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
the out index™ classifies men who love men (MLM) as any person who is male identifying who has same sex attraction. This includes homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, queer and questioning men.
MLM can include cisgender and transgender men, and may also include some non binary people who feel that man or male identifying fits their lived experience and relationship to attraction. Because language and identity are personal, we use MLM as a broad, inclusive term without trying to overrule how anyone self identifies.
We also recognise that sexuality exists on a spectrum, and that people’s labels, or comfort with labels, can change over time. Our aim is to be welcoming and accurate while prioritising dignity and safety. If you are a man who loves men, you belong here, whether you are out, private, questioning, or still figuring things out.
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.