touch with us if you’re ready to start planning a luxury vacation. You can ensure a very warm Caribbean welcome when you arrive.
