For L.G.B.T.Q. travelers, taking a trip can bring up safety concerns, fears of discrimination and the stress of navigating different sets of rules and restrictions. Adding to the complexities of travel is that “L.G.B.T.Q.” itself is an umbrella category. People who identify under one of these categories may also identify in or encompass others: Skin color, gender, wealth and ethnicity all affect the way that we are treated as travelers.

With that in mind, here are some tips to stay safe and make the most of your travel.

Support L.G.B.T.Q.-owned travel companies

When harsh anti-L.G.B.T.Q. laws went into effect in the country of Brunei in April, a campaign urged travelers to boycott certain properties owned by the Sultan of Brunei. Instead of thinking about a list of places to boycott, however, L.G.B.T.Q. travelers could actively support L.G.B.T.Q.-owned businesses and businesses with strong anti-discrimination policies. The International L.G.B.T.Q.+ Travel Association maintains a list of gay-friendly tour operators, including Olivia, R Family Vacations, Oscar Wilde Tours, and OUT Adventures. Lodging companies like misterb&b. and Purple Roofs specifically cater to the needs of queer travelers looking for friendly hotel and rental accommodations.

“We are seeing that things are slowly changing. I think the Stonewall riots 50 years ago started to do the work for us,” said Matthieu Jost, chief executive of misterb&b.