Media Contact: LoAnn Halden
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The new guide was created to help LGBTQ+ travelers with HIV navigate the world safely
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (World AIDS Day, 1 December 2021)—On this day focused on global health, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association and its charitable IGLTA Foundation stand in support of those living with HIV, and have released a new resource specifically for HIV-positive travelers with the generous collaboration of Gilead.
The guide, “LGBTQ+ Travel and HIV: Navigating the World Safely,” contains tips for pre-trip planning as well as practical advice to use upon arrival. Just as many countries present added considerations for LGBTQ+ travelers, many also require unique precautions for travelers with HIV.
“We wanted to provide a resource that was easy to follow and addressed the travel process from start to finish,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “The guide takes HIV-positive travelers through entry requirements, safety, packing medications, and staying healthy while on the road—complete with a quick checklist to keep you on track for each trip.”
The guide also illustrates the crossover between countries that partially restrict entry for short-term travelers with HIV or deport foreigners with HIV with those that have challenging laws for LGBTQ+ travelers. Award winning travel and culture journalist Dan Allen, a longtime IGLTA member, authored the guide, drawing from a variety of global resources and interviews with medical professionals.
"Much of the work the IGLTA Foundation does takes place behind the scenes, such as providing education to the tourism industry or assisting LGBTQ+ businesses,” says IGLTAF Board Co-Secretary Scott Seed, who led the Research Committee for this project. “We really appreciate partnerships like this one with Gilead that allow us to put valuable resources directly into the hands of our community of travelers."
The HIV Travel Guide, along with more than 30 LGBTQ+ country and travel safety guides, can be found at iglta.org/lgbtq-travel-guides.
About IGLTA & the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. The association’s professional network includes 10,000+ LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media, and its members can be found in 80 countries. The philanthropic IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research and education. For more information: iglta.org, igltaconvention.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on Facebook @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness or @IGLTAFoundation, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram @iglta.