theoutindex
a comprehensive index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and protections
the out index™ helps travellers understand how legal frameworks around the world impact LGBTQIA+ people. It brings key laws into one clear, comparable view so people can plan with confidence and make informed decisions about travel. For transparency, the out index™ focuses on laws and legal protections, and does not measure social attitudes or cultural bias.
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our scored identities
Men who love men (MLM) is an umbrella term that encompasses any person who identifies as male and experiences romantic, emotional, or sexual attraction towards other people who are also male-identifying. This includes gay men, bisexual men, pansexual men, and any other male-identifying individuals whose attractions include men, regardless of how they personally label their orientation or whether they choose to use a label at all.
The term is intentionally broad and inclusive, acknowledging that attraction and identity exist on a spectrum and that not everyone who experiences same-sex attraction will identify with more specific terms such as "gay" or "queer." MLM as a descriptor is particularly valued by those who wish to centre the experience of attraction itself rather than adhering to a fixed identity label, and it affirms that trans men, non-binary individuals who identify as male, and all others under the male-identifying umbrella are fully included.
learn our story
the out index™ was created by David Adams, owner and senior travel specialist at WānaTravel. After a decade in the travel industry, he identified a gap: there was no clear, consistent framework for understanding the laws that affect LGBTQIA+ travellers. the out index was built to help both travel agents and travellers access comparable legal information, so they can make informed decisions about the destinations they promote and choose, and support more genuinely inclusive travel planning.
frequently asked questions
Why do you only focus on laws?
It is difficult to measure social bias and opinions so for transparency the out index™ only focuses on the legal systems and laws for LGBTQIA+ people.
How do you score the destinations?
the out index™ using scores many different categories and subcategories, the matrix can be found here.
How is the information collected?
David actively researches each destination to find and verify the information himself to ensure accuracy without bias.
Why are not all destinations added?
As David is manually scoring each destination, not all will show immediately however they will be added over time.