All Slavic Countries Ranked By LGBTQ Rights in 2024 

I live in Serbia, and when I heard our president say in the UN that Serbia is going to fight against "woke" culture, my heart froze instantly. We've had a gigantic regression in queer acceptance compared to ten years ago.

I'm from Poland, and I'm enby and pan. After the war started in Ukraine, lots of Ukrainians fled to Poland. I met one in high school, and they were the most accepting of me, more than my entire class. Please don't think that we are all bad, there are good apples here, it's just hard to find them...

I'm a 23-year-old gay guy living in Warsaw, Poland, and it's just horrible. I'm still in the closet and 'pretending to be a straight person,' but I knew since I was around 7 years old. As long as I can remember, I've dreamed of moving to the Netherlands or the Czech Republic. There is definitely a shift happening in the younger generation-I haven’t met anyone my age who is homophobic. Young people are curious and overall accepting, and that’s where all the positives end. Older people are extremely vicious, casually dropping slurs during family dinners. In the workplace where I work, it's common to hear homophobic jokes and slurs from older men. I absolutely hate this place. From a young age, I was raised in the Church. My kindergarten, for heaven's sake, was a church where it was almost forcefully and daily bashed into my head: 'God Loves You,' 'God Loves All.' But if you love another man, you are a sinner and will burn in hell. The truth is, there is no love in the house where they preach to love everyone Do you know how many gay clubs and sauna's do we have in Glorious City of Warsaw ? Two clubs and two sunsas. In the Capital city. I HATE IT HERE. Sorry for the venting i just had to take it out of my chest.

The story about their gay couple in Zimbabwean at the end of this during the news section of the video is heartbreaking 😭

As a Macedonian from Greece, who speaks Macedonian and Greek. I would argue the country of Macedonia isn't as bad as you make it out. The main problem is the more north you go, the more people's opinions and behaviours become more like Serbians. But going south down to the city of Bitola, you'll find much more acceptance. Especially because this area borders the Macedonian province in Greece.

It's amazing how the more religious a country is, the more hateful and intolerant it is....says a lot about religious love...

Thanks for this. I'm a 52 year old gay man who has always been fascinated by this region of the world. I lived in Russia in the 90s and it was much more accepting then. People were eager to catch up with and learn from the West, and that included openness (albeit with, understandably, much ignorance) to LGBT rights. Sadly things have taken a turn for the worse. Putin has used the LGBT community as a scapegoat to rile up the latent homophobia in much of the population and support him in his awful aims. The young are incredibly politically apathetic but also pretty open to the LGBTQ+ community - they all watch RU-vid, Netflix and Tiktok just like all the other kids - so there is some hope for the future, but certainly not without Putin's death, which can't come a day too soon. (By the way, I agree with the person who posted about the Orthodox religion - a disgusting, hate-filled, medieval travesty of humanity).

As an Indian what that Serbian doctor did to a fellow Indian makes me sick and want to guarantee justice

Great overview. Thanks for the info. As a queer Canadian, it’s easy to take for granted that the rest of the world isn’t as accepting.

As a queer Polish person born and raised in the UK, I’ve heard a lot of horrible homophobia from family members in the UK and in Poland, which makes me want to stay in the closet. It seems to be so normalised in Poland, even though most of my family lives in the more progressive parts of the country.

You are one of the only queer rights channels actually saying what needs to be said, I am so proud to be an early subscriber. Keep it up, love and appreciate everything you do and stand for. ❤❤❤❤

Slovenia is as much Austrian in culture as it is Slavic.

Back in school there some kids from Serbia and yes, they were extremely homophobic and prone to violence. Even a religious Muslim girl called out their hateful anti lgbtq comments in the middle of class and had to put them in their place. Great video. I would love to visit Slovenian and Czech Republic one day.

During the cold war, many West German gays thought that Eastern Europe was way less homophobic. People were so clueless about the other side 😅

Russia’s influence can also be felt among the far right AND far left elements of Western democracies who are sympathetic to Russia or any “anti-imperialist, anti-West” actor. In case of the US far left, they often claim to be LGBTQ+ allies when the oppression comes from Western, Christian, and/or capitalist sources, but crickets when it’s Russia or a pro-Russian offender.

Great video, so happy you did this. Very accurate portrayal from my experience. Hello from Serbia which is unfortunately exactly as you described.

