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Today’s PrideNomad™ Quiz:

In Today’s Email:

Publisher’s Note: How we’re evolving for you

Let’s Get Real: Italy’s elective visa

Nomad Hacks: The train seat hack

Trending: What to watch out for this year

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

You’re evolving. So are we.

I've been studying our PrideNomad community more closely lately.

And I realized something.

Only about 22% of you consider yourselves digital nomads.

Thirty percent are retired.

Thirty-five percent work for companies.

Many of you are somewhere between chapters.

Which means PrideNomad was never really about laptops on beaches.

It's about OPTIONS.

Here's What I'm Seeing

With hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across multiple U.S. states at the start of this year...

I'm hearing more from readers who aren't just dreaming about travel anymore.

You're quietly researching.

Residency pathways.

Healthcare systems.

Long-stay visas.

Backup plans.

Not because you WANT to flee.

Because options create calm.

And in uncertain times?

Calm is currency.

The Shift

So going forward, PrideNomad is evolving slightly.

You'll still get culture.

You'll still get celebration.

You'll still get travel inspiration.

But you'll ALSO get structured relocation intelligence.

Country by country.

Visa by visa.

So you can think CLEARLY about what's actually possible.

Not just what sounds romantic.

Italy is a perfect example.

It's beautiful. Layered. Rich with history.

And complex as hell when it comes to long-term residency.

That's the difference between VISITING a place...

And actually DESIGNING a life there.

And that's the shift we're making.

Because you deserve more than pretty postcards.

You deserve REAL answers.

Now, back to the land of pizza and this year’s Winter Olympics…

LET’S GET REAL:

Who Italy's elective visa actually works for (and who should stay the hell away)

Last week I called out that seductive €15,500 Italy visa ad.

The one promising to "completely change your life."

And a bunch of you replied asking the REAL question:

"Okay Ken... so who SHOULD actually do this?"

Fair.

Let me break it down.

When This Visa Is Actually Perfect

If you're a retiree with a solid pension...

One that comfortably clears the €30-32K threshold...

And you're ready for a slower, culture-rich second act?

Italy can be extraordinary.

Walkable cities. Deep history. Healthcare that doesn't bankrupt you.

This visa was literally designed with YOU in mind.

Same goes if you're living off dividends or rental income.

If your money shows up whether you work or not... this structure works beautifully.

Or maybe you're a few years out from retirement...

And you're INTENTIONALLY building passive income now...

So you can pull the trigger later.

That's smart planning.

But notice what ALL these scenarios have in common?

Your income is TRULY passive.

When This Visa Is Absolutely NOT For You

If you're a freelancer... a remote worker... a consultant...

Someone whose income depends on ACTIVE work...

This visa is not built for you.

Under the Residenza Elettiva, you cannot work in Italy.

Period.

There ARE other European pathways for digital workers.

This just isn't one of them.

And if your strategy is:

"I'll move first and figure out the income part later..."

Pause.

Immigration systems reward PREPARATION.

Not optimism.

One More Thing You Should Know

Italy currently ranks #20 on the PrideNomad Index.

(That's our internal ranking of 65 countries based on LGBTQ+ legal protections, social climate, safety, and quality of life.)

Top third. Solid position.

And if you watched any of the Winter Olympics that just wrapped in Milan and Cortina...
(can you believe the talent of the Quad God?…and the courage of those amazing competitors?…but I digress…back to the story)

You saw a country that's EVOLVING.

Visible pride. International spotlight. A younger generation pushing things forward.

Italy's not perfect on queer rights... but it's far from hostile.

You're looking at a country with visible gay communities in major cities...

Social acceptance that's quietly grown over the years...

And day-to-day life that's generally comfortable for LGBTQ+ folks.

Is it Amsterdam? No.

Is it dangerous? Also no.

It's somewhere in the middle... which for a lot of gay men over 40?

Is actually plenty.

Just go in with eyes open.

So Here's My Take

PrideNomad isn't about chasing pretty scenery.

It's about designing a life that actually HOLDS UP in reality.

Not just in Instagram posts.

