Island, Philippines
Is Palawan LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Palawan LGBTQ+ friendly?
Relaxed in the tourist towns; locals are welcoming and open, but there is no organised gay scene and same-sex unions are not recognised.
LGBTQ+ laws in Philippines
Among Asia's most accepting societies, with visible gay and trans communities and big Manila Pride in June; Catholic conservatism still shapes national law.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | No |
| Anti-discrimination law | Partial |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Philippines
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Manila | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Boracay | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Palawan | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| El Nido | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Cebu | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Siargao | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Coron | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Bohol | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Panglao | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Makati | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Moalboal | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Baguio | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| La Union | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Davao | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Dumaguete | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Siquijor | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Puerto Galera | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Malapascua | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Port Barton | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Tagaytay | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Sagada | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Vigan | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Iloilo | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Angeles City | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| BGC | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Banaue | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Bantayan | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
Quick answers
Is Palawan safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Relaxed in the tourist towns; locals are welcoming and open, but there is no organised gay scene and same-sex unions are not recognised.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Philippines?
No.
More about Palawan
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- eTravel (Government of the Philippines)
- Bureau of Immigration
- Department of Tourism
- Philippine Airlines
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.