Came here with some hope, only to get sad at my current situation, which is being stuck in Russia as a trans masc person. I wish I could leave, but it's practically impossible. Salaries are painfully small, only having enough for essentials, even having to dig into old supplies of food at the end of the month sometimes. Getting any job from outside of Russia also became extremely hard, because of war. Mostly war made everything like 10 times worse and getting rid of any hope I had for my future.

I've lived in Poland, never again! Happier living in Czechia, though despite Czechs being more accepting of LGBT people, as a whole, Czechs aren't very friendly and the Polish are much friendlier. So, for straight people, Poland is a friendlier country.

Eastern and Southern Europe are prevalently less evolved than Western and Northern Europe. Not limited to LGBTQ rights and acceptance/tolerance. No different regarding animal treatment and rights, to some degree women's rights, environmental protection, labor rights, etc, with a more or less archaic culture and traditions. While some Eastern nations are catching up quickly, others struggle more. With few exceptions, definitely not the most suited destinations for gay people at this moment.

This is my favorite video of yours, I learned so much.

As someone with Eastern European heritage who has also been to most of these countries, I can say this video is spot on. Serbia and Slovakia are Russia wannabes and getting worse each year.

Good to know! I used to be conservative, (still agree with some of their ideas) but am proud to say I was never religious. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

So I shouldn't plan on visiting Russia anytime soon? 😅

This was a hard one to watch 😞. I have close work colleagues in Bratislava, Slovakia, and based on my interactions with them, always thought it was more progressive. Surprised it doesn't rate nearer the top of the rankings. Was on my bucket list of places to visit. Now, not so sure... Very sad.

I have to admit that i had actually sort of assumed it would be Czechia which might be awarded `first place´ overall amongst the Slavic countries, as i had been aware that it indeed is - generally speaking - relatively advanced in its position and stance re: the lgbtq+ community. As i had as well understood that Slovenija`s government had, some few-ish years back, quite admirably decided to take it upon itself actually to legalise equal/gender-neutral marriage, whereas an apparent majority of the nation`s ( far less progressive-minded ) general population proved hostile to the enactment of such legislation and, sadly enough, the government ended up opting to rescind its `too-progressive´ legislation; therefore, i was most pleasantly surprised to learn - from the video - of Slovenia`s currently showing such an improvement as to have garnered the top ranking of all Slavic states, despite the fact that so considerable a portion of its citizens have unfortunately still to come fully around in their mindset and opinion. ~As ever, **Q🌟K👑*,* thank you so much for yet another highly informative and thoroughly marvellous video 👍✨👍✨👍✨🩷❤💖❤🩷😊...!

Non slavic countries Romania & Moldova should have been added as addendum just to cover the whole region. But for the rest, well done & appreciated report.

Yay Croatia made the top 3! Tho we still have far to go

Very insightful video, but I was wondering why Moldova was left off this list? I saw in one of the graphics that only 8% of the population approves of LGBT rights, and I was interested in learning how that translated politically.

if only there could be a makeover show (like queer eye or what not to wear uk with trinny and susannah) where a group of gays would go and make over homophobic countries! 😂

Czechia, Slovenia, Slovakia, N. Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, Belarus, Russia.

Aww Belgrade and Mostar

And Albania?

Thank you for a good video! As openly gay guy from Ukraine I can say that situation with LGBTQ rights improved by a lot in past 10 or so years, we have implemented few laws which protect LGBTQ. Also we're pretty close to having civilian partnerships here. Since the country and people chose pro-European path and want to be as far away from eastern neighbour as possible, I believe it'll only improve :)

As a gay man from Slovakia who despises Fico, I'd disagree that Slovakia is firmly in the hands of Russia and China. The truth is, Slovak economy is too dependent on EU funds for Fico to make any definitive turn towards the East. He simply cannot afford to do so, and if you look at his prior record, he's all talk but rarely ever defies EU or NATO. That said, I am deeply worried about the erosion of democratic freedoms within the country since the attempted assassination of Fico.

