Yonder (travel magazine)

[Wu Han]

Bianjie has spent much of the modern era gradually opening itself to international travel, commerce, and cultural exchange. After nearly a century of economic and social liberalization, the Khanate has emerged as a country which blends distinct Bianjie cultural heritage with modernity, a transformation most reflected in the country’s major cities. Travellers may wish to visit the historic Orchid Palace, residence of the Khan of Bianjie, attend a Bianjie pop or rock concert, or catch an electrifying First League football match at any one of Bianjie’s world class stadiums. Tourists can travel internally by road, air, or via the Bianjie National Railways lines, which recently acquired brand new, comfortable electric trains on some lines.

Gemun and Minnanoie have developed distinct districts centred on queer culture, nightlife, and artistic expression. Meanwhile, Guihecen, a university-oriented town in the northern region, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most socially liberal urban environments. The town is known for its cafés, bookstores, music venues, and social spaces that cater to a younger, progressive clientele, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Social and Legal Environment

Bianjie is legally one of the more progressive countries in Dovani regarding LGBTQ rights. Marriage equality has been established for nearly sixty years, the result of a significant LGBTQ+ rights social movement, and national legislation provides protections against discrimination in housing, employment, and public services. As a result, LGBTQ tourists are unlikely to encounter legal or institutional hostility during travel. Legal recognition concerning gender diversity in regard to transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming people, remain somewhat ambiguous, though visitors are unlikely to experience significant discrimination in practice.

The religious landscape of Bianjie is primarily shaped by shamanist and Daenist traditions. These belief systems are generally characterized by cultural ambivalence, rather than doctrinal opposition, towards LGBTQ identity. Despite progressive legal structures, social etiquette across much of Bianjie discourages public romantic displays regardless of sexual orientation. Travellers should expect a reserved public atmosphere.

Travel Advice

Bianjie is considered a safe destination for LGBTQ travellers. All visitors, straight and queer alike, should observe general social etiquette by keeping physical affection relatively discreet in public spaces. Transgender and gender-diverse travellers are unlikely to face serious difficulties, although administrative categories relating to gender expression remain somewhat uncertain. Planning and ensuring proper documentation is highly advised for non-cisgender travellers.

Hansan has long been referred to as the “Land of Smiles,” a phrase reflecting the hospitality and kindness of the Hansai people, particularly towards visitors to the country. With its gorgeous beaches, mouth-watering street-food scene, rich cultural heritage, plethora of adventure activities, warm-hearted people, and affordability, Hansan is a popular destination for tourists, straight and LGBTQ+ alike.

Udon Nakhon and Khattaya are very modern cities, and serve as transport hubs for much of Southern Dovani. Both cities are known to have vibrant LGBTQ+ cultural scenes and neighbourhoods, with large numbers of queer bars, nightclubs, book stores, shops, and hotels catering to the community. The Hansanese islands, beaches, and mountains are popular choices for tourists looking for quieter, natural retreats, while historically or culturally minded travellers have a wealth of stunning Daenist temples (over 80,000 sites across the country), palaces, and ruins stretching back to antiquity to explore.

Social and Legal Environment

Hansan is widely regarded as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in Dovani despite the absence of legal marriage equality. The Thanavada Daenist religious tradition, followed by the overwhelming majority of the population, does not promote negative attitudes toward LGBTQ identity or behaviour, and same-sex sexual activity has never been criminalized in Hansanese history.

Hansanese culture has a long historical tradition of recognizing and celebrating gender diversity. Individuals identified as “third sex,” (commonly associated with the term kathoey in foreign scholarship) are highly visible and celebrated across the entertainment, fashion, and media industries, among other fields. Given the long history of “third-gender” individuals within Hansanese society, Hansan is a leading innovator in the field of gender-affirming care, and a popular destination for affordable transgender medical tourism. Nevertheless, “third-gender” Hansanese people still face sociopolitical obstacles and stigma not faced by cisgendered people. Local governments have sought to enact anti-discrimination measures protecting gender-diverse folks and the LGBTQ community at large, though nationwide legislation to this end has yet to be enacted.

Travel Advice

Hansan is considered very safe for LGBTQ travellers. However, in many respects Hansanese society is considered to be conservative, and outward displays of affection by straight and same-sex couples alike are generally uncommon. While LGBTQ travellers are unlikely to encounter homophobia or transphobia, maintaining culturally respectful behaviour will enhance the travel experience, especially when visiting religious sites. For instance, when greeting someone, the Hansai do not hug or kiss and rarely shake hands (unless at the initiation of a foreigner); rather, they traditionally put their palms together at their chest and bow the head.

Xsampa, a land where remote Daenist monasteries cling to cliffs and prayer flags snap in the cool alpine air of the Hanzenic Shield, has attracted travellers and explorers for centuries. While geographically remote and culturally distinct, the government of Xsampa has, since at least the 5400s, taken a proactive and leading role in encouraging LGBTQ equality across Xsampan society. Major urban centres such as Bajoum and Lenakha are known to have visible and spirited LGBTQ communities, with neighbourhood clusters of cafés, nightlife venues, and cultural spaces that openly cater to queer clientele.