Italy might be part of your story.

But only if the pieces actually fit.

Next week, we might break down Portugal. Or Spain. Or Greece.

Haven't decided yet.

If there's a country YOU want me to dive into... reply and let us know.

We follow the signal.

With love, pride, and a healthy dose of reality,
Ken 🌈

Smart starts here.

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Quick question: Which nomad destination are YOU dreaming about? Hit reply and let us know—your dream just might inspire our next story.

NOMAD HACK:

Use this to make your travel life a bit easier.

🚆 The European Train Seat Hack

When booking European trains (Italy, France, Germany, Spain, etc.):

Most people pick seats based on window vs aisle.

Wrong question.

The better question:

Which direction is the train traveling?

On scenic routes — especially:

• Switzerland

• Northern Italy

• Coastal France

• Austrian Alps

One side of the train has the view.

The other side has… a wall.

Before you book:

1. Check the route on Google Maps

2. See which direction the train is heading

3. Pick the side that faces mountains, lakes, or coast

Example:

Milan → Venice?
Sit on the left for better Alpine views.

Zurich → Interlaken?
Right side gets the lakes

It takes 30 seconds.

It upgrades your entire ride.

And yes — sometimes the difference is dramatic.

TRENDING:

Where pride is rising in 2026 (and where you need to stay sharp)

2026 is shaping up to be a year of contrasts.

In some parts of the world, LGBTQ+ rights are expanding.

In others? New laws are tightening.

If you travel — or dream about it — that matters.

Not to scare you.

To INFORM you.

Because the difference between a life-changing trip and a sketchy situation...

Often comes down to what you knew before you boarded the plane.

Where Progress Is Actually Happening

Thailand and Liechtenstein recently embraced marriage equality.

Lithuania celebrated its first same-sex civil partnership.

Chile's advancing anti-bullying protections that include sexual orientation and gender identity.

And in Australia's state of Victoria, lawmakers are moving toward stronger protections for intersex minors.

These aren't just symbolic wins.

They signal growing cultural acceptance... especially in urban centers and tourism hubs.

For travelers, that usually means clearer legal footing and more visible queer community spaces.

Which is exactly what we want.

Where Things Are Getting Trickier

At the same time, some governments are heading in the opposite direction.

Ghana's proposed "Family Values" bill could strengthen anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Indonesia now criminalizes sex outside of marriage. YES—That’s where Bali is located (just sayin’)

(Which, without marriage equality, places same-sex couples in a vulnerable legal position.)

Kazakhstan has implemented restrictions on LGBTQ+ "propaganda."

And courts in both Europe and the United States are reviewing cases that could influence future protections.

Does this automatically mean "don't go?"

No.

But it DOES mean:

Know local laws before you land.

Understand the difference between tourist areas and rural regions.

Stay aware of how public affection may be interpreted.

Information is freedom.

The Truth Seasoned Queer Travelers Know

Legal reality and lived experience don't always match.

Some countries with restrictive laws still have vibrant queer communities in major cities.

And some countries with FULL equality still have pockets of hostility.

That's why nuance matters more than headlines.

Before you book:

Check current travel advisories.

Connect with local LGBTQ+ groups online.

Read RECENT traveler experiences... not just the ones from 2019.

Because the world changes fast.

Here's the Bigger Picture

Progress and backlash often rise together.

History rarely moves in straight lines.

But globally? Visibility continues expanding.

More countries recognize relationships than ever before.

More young people are openly identifying across the spectrum.

More travelers are prioritizing inclusive destinations.

Living your best queer life doesn't mean ignoring risk.

It means making informed choices.

With pride AND perspective.

We'll keep watching the map with you in 2026.

Because wherever you go...

You deserve to feel seen.

With love and awareness,
Ken 🌈

Quick Question

As we expand our country-by-country relocation coverage, I’m curious:

If PrideNomad built a vetted scouting network — local partners who help with neighborhoods, visas, healthcare, and real on-the-ground insight — would that interest you?

If so, please hit “reply” and say “NETWORK”.

No commitment.

Just helping me map interest.

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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