Is Italy safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

LGBTQIA+ travellers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (a more inclusive LGBT initialism), plus queer or questioning, intersex or asexual individuals, as well as those who identify beyond these commonly used sexuality and gender expressions. Specific situations and issues may present themselves to travellers who identify with one or more of these terms when visiting Italy.

Italy is largely accepting and welcoming of those who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Travellers visiting high-touristed areas such as Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome should have no problem in expressing themselves and enjoying a hassle-free holiday.

While accepting, Italy still has a long way to go to legally recognise LGBTQIA+ residents in law. Same-sex relationships are legal and largely accepted, and civil unions have been in law since 2016. Same-sex marriage is currently not legal. Anti-discrimination laws are present in employment contexts, but in many other situations, no formal laws have been passed to protect sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBTQIA+ travellers should have no issues expressing themselves in a respectful way when in public. In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative attention, as smaller towns tend to be more conservative and less accepting. Homosexuality is much more accepted in the north than the south; however, tourist hotspots, such as Capri and Taormina in Sicily, are well-known as LGBTQIA+-friendly.