Social and Legal Environment

Xsampa has full marriage equality, and anti-discrimination provisions are actively enforced across government institutions and state-owned enterprises. Public officials are mandated to intervene in cases of discrimination, and law enforcement agencies have a record of responding seriously to harassment complaints. The powerful People’s Committee of Social Equality is tasked with stamping out discrimination across government and society writ large.

While more remote rural communities may retain comparatively conservative social attitudes, overt homophobia and transphobia are uncommon. In isolated regions, travellers are more likely to encounter quiet curiosity or reserved social interaction rather than hostility. Transgender travellers typically do not face systematic documentation barriers at major transit points, though bureaucratic processes may be slow.

Travel Advice

LGBTQ travellers to Xsampa can expect a high degree of institutional protection and relative social comfort, particularly in urban centres. Bajoum and Lenakha offer the most visible and welcoming environments, though travellers are unlikely to experience any significant discrimination in any part of Xsampa. As with all travel, discretion and respect for local customs are advisable, especially when visiting religious sites. Public affection should remain measured, and travellers venturing into remote rural areas should be prepared for more traditional social norms.


Those indicated with an asterisk (*) are considered to have a broadly tolerant, if not positive and accepting legal and social environment for domestic and foreign LGBTQ+ people alike, and the country is welcoming of LGBTQ+ travellers for general tourism.

• Hulstria and Gao-Soto*
  
• Kazulia*
  
• Kimlien: while same-sex marriages are not legal nor recognized, the country is a relatively hassel-free destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, and has hosted large Pride events in major cities in recent decades. Foreign travellers are generally exempt from the social stigmas still faced by local LGBTQ+ people, though conditions have improved domestically.
  
• Lourenne*
  
• New Verham*
  
• North Dovani*
  
• Seko*
  
• Talmoria*
  
• Yingdala*
  

Those indicated with an asterisk (*) are considered broadly ambiguous legal and social environments for domestic and foreign LGBTQ+ people alike, and a high degree of caution must be exercised by LGBTQ+ travellers to these countries.

• Dalibor: while Dalibor City is a global tourism hotspot notorious for its laissez-faire approach to nearly everything (including LGBTQ+ issues), the weak and diffuse legal institutions across the country, alongside the risk of violence, kidnapping, extortion in the Outlands renders the country as a whole one where travellers must exercise a high degree of caution.
  
• Istapali*
  
• Kurageri*
  
• Liore*
  
• Midway: while Midway has achieved remarkable progress and stability after a long period of social and political upheaval under the Gaoic Republic, the legal and social environment for domestic and foreign LGBTQ+ people remains ambiguous. Caution must be exercised.
  
• Mina*
  
• New Englia*
  
• Nsanlosa*
  
• Ostland*
  
• Statrica*
  
• Yerrawa*
  

Utaristan is a country undergoing a process of social and political transformation, following a prolonged internal war and revolution. While the central government in the capital city of Cise maintains partial territorial authority, resources dedicated to visitor protection and tourism infrastructure remain limited as the nation continues to rebuild its social, economic, and administrative structures.

Tourism in Utaristan has been primarily oriented towards the country's stunning highland geography as well as the cultural history of the region, rather than entertainment or nightlife. The capital city of Cise provides the majority of visitor infrastructure, including hotels, transportation connections, and administrative services. However, while the country’s natural beauty is striking, it is currently accompanied by challenging travel conditions outside major metropolitan areas.

Social and Legal Environment

Open expressions of LGBTQ identity are socially discouraged across most regions, and the post-revolutionary legal environment is ambiguous. At present, Utaristan lacks comprehensive anti-discrimination or hate-crime protection statutes relating to sexual orientation or gender identity. Homophobia is relatively common in public discourse, and visible same-sex romantic behaviour is likely to attract negative attention. Urban centres such as Cise may offer comparatively safer environments, reflecting gradual social change since the establishment of the Revolutionary People's Republic. However, these improvements remain uneven and do not guarantee personal safety.

Transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals face significant legal and social discrimination. National customs systems do not formally recognize gender markers that differ from sex assigned at birth, which may create administrative difficulties for some travellers. Women travelling without companions are advised to exercise particular caution. In conservative provinces such as Faravon, which retains strong traditionalist social norms, the risk of gender-based violence is higher than in national urban centres.

Travel Advice

Travel to Utaristan is not advised for LGBTQ+ visitors, given the ongoing post-conflict process of restructuring and stabilizing the state, as well as the ambiguous legal environment for foreign and domestic LGBTQ+ alike. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant of security developments in regions they may wish to travel to or through, and to exercise high levels of caution and discretion, particularly as it relates to open expressions of LGBTQ+ identity and booking accommodations or travel.

• Medina: this country is facing an unstable security situation as of 5714, and the legality of same-sex sexual activity, as well as protections for LGBTQ+ people are ambiguous. Travel is not advised.
  
• Ntoto: this country applies one of the world's stiffest penalties for same-sex sexual activity, with those prosecuted under the law facing up to 15 years of imprisonment. Travel is not advised.