Top 10 Countries for LGBTQ+ TEFL teachers

“Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” – Barbara Gittings

To celebrate Pride Month, we’ve picked some of the best countries for LGBTQ+ TEFL teachers! While stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching abroad, you'll get even more from the experience if you choose a destination that feels compatible with your values and lifestyle.

How did we pick these countries? 

We chose these countries based on factors like progressive laws, public opinion towards LGBTQ+ communities, teacher insights, and of course – English teaching opportunities for TEFL graduates! 

We’ve also used data and insight from valuable sources like Equaldex , Asher & Lyric , and Rainbow Map , but it’s important to remember that social acceptance and laws don’t often line up 100% of the time.

1. Spain

• Top locations : Madrid, Barcelona, Sitges
• Average TEFL salary : €800–€2,000 ($925–$2,325 / £690–£1,730)
• Pride highlights : Madrid Pride, Barcelona Pride, Sitges Pride

Ranking among the best when it comes to both law and public acceptance , Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2005, and anti-discrimination laws have also protected the rights and expression of the LGBTQ+ community. While Madrid and Barcelona are go-to hotspots for travelers and TEFL teachers, Sitges is “Europe’s pride by the sea”

Spain has one of the biggest TEFL markets in the world, and EU teachers can enter the country visa-free, making the job search much easier. Non-EU teachers can still teach English in Spain through one of the many TEFL programmes, like Meddeas , BEDA, NALCAP , ConversaSpain , or British Council. 

Read more about the top English teaching programmes in Spain .

2. Taiwan

• Top locations : Taipei, Kaohsiung
• Average TEFL salary : NT$50,000–NT$90,000 ($1,560–$2,810 / £1,175–£2,115)
• Pride highlights : Taipei Rainbow Festival, Kaohsiung Pride, Asia Pride Games

While the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, Taiwan was the first in Asia . Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019, but it had long been considered an LGBTQ+ hub. Taiwan’s first Pride festival was held in Taipei back in 2003, and went on to become the second-largest LGBTQ+ pride festival in 2015 – with over 150,000 people in attendance.

Most of the Taiwanese population practice Buddhism and/or Taoism, which are more accepting of LGBTQ+ lifestyles, and Taiwan has one of the most free and open information environments in Asia. With strong press freedom and access to information online, and an anime culture which helped normalise queer characters and same-sex relationships, the country has developed an open-minded and expressive culture.

Want to check out more rainbows in Asia? Join Sophie’s rainbow food mukbang in China:

3. Thailand

• Top locations : Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya
• Average TEFL salary : ฿30,000–฿40,000 ($920–$1,225 / £695–£925
• Pride highlights : Bangkok Pride, Phuket Pride Festival, Chiang Mai Pride, Central World “We Are Many”

Home to a thriving drag scene, transgender communities, and glamorous cabaret nights, Thailand is one of the top TEFL destinations and a budding spot for LGBTQ+ teachers. 

Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2025, and while this seems late, 90% of the population practices Buddhism which doesn’t forbid LGBTQ+ lifestyles. Increased LGBTQ+ representation in Thai media has also helped normalise LGBTQ+ identities in mainstream culture. With Pride Marches in Bangkok , Phuket, Chiang Mai , and a colorful nightlife scene across the country, Thailand is a top country for LGBTQ+ teachers. 

While Thailand is widely recognised for its gender-diverse communities, be mindful that traditional gender expectations still exist in some settings. Schools in rural areas may enforce gender-specific dress codes, and some cultural customs continue to reflect more traditional views of gender roles.

4. Malta

• Top locations : Valletta, Gżira, Sliema, St Julian’s
• Average TEFL salary : €700–€1,600 ($810–$1,850 / £605–£1,380)
• Pride highlights : Malta Pride

Small but highly progressive, Malta consistently ranks among the world's safest countries for LGBTQ+ people. Despite its strong Catholic heritage, the country has introduced some of Europe's most comprehensive equality laws and legalised same-sex marriage in 2017. Malta Pride takes place each September, featuring over a week of events, performances, and celebrations in the historic capital, Valletta.

While Malta is a popular TEFL spot thanks to its Mediterranean climate, a high rate of English speakers mean that standards are high. However, teachers can still find opportunities at summer schools and private language centres.

5. Chile

• Top locations : Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar
• Average TEFL salary : CLP $550,000–CLP $1,100,000 ($600–$1,200 / £450–£900)
• Pride highlights : Marcha del Orgullo, AMOR International LGBT+ Film Festival

Chile has emerged as one of South America's most progressive countries, legalising same-sex marriage and adoption in 2021 following strong public support. Santiago's Marcha del Orgullo takes place each June and is one of Latin America's most significant Pride celebrations. 

