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Today’s PrideNomad™ Quiz:

In Today’s Email:

Destinations: The U.S. Is Now Two Different Countries (part 2)

Nomad Hacks: Where to sit…

Community Spotlight: You said it!

DESTINATIONS:

Where Queer People Are Safe in 2025 (and Where They're Not)

Last week, I told you the landscape changed.

Today, I'm giving you the map.

The REAL one.

Not the one from 2019 when we all thought progress was a straight line.

(Spoiler: it's not.)

This is your practical, grounded guide to where queer people can thrive in 2025…

And where caution isn't optional.

This isn't fear.

This is navigation.

Let's get into it.

The Safest U.S. States for Queer Travel & Living (2025)

These states consistently score high on anti-discrimination laws… gender-affirming protections… and cultural climate.

California will let you change your ID with zero questions.

New York will defend your healthcare access in court.

Colorado? They're not just tolerant. They're LOUD about it.

Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Minnesota, Illinois…

These aren't just "safe" states.

They're places where you can BREATHE.

If you're trans, nonbinary, or traveling with kids…

These are your safest bets.

Healthcare access is stable.

Communities are strong.

ID policy is predictable.

You can actually RELAX there.

The "Caution States" (Dynamic, Mixed, Changing)

Now… these places are trickier.

They've got pockets of queer-friendly cities…

But statewide protections?

Inconsistent at best.

Nevada. Michigan. New Mexico. Hawaii. Pennsylvania. Maryland.

Virginia's got a regional split.

Arizona's got city vs. state tension.

Georgia? Atlanta is its own universe.

Florida has local havens… but state-level hostility.

Texas? Same story. Austin and Houston aren't the same as "Texas."

If you go to these places…

Stay city-centered.

Stay connected to local queer orgs.

And stay document-aware.

Because the vibe can shift FAST depending on which zip code you're in.

The Red-Flag States (2025 Bills & Policies)

These states are actively passing or pursuing laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights.

Especially around healthcare, education, and identity.

Alabama. Arkansas. Mississippi. Tennessee. Oklahoma. Idaho. Utah. Kentucky. Louisiana. Nebraska. South Carolina. Missouri. North Dakota. Montana. Wyoming.

Travel isn't impossible.

But planning must be INTENTIONAL.

Know where the queer hubs are.

Know where the hospitals are that'll actually treat you.

And know your exit plan if something feels off.

I'm not saying don't go.

I'm saying don't go BLIND.

Global Safe Regions for Queer Nomads (2025)

If you're looking internationally…

Here are the places with the strongest protections AND cultural acceptance.

Portugal. Spain. Netherlands. Germany. Ireland. Canada. Argentina. Uruguay. New Zealand. Taiwan.

These regions combine queer rights with livability… healthcare stability… and strong expat networks.

You can build a LIFE there.

Not just survive.

The Trans & Nonbinary Travel Checklist

Alright, here's the short and essential version.

Make all documents congruent BEFORE your trip.

(Mismatched IDs = unnecessary headaches.)

Screenshot all ID pages and store them securely.

(Cloud + offline backups.)

Know the nearest LGBTQ+ center in your destination.

(Before you need it.)

Travel with a digital "advocacy card" for screenings.

(Explains your situation clearly and calmly.)

Tell one friend where you're going and when you land.

(Safety buddy = non-negotiable.)

This isn't paranoia.

This is preparation.

And preparation is what keeps you FREE.

Here's What to Do Next

Travel isn't just about movement.

It's about BELONGING.

And you deserve to belong everywhere you choose to stand.

Destinations: The USA is 2 countries for us (Part 2)

So here's my question for you…

Where are you going next?

Reply and tell me.

I'll help you map it in future issues of the newsletter

But if you're serious about living your best queer life…

With clarity instead of chaos…

Then let's make sure you're navigating with the RIGHT map.

Live free. Love proud. Leave no one behind.

— Ken 🌈

P.S. The queer people who need this info the most... are often the ones NOT getting it.

If you know someone still figuring out their next move...

Forward this to them.