I see that some people say it's terrible in Croatia to be gay. It's not completely true. In big cities people don't care much, and in less urbanised areas situation is quite different. However, violence is rare and people tend to be very indifferent. What people don't like is when media and activists are provocative and talk all the time about lgbt topics. Life partnership is legal from 2014 and same-sex couples have equal rights and obligations as married heterosexual couples. From 2022 it is legal to adopt and foster even though in reality it's hard to achieve it, but it is hard for herero couples as well. From 2009 anti discrimination law protect regardless of sexuality and gender identity. I was born and raised in Croatia and I'm a homosexual. I would say that Czechia, Slovenia and Croatia are the best countries for sexual and gender minorities overall as shown in this video. Serbia, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia are hellholes in comparison and Slovakia is becoming too.

It’s so sad that my motherland Russia is one of the biggest sources of homophobia in the world today. 😢😢😢😢😢 Wish one day my country will stop do this.

As an American, married to a Croatian and living in Croatia, you are 100% correct about LGBTQ acceptance in the country. It’s extremely difficult being gay here and we desperately need better representation and awareness, but the media and government chooses to do nothing. Thank you for making this video. ❤

Once again, thank you so much for this well-researched, educational, and informative video. While even prior to your video, I already had certain impression of LGBTQ rights in the Slavic region, your video provides a much more objective take on the issue. More people need to know about the role played by Russia and China in the spreading of anti-democracy, anti-human rights, and of course anti-LGBTQ rights in the region and all over the world. Bravo for your effort! And bravo for being an outspoken yet clear-headed spokesperson for LGBTQ rights. I hope you will continue to make similar videos on different regions of the world. (I know you have already done quite a few.)

This is a legit documentary bro, also first! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

It is shocking to me that some Eastern European countries are less accepting than Pakistan according to public opinions polls! Yes the Sharia based laws are worse in Pakistan, but the data shows that the people are slightly more LGBTQ friendly than countries halfway down this list and below. The longer I live in Mexico and explore the world after leaving Pakistan, the more I realize that Europe is not the haven for LGBTQ rights I always thought it was. The Nordics and Benelux perhaps, but Austria and everything east of it are more similar to West and South Asia than to the rest of the western hemisphere, at least in terms of human rights and tolerance for those from different backgrounds.

Hello!! so, I'm a gay guy that has been living in Bosnia i Herzegovina for the past 5 years and i would say that on the surface, people don't really care. However, people are very anti-LGBTQ+ when speaking in Bosnian, during pride, and just out n about. As long as you are from an embassy or American, people wont mess with you about it. But even so, its good to just not say or lead with anything that could out you. This is a lot worse in the republic of Srpska areas but its still bad in cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, etc etc. Also, there is a lot of anti gay graffiti here. Especially over the pride flag billboards in June. I do recommend heading into Sarajevo though just to experience it. Places like old town and pigeon square are amazing for just milling about and getting food. Just be careful if you do. Completely different story, Croatia. Me and my bf were walkin on the Lungomare at night and we decided to hold hands for a bit. Then some old dude turned the corner, saw us, and looked like he wanted to absolutely murder us. He was too old to actually do anything so it was just kinda funny if anything. He didnt say anything and we were bein carful, but it was a funny experience non-the less. so yea, the scoring checks out with Croatia lmao. btw, great job on the video!! :)

Respect to Slovenia and shame on the rest! It is hard to stay positive and hopefull, but I hope things will get better for queers in the Eastern Europe. I know it will take decades, but I hope that it'll get there.

every czechian person i met has been super relaxed about lgbt

I wouldn’t want to live in any of these repressive countries.

I sent this video to some Slavic friend and the loved it. So many sellouts for Serbia on the internet. Thank you for sharing the truth about how bad it is - from my friends. ❤

I hope one day Eastern Europe will become as progressive and free a Western Europe. The Slavic countries have so many positives, it’s just religion fueled hatred and also high levels of selfishness and corruption likely from the communist era that holds them back. Serbia is one of the worst countries in the world for so many reasons so I have little hope for them, or for Russia/Belarus obviously. But the rest really have potential.

Thats why I consider to immigrate to Slovenia ~ beautiful landscapes, there not much people, and pretty much less conservative than many other Slavic/Balkan countries

As a gay guy, I hope that one day, we all can live in peace and friendship together. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️❤️

I am from the United States. We are divided even here, and some places are bad. I find the Slavic countries very interesting, and would like to visit. My brother has a Polish wife, so maybe it will happen. I am sorry for the countries that are more prejudiced and conservative. My hope is that the World will gradually get more accepting and more peaceful. We live in a frightening time; but I hope Good Will & Global Community will eventually win out.

