Is it safe for gay people to travel to turkey

Turkey is a lovely country in Western Asia that many travellers visit for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and historic cities. For gay travellers in Turkey, there are safety concerns to be mindful of when it comes to public expression, both in the cities and in rural areas.

To be clear, Turkey does not outlaw being gay. In fact, it has been legal since the founding of modern Turkey in Even heterosexual couples are advised not to publicly display their affection, and LGBTQ couples are advised to be extra careful. Grindr is banned in Turkey, so the main gay social networking app of choice is Hornet.

Some people also use Growlr and Gabile, which are Turkish-owned. Outside of Istanbul, dating apps like these are the primary means to meet other gay men, as gay bars and nightlife are scarce. Istanbul is one of the few places in Turkey with a thriving gay scene. While locals you meet there may still be discreet or closeted, these gay bars and clubs are where locals and tourists alike can be open about their sexuality.

It is friendly to tourists and hosts a variety of live music performances, drag shows, and karaoke nights check their Facebook page for upcoming events. The atmosphere is always lively, with great music and good service. The menu is written in Turkish and English, and the staff are welcoming to tourists.

Is Istanbul Safe for Gay Travelers?

Its outdoor area is perfect for catching a breath of fresh air before heading back to the pumping dance floor. Chianti Bar has a chill, laid-back vibe, operating as a cafe during the day and a bar at night. There are a couple of other bars in the same building, so make sure you go up two stories.

They host karaoke nights, and the bar is busiest in the evenings. With a population of around 40, Bodrum is perfect for gay travellers looking for a more lowkey community where they can openly express themselves. Although Bodrum is known for its gay-friendly atmosphere, there are actually relatively few dedicated gay clubs in the city.

However, there are a few gay-specific bars fit for meeting gay locals and tourists in the area. It is the most popular gay club in Bodrum and gets especially busy over the weekend. The bar focuses on traditional Turkish nightlife, so make sure to try some raki, a traditional Turkish drink.

Antalya is another popular beachside destination, sometimes called the capital of the Turkish Riviera. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, they sometimes host drag shows and other live performances. The bar gets going after midnight and into the early hours of the morning.

It may be one of the only options for LGBTQ people in Ankara, but with a varied bar selection, fantastic music, and great vibes, it can be enough. It hosts karaoke nights and fun events like pyjama parties and masquerades. Visit earlier in the day for a more chill vibe and later at night for a wild atmosphere.

The club operates on two levels, with more pop music on the upper level and more electronic music on the bottom one. Generally, booking your accommodation at international, more upscale hotels proves to be safer. Turkish hotels are required to record all visitors in a system overseen by the police, which makes it difficult to invite a date back to your room.

However, four-star and five-star hotels will often allow this. Looking for a bit of luxury for your stay in Istanbul?