Hey, PrideNomad!

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here as a charter subscriber. It’s Free!

Today’s PrideNomad™ Quiz:

In today’s email:

Up Front: The 41-Year Old Who’s Helping to Fix LGBTQ+ Travel

Tell Us: Quick Survey—How Will You Pay For Your PrideNomad Lifestyle?

New Reader Benefit : Meet the PrideNomad Concierge!

It’s a Small World: Pride is Everywhere. You Should Be, Too!

UP FRONT:

Travel Without Barriers: This 41 Year-Old Advocate is Transforming LGBTQ+ Experiences Around the Globe

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places for us PrideNomads; it’s about feeling welcome, safe, and celebrated wherever we go. But let’s be honest—navigating the world as an LGBTQ+ traveler has its hurdles.

Ever wondered if you’d face awkward questions when checking into a hotel? Or worse, whether basic comforts like using the restroom would be safe and respectful?

These aren’t small concerns, and that’s why the PrideNomad Letter is here—not just to share travel tips but to keep you connected with those making real change in LGBTQ+ travel. One such champion?

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a global advocate (with over 13,000 member businesses!) since 1983 that’s working to make travel safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive for us all.

Through extensive research, IGLTA has pinpointed some of the biggest issues LGBTQ+ travelers face today—from challenges trans travelers encounter with basic facilities to the awkwardness some couples experience over room setups at hotels.

This isn’t just about policy; it’s about creating lasting change so that our experiences abroad reflect the respect and acceptance we deserve. IGLTA’s commitment is supported by over 80 countries in its network, each encouraged to bring inclusivity and understanding to the travel industry.

Here’s a quote from one study from the IGLTA Foundation:

I think that sums up why travel is so important for us.

This year, IGLTA held its first-ever convention in Asia, in Osaka, Japan, and PrideNomad was there!

The event showcased Japan’s increasing commitment to LGBTQ+ travel and connected us with IGLTA’s network of tourism leaders, advocates, and businesses worldwide. They even arranged exclusive excursions to show us a side of Japan most tourists never get to experience—a true glimpse into the immersive, respectful travel PrideNomads thrive on.

Why does this matter? Because you’re not alone on your journey. Having an advocate like IGLTA means safer, more inclusive travel for each of us—whether it’s finding LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations or simply navigating local customs with confidence. They’re paving the way, so we can explore the world without hesitation.

Here at The PrideNomad Letter, we’re honored to support IGLTA’s mission and share their incredible work with you. Together, we’re opening doors to unique travel deals, valuable insights, and experiences that celebrate our community.

Stay tuned—we’re thrilled to bring you a major collaboration with IGLTA, designed to make your journeys even more enriching and accessible.

QUICK SURVEY:

How Will You Pay For It?

Traveling the world as a PrideNomad takes money. Our mission is to help you generate the funds you need to become a stress-free vagabond. 😎

We’re planning some new content for you, and your input will help guide us. Please take a moment and answer 5 short questions. 

Thanks in advance!

NEW READER BENEFIT:

Meet the PrideNomad Concierge!

We’re constantly fielding questions about where to go, what to do, how to deal with visa issues and more, so we turned to our amazing tech wizards and crafted our own online PrideNomad Concierge, with experts covering major PrideNomad destinations.

Yep, we’re covering the rainbow planet just for you!

Those who attended our first Ask Me Anything call last week (it was awesome!) had a taste of our Sydney concierge.

Today, you’ll get to meet Jules, who’s our Japan expert. Ask Jules anything about digital nomad-related subjects and he’ll be happy to give you an amazing 4-day itinerary or recommend some terrific LGBTQ+ owned or friendly yoga studios.

Now—please bear in mind that the concierge is in BETA…so your feedback is critical to us. Please let us know what you think, and if you find any information either incorrect, spot on or possibly confusing, do let us know so we can improve it for you!

You can meet Jules, the PrideNomad Concierge for Japan, when you tap the sexy blue button below:

IT’S A SMALL WORLD:

Pride is Pride…Wherever You Are in the World!

The IGLTA convention in Osaka was scheduled to coincide with the city’s Pride Festival, Japan’s second largest. If you’ve ever been to a Pride event, you’d feel right at home, but with a few unique surprises!

Ogimachi Park hosted the weekend fair, filled with vendors, community groups, and sponsors—a familiar setup with a Japanese twist. The entertainment lineup was wonderfully eclectic, with everything from traditional drummers to dancing seniors and even a dancing monkey (yes, really). It was a refreshing mix of local culture meeting the universal spirit of Pride.

Then came the parade. Although I’ve volunteered for several Pride parades, I’d never actually walked in one—this was a first! About 75 of us marched with the IGLTA float (a pickup truck with a banner), and here’s where it got interesting: the roads weren’t closed. That’s right; we paraded in one lane while cars drove in the next. At one point, a bus even cut through our group to reach a stop!

Despite the unique logistics, the energy was fantastic, and it was amazing to march alongside so many enthusiastic people. If you ever get the chance to participate in a Pride event while traveling, I can’t recommend it enough.

These events aren’t just fun—they’re perfect for meeting locals. I spotted a young man at the fair who looked a bit lost and invited him to join our group. Tu ended up spending the afternoon with us, a spontaneous encounter that made the experience even richer.

Spontaneity and serendipity are key to the best PrideNomad experiences. If you’re planning a trip, consider scheduling it around events that excite you.

Imagine a “World Pride” tour or a Gay Ski Week adventure—something I’m looking forward to with my new friend Ryan, a seasoned PrideNomad. You’ll be hearing more about Ryan—he’s been house-sitting around the globe for the past seven years.

Participating in events like these is especially great if you’re a bit shy. The celebratory atmosphere makes it easy to connect without pressure. Sometimes all it takes is one connection, and suddenly you’re part of a vibrant social network, ensuring you’re never alone on your journey (and never eating alone, to borrow from Keith Ferrazzi’s bestselling book title).

Quiz Answer

NOTE: Some of the links we provide may be affiliate links, which may potentially generate a referral fee to us. That’s one way we’re able to keep PrideNomad available to you at no cost. Rest assured that we only recommend providers who we feel can deliver great value to you.