![\"Marine](\"https:\/\/cdn-imgix.headout.com\/media\/images\/944312bff55be0ff83bedb54bffd9d46-Marine-Pride-Stories.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWelcome to our special Pride Month blog post! At Headout, we believe that travel is more than just visiting new places\u2014it’s about finding those special corners of the world where we feel truly at home. This June, we asked our colleagues to open their hearts and share their personal experiences of safe spaces that have made them feel accepted and loved. These stories span continents and cultures, showcasing how travel can lead us to places where we can be our authentic selves. And here\u2019s where their journey led them…<\/p>\n
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Berlin<\/p>\n
Marine discovered her true self in Berlin, surrounded by a chosen family that embraces her identity. Berlin\u2019s openness and freedom allow her to express herself without fear, whether she’s wearing shiny, glittery makeup or opting for a natural look. The city, its people, and its inclusive spaces make it easy to feel accepted. \u201cI also always feel a warmth inside me when I see a same-sex couple holding hands or sharing a kiss because I know that it might not be the case in another country. Or when I see people expressing themselves unapologetically,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is pretty common in Berlin to have complete strangers coming up to you and embracing your style or energy and I always find it to be a nice ego booster but also a striking thing to do in a city where people are not the most smiley and happy by default. When I’m surrounded by my friends in an LGBTQ-friendly space in Berlin (which is most places in Berlin), I feel invincible thanks to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Berlin, many clubs, bars, and events naturally promote safe spaces, combating homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, and racism. This inclusivity is a daily part of life in Berlin.<\/p>\n
Marine\u2019s experience in Berlin is intertwined with the friends she has made. The city’s acceptance and her chosen family have made her journey truly special. \u201cI wish that everyone could feel as safe as I feel surrounded by my chosen colorful family in a city that accepts you just the way you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Basilica](\"https:\/\/cdn-imgix.headout.com\/media\/images\/c4b00d56e28e01b90c8a930f8497c8e5-raibnow%20flag.jpeg\")
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Ranga Shankara, JP Nagar, Bengaluru<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s difficult to put into words, but the arts have always been accepting. Never has it been that in theatre, a man cannot play a woman or a woman a man. Acting and writing make it so that you embody, understand and accept the diversity of humankind, regardless of whether you agree with it or not. As someone who identifies as a trans-masculine lesbian, it\u2019s difficult to find spaces where people don\u2019t stare, point, or make faces at you for dressing differently from what is the heterosexual-cisgender norm. Ranga Shankara, however, has always been a place where I\u2019ve felt safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
On a first date gone wrong, the magic of a modern rendition of Arabian Nights at Ranga Shankara helped Rianna find calm and connection. The theatre\u2019s environment turned a potential disaster into a lasting friendship. <\/p>\n
Ranga Shankara regularly features queer shows and embraces diversity both on and off the stage. This commitment to inclusivity makes Rianna feel safe. \u201c The numerous queer shows and displays of queer affection and romance all help me feel like I truly belong. I\u2019ve never seen a place where being cis-het isn\u2019t the norm \u2013 it is rarely perpetuated by staff or by the plays that happen at the theatre, and that somehow makes me feel safer.\u201d<\/p>\n
The theatre has helped Rianna connect with a kind and open queer audience. \u201cThe queer audience at the theatre has been so kind, so open and caring, and so lovely \u2013 there have been times I\u2019ve walked out with complete strangers and gone to board game cafes to spend hours talking over board games.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Pride](\"https:\/\/cdn-imgix.headout.com\/media\/images\/19fd72391132ca36b4292969566655db-Chirantani-Pride-Stories.jpg\")
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Manipal<\/p>\n
Moving from her hometown in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Chirantani found a home away from home in Manipal. The city\u2019s youthful energy and shared search for identity helped her feel comfortable expressing herself and embracing her queer identity. Being a university, Chirantani believes the town is welcoming because of the commonality of age and youth. \u201cEvery student is equally scared, trying to find their platforms, a place to feel comfortable without having to worry about \u201ceyes\u201d around them. In the process of trying to find their safe spaces, every one started creating, discovering and sharing these places around the city, where they, and people alike, could feel at home. And I think that\u2019s beautiful. We were all for one and one for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring a challenging period, I had to make the decision to leave certain people behind to explore and find a part of myself that had always been missing. During this time, I met someone who changed everything. I often tell people that my post-graduation years were the best two years of my life. They forced me to confront my queer identity head-on. I am grateful for the people I met who I could call my own, even though I eventually had to let them go.”<\/p>\n
Manipal\u2019s inclusive college environment fosters a sense of community. Open conversations and intersectionality in lectures and social spaces empower students to be vulnerable and thrive.<\/p>\n
Chirantani formed some of her best friendships in Manipal. \u201cThe loving and accepting community set me on a journey that was needed, and now I can confidently say I am proud, loud, and visible.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Pride](\"https:\/\/cdn-imgix.headout.com\/media\/images\/d5253e29373fcf77becc551d6df33228-Kynan-Pride-Stories.jpg\")
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London\u2019s West End<\/p>\n
As a gay ex-professional performer, Kynan finds the theatre to be a safe haven. The vibrant theatre scene in West End spills out into the streets, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. It\u2019s a place where you can see same-sex couples holding hands without a second glance, and flamboyant outfits are applauded, not ridiculed. \u201cIt might sound a bit cliche, but even after hanging up my dancing shoes, the theatre is still my safe space. I know I can find these safe spaces all over the world, but do I have a special fondness for London’s West End.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kynan\u2019s first encounter with professional theatre at age 10 was life-changing. \u201cI grew up in a small town about 2 hours north of Brisbane, Australia. One day after school, the family all climbed into my aunt’s van, and we drove to Brisbane to watch The Phantom of the Opera, my first time watching a professional musical. We weren’t wealthy and had the cheapest seats available in the nosebleed section. I like to joke that we were so far away that I couldn’t even tell that the Phantom was disfigured when his mask came off! After the final bows, I stayed rooted to my seat and listened to the exit music from the orchestra. I didn’t want the night to end! I didn’t know then that I wanted to perform, but I did know that I wanted to stay in this place that made me feel so good, so special and so safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
The West End celebrates diversity with numerous LGBTQ+ stories. This representation on stage fosters an inclusive atmosphere, making everyone feel welcome.<\/p>\n
Explaining that telling a story to an audience through theatre is an intense and intimate experience that can be the basis for forming strong connections, Kynan says it was also the way he made many good friends. \u201c Most of my best friends are from the theatre community. I’ve also made good friends since then who share my passion for theatre and going to these safe places together is a great shared experience. My friends and I already have a few West End shows on our to-watch list for the next time I go to London and I can’t wait to see them there!\u201d<\/p>\n