I hope to doa European roadtrip next year and this video is super helpful. Slovenia and czechia are definitely on this list now, Slovakia is definitely OFF the list and Poland is a maybe. I love their support for Ukraine and the cities look beautiful so Poland could be a fun few days since they are finally moving in the right direction again

Im excited

45:55 At least they are being inclusive...

I'm a 22 year old trans woman and my family is from Serbia, I live in Switzerland and am thinking about visiting my family. tbh I'm a bit scared because my pacing as a woman is okai but my voice sounds a bit more masculine in Serbian :/

You are one of the only queer rights channels actually saying what need's to be said, I'm so proud to be an early subscriber. Keep it up, love and appreciate everything you do and stand for. 😍🇵🇭

Hi, I wonder if the gap between social acceptance and legal rights worries you. It sure worries me, and I'm not even anywhere in the LGBTQ+ myself. When the acceptance is quite low, would you still prefer to have a push for more rights, expecting the acceptance to improve over time either way? From my anecdotal experience, people around me were quite friendly towards LG(B), later a bit critical about T, and the further the progress goes during their lifetime, the less they are willing to accept it. It can affect elections in the future and cause problems. And when it comes to some things like transition of minors, it seems like too much even for me to stomach. Either way, greetings from Czechia, and I really appreciate your mention of Brno, which is where I live right now.

Honestly, Croatia sounds like the opposite of Italy. Relatively good legal protections, but low societal acceptance. From my experience as an Italian (albeit living in Canada now) Italy has a horribly homophobic/transphobic government, but societal acceptance is pretty high and it is very rare to encounter homophobic/transphobic Italians, especially if they’re under 40 years old.

So helpful thank you!

As a black trans woman, thank a yo for keppin me n dos like me safe frm evl racist querphobic places like russ, bulgar. rada cut me arm off dan support such wiked pepol!

23:35 - I find this figure to be misleading. Most Balkan parents don't accept their children for being alive, the gay part isn't as impactful as you might think.

This is a part of the world that has always been scary to me, thank you for breaking it down in an easy to approach way. Love your videos always QK.

Czech Republic 90 % is Atheistic and people here mostly don't care. So they won't hate on you but still not very great

Thanks for another great video man! 🏳️‍🌈😎

What about Kosovo?

Wow, I'm Brazilian and I had no idea that the situation of our people in Bosnia was better than in Serbia or Russia, and I also had no idea that the Bosniak/Muslim part was better than the Republika Srpska

polish people say that big city folk is more accepting but honestly i'm not seeing it. i'm enby and ace, when i used to present the way i wanted, i would get called slurs, harassed by strangers, ridiculed by cashiers at stores 💀 i'm afab and the only reason i now present feminine is to avoid unpleasant encounters. i still don't fit the "right way" of being a woman and there's hostility but alas. i'm even scared of wearing the rainbow flag bag i have cause i don't want to put myself at risk :/ one thing i don't see mentioned often is the whole thing with having to sue your parents when you're transitioning legally. it's simply fucked up... i understand thinking tusk winning the election seems like progress, but his party often uses lgbt rights as bargain chip to get votes (aka kiełbasa wyborcza) but they've been in power before and hardly did anything. they won the election almost a year ago and couldn't even do anything about the abortion ban... all while conversion therapy is still something kids go through, i've heard about anti-gay exorcisms :/ i had to attend a church mass plus rosary prayer recently and they straight prayed for homosexual couples never getting a chance to be legally recognized, as well for abortion to stay banned forever and sex ed never being taught at schools. i wanted to puke honestly, i left the church years ago but my family doesn't respect that or see the issue in them praying for me to lose human rights... being openly anti-lgbt is normalized, i've had people send me death threats because i listed a rainbow flag pin on olx/vinted. graphic shit about being set on fire, things like that. i would report the user but their accs wouldn't get banned ever... it's exhausting. it's normal to see slurs, to see videos on twitter of straight up hate crimes. no wonder people who can afford it move to more lgbt friendly countries

I don't have answer for the question: Why east countries is high homophoby?

These are mostly Eastern European countries.

And rumenia?

🇧🇦🇧🇦🇧🇦

Your shoulders are so broad!

HA, nice one, moving my ass out of here asap hopefully

Concerning Serbia: do it again, Bill and Hillary!