Education and Child Matters

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Travelling Abroad For LGBTQ+ Families With Children

 

LGBTQ families with children can face unnecessary discrimination and harassment when travelling or relocating abroad. 

Even though it’s not right and it shouldn’t be the case, if you are an LGBTQ family with children you need to be aware that you could be treated differently or questioned when abroad so it is better to plan and prepare so you can handle what comes your way, keep your family safe and together.

SHOULD YOU BE CAREFUL WHICH COUNTRIES YOU TRAVEL TO WITH YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU ARE A LGBTQ FAMILY? 

Yes we recommend you do. It is very important that you look into the laws of the country and the UK government’s travel advice.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR HUMAN DIGNITY TRUST – Gives details of countries where LGBT individuals are criminalised.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR ACCOMPANIED AND UNACCOMPANIED DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 

According to a BBC article dated 12-05-2021 ‘Homosexuality: The countries where it is illegal to be gay’ there are 69 countries worldwide that criminalise homosexuality (this often includes also being lesbian, gay, bi-sexial, queer, intersex, transgender or asexual). It is possible that if you travel to these countries with your partner and children and engage in any act that could be deemed illegal, you could get arrested and find yourself facing a long prison sentence. You risk your children being removed from you. There are some countries where the death penalty could apply. 

Another point that a LGBTQ couple with children must consider is that in countries where the law does not criminalise homosexuality, the culture and society of the country may not be accepting and you could face discrimination and hostility from the public.

ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE COUNTRY YOU WISH TO TRAVEL TO, WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN WHEN YOU TRAVEL ABROAD?

There are many additional things you can do to look after yourself, your partner and your children when travelling abroad. They are:

1) Take all paperwork for your children with you

It is better to have all documentation with regards to your children in case you get asked any questions. You may need documents such as:

  • BIRTH CERTIFICATES – You should take your children’s birth certificates with you. These will identify your children.
  • LETTER FROM PARENT(S) OR OTHER PARENT – If your name is NOT on the birth certificate as either parent then you must have a signed letter of authority from the parent(s) giving you permission to travel with the child. If your name is on the birth certificate as a parent you must have a signed letter from the other parent giving permission to take the child abroad. You must do this because under the child abduction act 1984 it is a crime for a person with parental responsibility for a child to take them outside of the UK without the consent of any other individual(s) with parental responsibility. The letter from the parent(s) or other parent must be signed, dated and have their full name, address and telephone number on it.
  • COURT PAPERS FOR PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CHILD – If there is a court order saying that the child can leave the UK with you or your partner then you must take this with you. If you or your partner have a child arrangement ‘live with’ court order (they are the resident parent) then you must take this with you. If you have a special guardianship court order for a child then you must take this with you. This is very important if your surname and your child’s surname are different.
  • ADOPTION PAPERS – If your children are adopted then it is very important that you and your partner have your adoption papers with you to prove you both are the parents. 

2) Take a comprehensive list of all contacts with you – You must have a list of contacts you can call if you encounter any issues in your holiday. This list must be on a piece of paper (or some other method) and separate from your phone in case you lose your phone or you run out of battery when you need the information. 

  • BRITISH EMBASSY – You must always have the contact details of the British embassy in the country you are in so that you can contact them if you or your family are in trouble.
  • EMERGENCY CONTACTS – This will include contact details of family members and any other professional contacts that you think you may need.

AS AN LGBTQ FAMILY EDUCATE OTHERS INSTEAD OF REACTING 

At airports and when abroad you will encounter many different types of people and cultures. People may make negative comments on your family, ask awkward questions or just say and ask things because of ignorance and nothing else. When this happens please do not react, attack back or get into an argument. Use the opportunity to educate the other person and show them what a loving person and family you all are. After this if they are still unpleasant then walk away.

GO LGBTQ FRIENDLY

Contact tour operators, travel companies and hotels prior to any booking and ask if they are LGBTQ friendly. Ask if they train their employees about LGBTQ rights and inclusion? Ask if they can cater for LGBTQ families with children?

GET ADVICE AND TIPS FROM OTHERS IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY

There are many websites and forums catering to the community so please reach out and ask. You will get others telling you about their experiences and what to look out for and other tips that we have not mentioned.