Skip the Sex Toys When Visiting These Travel Destinations
If there is one thing we all know about the LGBTQ+ community, it’s that we are pretty creative in the bedroom and that we like to express that ‘creativity’ sometimes when we travel. A big part of our repertoire can include the varied sex toys available for our use and pleasure. But, before you pack your cuffs, clamps, and chains we’ve assembled a list of potential destinations LGBTQ+ travelers may visit, and packing these toys is a big no-no.
Thailand
Thailand is home to a thriving sex industry, with an estimated 30,000 active sex workers in Bangkok alone. It is a country famous for its ‘ping pong shows’ (it’s exactly what you think it is, and if you’re not sure checkout Priscilla, Queen of the Desert), ladyboy culture, and sex festivals; including the Bangkok Fetish Ball. The country has also made efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ tourists feel welcome, but perhaps leave the dildos at home. Sex toys fall under Thailand’s list of prohibited goods. They are considered obscene objects and cannot be brought into the country. They will be confiscated by customs and held until you leave.
Vietnam
Vietnam has come a long way in recent years in terms of its views on homosexuality, even though same-sex marriage remains prohibited. Just this year homosexuality and transgenderism were declassified as illnesses and conversion therapy was banned. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, transgender individuals have the legal right to gender-affirming surgery, and LGBT+ people can openly serve in the military. The country is welcoming and friendly towards the queer community for sure, but that welcome does not extend to our adult novelties. No gentle traveler, your anal beads and bullets have no place in Vietnam. Much like Thailand, if you are caught bringing these sorts of things into the country, they will be confiscated and held for you until departure.
India
You may be surprised to learn that the land that gave us The Kama Sutra has a pretty conservative attitude towards sex toys, but it’s true. With the decriminalization of homosexuality in India in 2018, views about sex and sexuality have shifted but this apparently does not extend to sex toys. While you may be able to slip a toy through customs for personal use, you will be stopped if you possess any sort of quantity. Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code deems the sale, advertisement, distribution, and public exhibition of obscene books, sketches, drawings, or any other “obscene” object, illegal. In other words, if you are thought to be importing sex toys, you’re cooked. In addition, any massagers that are phallic shaped are prohibited. Our advice is to not take any chances and skip the strap-ons and rabbits.
Egypt
It’s probably not surprising to see Egypt on this list. Any country with an ultra-conservative government, such as Dubai and Saudi Arabia, has a similar ban in place but we include Egypt on this list because it is a destination for some LGBTQ+ travelers. The allure of the desert, the pyramids, and thousands of years of history are several reasons to visit. Plus, several LGBT-owned companies curate trips to the region including High End Journeys, among others. Just make sure your neck massager is used for just that singular purpose and nothing else.
Alabama, United States
Yes, that’s right even in the good old US of A, there is an active ban on sex toys. The Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act of 1998 is an Alabama statute that criminalizes the sale of sex toys. The law has been the subject of extensive litigation and has generated considerable national controversy, yet remains on the books. The statute prohibits “any person to knowingly distribute, possess with intent to distribute, or offer or agree to distribute any obscene material or any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs for anything of pecuniary value. First-time offenders face a $10,000 fine and a year in prison, while repeat offenders can face up to ten years in prison.” Yikes!