Because clarity is the difference between surviving and THRIVING.

Let Love Explode: Win a Free 2-Night Stay at Axel Valencia

Valencia combines everything we love about Spain and throws it together to create something as deliciously fresh as its signature paella dish. Oranges, cathedrals, a sci-fi-looking museum complex, horchata, gay-friendly bars, authentically Spanish cuisine, gorgeous beaches, and even more gorgeous men — that’s Valencia. This is why Axel Hotels — the very first gay hotel chain in the world — is adding a brand-new venue in Valencia to their already extensive repertoire. What’s more, you can win a 2-night stay for two absolutely FREE!  

Axel Hotel Valencia is right in the heart of the action, in a majestic 17th-century building that was once a dance club in the ’70s. Inside, you’ll find a baroque-style café, a luxurious wellness club, and rooms that blend crisp elegance with homely comfort. “Let Love Explode” is the hotel’s slogan — and you’ll definitely feel the love and passion put into the brand-new hotel from the moment you enter.

Enter now to throw your hat in the ring and your beach towel in your suitcase!

NOMAD HACK:

✈️ Where to Sit on an Airplane (The Trick 99% of Travelers Don’t Know)

If you’re picking seats based on the little airplane cartoon on the booking page… sweetie, no.

Let’s get you upgraded mentally even if you’re flying economy.

Here’s the real deal:

🔹 Exit Rows Come in TWO Rows — and Only One Is Worth It

Most people don’t realize this:

Row 1 of the exit row

• NO recline. Zero.

• Tray table often in the armrest (narrower seat).

• Great leg room… but on a long flight? Your back will file a complaint.

Row 2 of the exit row

• Full recline (whatever that might mean!).

• Same glorious leg room.

• Usually the single best value seat on the whole plane.

👉 For example: If the exit rows are 21 and 22? Always pick 22.

🔹 And When in Doubt, Use SeatGuru

One of my all-time travel resources.

Go to SeatGuru.com, put in your airline + flight number, and it’ll show you:

• Seats that don’t recline

• Seats near noisy galleys

• Misaligned windows

• Hidden power outlets

• Unexpected gems

It’s like having X-ray vision for airplanes.

Bottom Line

More leg room is great…

but recline + leg room is the holy grail.

Choose wisely and your whole flight changes

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:

🌍 Where YOU Said You’d Go Next

Last week, I asked:

“If you could fly anywhere tonight… where would you go?”

And oh baby — you delivered.

Here are a few of my favorites:

🌺 Bora Bora

Same. Tell me you’re a romantic without telling me you’re a romantic.

🍀 Ireland, France & Spain

Jason wrote in saying he’d head straight for Europe —

Ireland for the magic, France for the wine, and Spain for the men.

Honestly, a flawless itinerary.

🇵🇹 Portugal

Multiple of you said this — no shock.

Portugal is basically Queer Disneyland with better pastries.

🇮🇹 Tuscany & Venice

If you’re choosing carbs, Renaissance architecture, and a gondolier who might flirt with you?

Respect.

What I love most is this:

every single destination you shared wasn’t just a place — it was a feeling.

A longing for beauty.

Adventure.

Belonging.

A little bit of escape… and a lot of hope.

And that’s exactly what PrideNomad is becoming:

A home for queer folks who want more out of life — whether you’re traveling full-time or just dreaming between Zoom calls.

So now I’m curious:

Where are YOU going next?

Hit reply and tell me. I read every message.

Your 60-Second Travel Fantasy

Let’s play:

Close your eyes and picture this:

You wake up tomorrow in a place that feels like freedom.

Warm light. Coffee on a balcony. No deadlines. No waiting for permission.

Just you… and the version of yourself that finally feels possible again.

Where is that?

Reply with just the city — nothing else.

I’m collecting them.

Because I think where we dream of going says a lot about the life we’re ready to live.

Next week you’ll get a pre-departure system that will make it super-easy to get your adventures on!

P.S. If today’s issue hit you in a good way, hit reply and just say ‘yes’ — I love knowing you’re out there

Answer to Today’s Quiz

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