Europe is the leading destination for queer and trans business professionals, taking six out of the top ten spots according to new research. The survey conducted by Emisil.com, a provider of body prosthetics to support the queer community, conducted the global survey which ranked cities according to a score.

The findings are as follows:

1. Lisbon, Portugal – with a total score of 9.26 it is the clear winner. It ranked highly on the safety index and the general positive attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community. In good news for trans delegates visiting the city on business it additionally has the highest Global Trans Index out of all the countries in the study, with a score of 248, a figure that takes account of gender recognition, laws against discrimination and low rates of hate crimes. It hosts many queer events including Lisbon Bear Pride, Europride 2025 and Lisbon Gay Pride.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark – following closely behind, this Scandinavian country nets a total score of 9.22. Having a higher safety index than leader board champion, Lisbon it fell down on the number of queer clubs and bars that are open, with just 12 it’s a far cry from New York’s 65. As a host of queer events including Draghouse Copenhagen Presents, Copenhagen Gay Pride and Copenhagen Winter Pride it offers more than it’s counter-part in the United States, however.

3. New York, United States – in third place is the Big Apple. With a Global Trans Index 2023, score of 168 and a safety index of 49.84 it is deemed notably less safe than Lisbon and Copenhagen. Same-sex marriage restrictions were lifted in the U.S. in 2015, making it the second last to do so in the top ten list of countries in the survey. 

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – while ranking fourth in the list, it was the first to legalise same-sex marriages (2001) in a nod to it’s more liberal and inclusive reputation. Thirteen years later, gender recognition legislation was first passed (2014). With a safety index of 71.62 it scores more highly than it’s third place counterpart, New York, despite having less bars and clubs to attend (23).

5. Taipei, Taiwan – in fifth place is Taipei. It ranks top of the survey for safety with a score of 84.46 but lifted its legal restrictions on same-sex marriage the last out of all ten countries (2019). It celebrates Taiwan Gay Pride and Taipei Rainbow Festival. Google Maps discovered 30 clubs and bars that welcomed LGBTQ+ visitors.

6. Barcelona, Spain – it’s back to Europe for sixth place with Barcelona. It has a high number of gay bars and clubs (34) and an impressive Global Trans Index, 2023 (222). Its Gender recognition laws were also updated most recently (2023). The Barcelona Circuit Festival and Barcelona Gay Pride are among the most popular LGBTQ+ events that attract people to the city.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland – seventh in the list is Iceland’s Capital. It scores highly for safety with an index of 75.67 but has just five queer nightlife spots, the lowest score on the list. It makes up for this with a number of many LGBTQ+ events including Rainbow Reykjavík, Reykjavik Bear and Reykjavik Queer City Walk.

8. Toronto, Canada – it’s back across the pond for eighth place with Toronto netting the prize. It has a low safety index (56.86) but the second highest Global Trans Index (247). Aligned with Copenhagen, it has just 12 queer friendly clubs and bars.

9. Tokyo, Japan – in ninth place is Tokyo. With 43 LGBTQ+ friendly night spots, it is second to New York. It scores highly for safety with an index of 76.05 but it’s the only country on the list in which same-sex marriage is not legally recognised. 

10. Paris, France – it’s back to Europe for the tenth and last spot on the list with France’s capital, Paris. Pulling it to the bottom of the score board is its safety index of just 42.07 but in some good news it offers 32 queer clubs and bars. Events include, Festival des cultures LGBT, Marche des Fiertés LGBT (Gay Pride parade), Paris International Lesbian and Feminist Film Festival. 

A spokesperson from Emisil.com said, “Safety is an important criterion for every tourist but especially for the LGBTQ+ community. This study shows that Europe is a leading destination for queer people, but we see more and more destinations all over the world that have become queer-friendly. Nevertheless, it is still important to check laws and tourist tips before travelling to any country to make sure you will have a safe experience.”