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South Africa -

South Africa legalized same-sex marriages in 2006, acting as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa. Cape Town and Johannesburg have prominent LGBTQ+-friendly scenes, as well as massive Pride parades.

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Wales -

Wales is LGBTQ+ friendly, with legal protections against discrimination and various LGBTQ+ events and organizations. The capital, Cardiff, has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, but challenges like hate crimes and inequalities still exist.

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Uruguay -

Uruguay is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in South America. Montevideo, the capital, has LGBTQ+-friendly areas, and the country has progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.

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Austria -

Vienna, the capital of Austria, has a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. Austria legalized same-sex marriage in 2019.

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England -

Same-sex marriage has been legal in England since 2014, and LGBTQ+ individuals have legal protections against discrimination in areas like employment and services. Major cities like London have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and events.

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Germany -

Germany is LGBTQ+ friendly, with legal protections in place. Schöneberg and Kreuzberg are well-known LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Berlin, for example.

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New Zealand -

New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. Auckland, the largest city, has a thriving LGBTQ+ community with a variety of events, including the Auckland Pride Festival.

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Andorra -

Andorra has taken major steps in recent years to establish itself as an LGBTQ+-friendly country. For instance, Andorra has recently legalized same-sex marriage.

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Chile -

Chile has made strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex marriage in 2022. Santiago, the capital, has a growing LGBTQ+ community, particularly in neighborhoods like Bellavista.

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Argentina -

Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2010. Buenos Aires is known for its LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods like San Telmo.

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USA -

Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles are LGBTQ+ friendly and host large Pride events. The US has seen significant advances in LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex marriage legalized nationwide.

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Finland -

Finland is known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness. It has implemented anti-discrimination laws and recognizes same-sex partnerships, offering a high level of legal protection to the LGBTQ+ community. Helsinki, the capital, hosts a vibrant Pride celebration.

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Scotland -

Scotland's LGBTQ+ friendliness shines with legal protections, same-sex marriage, vibrant Pride festivals, and ongoing education efforts, making it an inclusive and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.

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France -

France has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex marriage. Paris, with its LGBTQ+ neighborhoods like Le Marais, is a welcoming destination.

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Sweden -

Sweden has progressive LGBTQ+ laws and a strong LGBTQ+ community. Sweden's capital, Stockholm, hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.

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Australia -

Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017. Sydney's annual Mardi Gras is a world-famous LGBTQ+ event, and Melbourne has also developed a thriving LGBTQ+ scene.

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Luxembourg -

Luxembourg is known for its significant LGBTQ+ rights. It was one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

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Ireland -

Ireland made headlines by legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015. Dublin, the capital, has a welcoming LGBTQ+ community and a vibrant Pride celebration.

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Canada -

Canada is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly policies, including nationwide marriage equality. Toronto is a hub for LGBTQ+ culture, with Church-Wellesley Village as a focal point.

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Iceland -

Iceland is renowned for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with Reykjavík hosting a lively Pride festival. Public opinion in Iceland is remarkably open-minded and accepting.

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Belgium -

Belgium was one of the early adopters of same-sex marriage. Its capital, Brussels, hosts the Belgian Pride Festival.

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Spain -

Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and is celebrated for its LGBTQ+ culture. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid have built up thriving LGBTQ+ communities in recent years.

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Denmark -

Denmark is a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, with recognition of same-sex partnerships since 1989. Copenhagen hosts a lively LGBTQ+ scene and one of the best Pride celebrations in the world.

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Netherlands -

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Amsterdam, in particular, is a vibrant LGBTQ+ destination with a long history of acceptance.

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Norway -

Norway is known for its LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, anti-discrimination laws, and legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. Oslo, the capital, has a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene.

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Portugal -

Portugal has some of the most progressive laws assuring the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto act as LGBTQ+ hubs. But like many countries on this list, society at large still needs to make strides in acceptance.

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Malta -

Malta is known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity. It was one of the first countries to ban conversion therapy and has a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ visitors.

Sources: (Rainbow Europe) (Pew Research Center)

See also: Julianne Moore: the life and career of a gay icon

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