The other night I attended a book event for The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide by Alicia Valenski. The event was at Lighthouse Books, a radical bookshop. It felt something very important so I’ve decided to write about it. The basic point is I’d encourage everyone to pick up a copy for themselves or the LGBTQ+ traveller in their lives.
So what is it and why is it necessary? Let’s explore together.
What is the travel guide?
Basically, it is a gorgeously produced coffee table book. The sort of work you might have for reference or for browsing through some excellent photos on a theme. It certainly seems a must have for anyone who works in tourism in the 35 destinations listed.
It has been produced via interviews. Valenski has sought out influential voices from communities around the world to create a guide of locals. This makes for something which is fun to read as there are different voices and perspectives in different locations. It also means that you can get a sense of different priorities.
Why is the LGBTQ+ Travel Guide necessary
It probably looks to some well-meaning people that enough progress has been made. The members of the LGBTQ community can exist and travel freely. But this is only if you ignore the lived experience of actual members of the community.
Not that long ago I faced awkward conversations and the threat of violence while being a little too openly out in Scotland. This sucks and nobody should have to put up with it. It’s important so we can all have a good time.
Valenski’s work is trying to help the LGBTQ+ community find itself wherever we go. It’s trying to support queer owned places but also shout out the queer friendly ones. In this way, we can influence a more tolerant society. She said it well herself in Attitude Magazine:
“Your travel choices are more powerful than you might think. Such is my philosophy as a professional travel writer, and such is the central message of my debut book for Lonely Planet, The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Interviews, Itineraries, & Inspiration from Insiders in 50 Proud Places Around the Globe. By consciously choosing where to go, how to get there and who to travel with, you’re pushing for a more inclusive and equitable world. You’re not just exploring; you’re advocating for a future where the world is built for everyone. Every step you take is a statement, showing the travel industry that inclusivity isn’t a special feature; it’s a necessity.” – Alicia Valenski, Attitude Magazine
I like the way Valenski writes. It’s very accessible and does not involve any jargon.
So what’s the book like?
Honestly, I have not yet finished every section because I have been selective. I read the foreword by Paula Akpan, the introduction by Valenski, and the Edinburgh section interview with Mairi Oliver, who runs Lighthouse Bookshop. I’ve also checked the additional resources in the back, which also includes helpful safety tips. One thing I like about the book is that this advice is still there but is not centred as the only thing to be concerned about. It’s really focused on the joyful aspects of travel and finding the international LGBTQ+ community. This is distinct from the LGBTQ+ travel guides of yesteryear which were often more focused on how to stay safe. Times have changed often for the better for the LGBTQ+ community.
For me, I have found this book a delight. The way it portrays the city I’m from and have always known, is novel. It’s told me about a bunch of LGBTQ+ hangout spots that I wasn’t actually aware existed. It really is a handy resource even for getting to know your own city.
It has one crucial problem which Valenski addressed at the event in Edinburgh – the timeliness of it.
The timeliness of the LGBTQ+ Travel Guide
When Valenski was interviewing and researching, it was primarily 2024. This was a time when the position of the LGBTQ+ community was … fine? Far from perfect, still a lot of issues for trans people and some return of homophobia in schools which partly inspired my LGBTQ tour. But broadly, it was not as difficult as ten or twenty years ago. Since 2024 the US has had a change of management which makes several of the US destinations in Valenski’s book less attractive for visitors.
There has been a growing culture shift in recent years, and a backlash, with profound international effects.
Many Americans have been asking if it’s still okay for them to travel and my advice is “yes, but mentally prepare yourself to have an awkward conversation if you voted badly.”
Valenski covered these issues at the event. Visitors to American destinations are advised to be cautious and follow the safety precautions included in the guide. But she made an interesting counter point that if anything it makes the queer friendly and owned businesses in these areas more important. These are important parts of the community that need support in these trying times.
Conclusion
Buy this book if you LGBTQ, an international traveller, or if you know anyone who is. Apparently it’s had quite a lot of interest as a wedding present. It’s also quite popular as a graduation gift, which Valenski said at the Lighthouse event “sort of like a queer Oh the Places You’ll Go“. As a lover of Dr. Seuss, that image tickled me absolutely pink.
The writer of this piece is celebrating a child’s birthday while completing it, all errors are a result.
Valenski has put up a list of places to buy the book online on her website but if you’re in Edinburgh, Lighthouse Books is a great option.
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