Combined with a high standard of living, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes, it's an appealing destination for TEFL teachers. While salaries don’t rival those in Europe or East Asia, low living costs, a demand for English teachers, and lively Chilean students make it a particularly rewarding destination for outgoing teachers.

6. The Netherlands

• Top locations : Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht
• Average TEFL salary : €2,000–€3,500 ($2,320–$4,060 / £1,725–£3,025)
• Pride highlights : Amsterdam Pride  

With some of the highest English proficiency levels in the world, the Netherlands may not seem like an obvious TEFL destination. However, highly qualified teachers can earn an excellent salary at international schools, universities, and specialist language centres. 

The Netherlands is also one of Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. Ranked among the safest places in the world for LGBTQ+ people, it combines strong legal protections with a culture of openness and inclusion. Pride in “the Gay Capital of Europe” – Amsterdam – is held annually in late July and early August, is world-famous for its canal parade, street parties, concerts, and city-wide celebrations. 

(Don’t worry if you’ve missed Amsterdam Pride, you can head to Rotterdam Pride in September!)

7. Portugal

• Top locations : Porto, Lisbon, Faro, Lagos 
• Average TEFL salary : €900–€1,800 ($1,045–$2,095 / £780–£1,555)
• Pride highlights : Porto Pride, Pride at the Beach (Costa da Caparica), Rebuliço (Lisbon),

Portugal consistently ranks among the world's safest countries for LGBTQ+ people and has become a leader in equality legislation. Alongside its progressive culture, warm climate, and strong TEFL market, Lisbon Pride is one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Algarve Pride is another event that’s worth considering if you’re after a more beach-party atmosphere. 

8. Uruguay

• Top locations : Montevideo, Punta del Este
• Average TEFL salary : $U30,000–U$60,000 ($555–$1,110 / £415–£830)
• Pride highlights : Montevideo Pride, Festival del Orgullo Montevideo, Punta Pride

Uruguay has long been a pioneer of LGBTQ+ rights in Latin America, becoming the region's first country to legalise civil unions and one of the earliest to grant adoption rights to same-sex couples. 

Today, it remains one of South America's most progressive and inclusive nations. Montevideo Pride, centred around the Marcha por la Diversidad , is one of South America's most celebrated diversity events. For TEFL teachers, salaries are modest but the country's welcoming culture, strong education system, and low living costs make it an underrated teaching location for foreigners.

9. France

• Top locations : Paris, Marseille, Lyon
• Average TEFL salary : €800–€2,000 ($930–$2,320 / £695–£1,730).
• Pride highlights : Paris Pride, Marseille Gay Pride, Global Black Pride 2026

France is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013, and the country boasts a highly progressive stance on human rights. Beyond legal rights, there’s plenty to celebrate – France hosts Pride festivals in Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, and of course Paris , with neighbourhoods like Le Marais unofficially dubbed as “Paris’ gay district”. 

While EU teachers can apply directly to schools, non-EU teachers most commonly find work in France through the TAPIF programme . On the TAPIF programme, teachers enter France on a study visa and work part-time as a language assistant.

10. Argentina

• Top locations : Buenos Aires
• Average TEFL salary : ARG $870,000–ARG $1,740,000 ($600–$1,200 / £450–£900)
• Pride highlights : Buenos Aires Pride, Vendimia Para Todos (Mendoza) 

Argentina ’s capital, Buenos Aires , is widely considered to be “South America’s gay capital.” With progressive trans rights laws, non-binary gender statuses on official identification papers, and same-sex marriage — including full adoption rights — Argentina is a hub for LGBTQ+ teachers and travelers. 

While wages aren’t particularly high compared to other TEFL locations, neither is the cost of living. English is in high demand, so if you’re interested in a comfortable lifestyle over salary and saving potential, Argentina is one of the best places to do it.

Ready to Teach English Abroad? Don’t Forget Your TEFL  

Whether you're drawn to Amsterdam’s world-famous Pride celebrations, Taiwan's trailblazing equality laws, or Thailand's vibrant queer culture, these countries combine strong teaching opportunities with progressive laws and cultures that celebrate diversity. 

Wherever you choose, a TEFL qualification can open the door to new experiences in a global community that welcomes you for who you are.

Get started with our 120 hour course today.

Read more about teaching English abroad: 

• Pride in the Classroom: Representation in TEFL and Why it Matters
• Teach English Abroad: Top 54 Countries