My news feed lately has been full of articles on Canada’s updated travel advisory for LGBTQ+ travelers coming to the United States. People have varied reactions to this, with some calling it an overstep of the Canadian government—claiming it is a political statement rather than a warning against a real threat—and others deeming it a veritable concern for the well-being of queer citizens. Either way, everyone seems to have something to say about it—and so do I. The advisory reiterates a point of which most queer people are already well aware. While it is a positive step, it really is not that big a deal. 

Under the “United States” tab on the official Canadian travel advice and advisories website, a brief note is included for LGBTQ+ travelers: “Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.” This idea is not new to queer travelers. When I travel internationally, I am highly aware of the dangers that surround my identities and community. I remove pins and buttons with my flags and pronouns before leaving home. If I pass another queer person on my trips, I feel guilty and sad that I have no way to communicate to them that I am part of their community. The horrible truth is that dozens of countries around the world still criminalize being queer, and far more have societal stigmas against it; not being knowledgeable about those places before traveling there is simply not a safe option for the majority of LGBTQ+ people. Travel guides and advisories like the one provided by Canada just make it a little easier for queer people to know generally where they should be more cautious or do additional research. 

The advisory itself is a positive step for queer people. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), over 75 bills limiting queer rights have been passed in the United States so far this year, and more are pending. In June, the HRC called a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States. Officially, the rights of queer people are more recognized than ever in American history, but the wave of recent anti-queer legislation puts them at a greater disadvantage in society. Therefore, the recognition of influential sources, such as the Canadian government, is a win in the beginning of this renewed fight. The first step to improving conditions is calling out when they are bad or unjust, which is what Canada may have just done, joining many other voices in protest. 

However, the advisory itself is highly unassertive, using words like “some” and “may” to describe a situation that organizations like the HRC have determined to be far more critical. While the advisory is a good thing, it is seriously over hyped. A two-sentence note on a Canadian travel website will neither make nor break the fight for equal human rights in the United States. It is an ongoing process that requires acknowledgement and support in a wide range of ways and contexts, from people of all backgrounds.  It is important for people of all genders and sexualities to educate themselves and find spaces in which they are comfortable being themselves. The Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org) has many explanations of common terms and ideas that are often thrown around with little context, including “transitioning” and “gender-affirming healthcare.” The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org) focuses on LGBTQ+ youth and mental health support. Locally, Harrisonburg is home to the Friendly City Safe Space, which provides support, community, and education for queer people and allies. Utilizing these and other resources is a great way to become more involved in one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time and our country.