Some international LGBTQ+ travelers pull back on U.S. trips: 'Why would I go there?'

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News/CNBC

July 7, 2025, 3:41 PM EDT / Source: CNBC


Canadian citizen Robert Sharp was planning to visit Provincetown, Massachusetts — one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in America — for his friend’s milestone birthday in July. But against a backdrop of ongoing trade tensions sparked by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and increasing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies in the U.S., he said his plans changed.

“Do we want to have that stress before going on vacation? Or do we want to support our own country?” Sharp said. The group he was planning to travel with decided to cancel the trip and will instead visit Montreal, he said.

Sharp and his partner were also planning to visit Chicago or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a separate trip this year, but they shifted their plans to a Canadian road trip between Calgary and Vancouver. “We’ve been hit hard in Canada with tariffs and there’s been a real sense of patriotism up here. So, we ultimately decided to explore our own country, and do a road trip to the Rockies and spend money within Canada to help our economy,” Sharp said.

Sharp’s change in plans reflects a larger trend of international travelers rethinking where they are spending their travel budgets and pulling back on visits to the U.S.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/travel/international-lgbtq-travelers-pull-back-us-trips-go-rcna217298

[pat_k]

1. As much as I believe we can turn the tide, I sometimes think "Why stay here?"

If I lived elsewhere, I can't imagine having any desire to come here while we have a madman and his mad minions occupying the halls of power.

And the thought of getting the hell out pops up more frequently with each passing month. The insanity of the 47 regime is frying my nervous system.

My father was born in London, so I'm a UK citizen by descent and can apply for a passport that grants the right to work there. I've meant to do this, but just never got around to it. I think it's time to get my proofs together.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

2. Commonwealth possibilities

If you have UK citizenship you have Commonwealth citizenship which opens up job opportunities in 50+ countries all around the world - including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Belize, and several Caribbean counties.

I am currently in Rwanda which, despite not being a former British colony, is a Commonwealth nation. I am not Commonwealth myself, just an American working on a regular work visa.

Regardless of the administration, pursuing access to the Commonwealth job market is worthwhile - if not for you then for your kids, if you have them.

My sister-in-law is originally from Jamaca, so I have been encouraging her to do the same of my nieces and nephew.

[pat_k]

5. Good thought!

I was bummed about brexit. Prior to that I think the right to work granted by the passport extended to other EU countries.

[Skittles]

3. because America is worth fighting for

Last edited Wed Jul 9, 2025, 04:28 AM - Edit history (1)

[pat_k]

4. And that is my answer to myself...

but sometimes I just feel old and a different adventure feels attractive. In any case, it's time I got around to getting the british passport. I'm guessing it's not a quick process.

[Juneboarder]

6. If it's anything in comparison to obtaining an Italian passport...

then get started ASAP. I'm three years into the process with a minimum year to receive an initial response to my request. And if you're up to speed on Italian immigration, then you've also seen they've changed their immigration laws at least twice in the past year. Right now, based off present laws, my citizenship request will be denied. I'm hoping that they'll be forgiving on the fact that I submitted everything more than a year prior to their changing of the laws.

Good luck!