The Unknown Dimension of LGBT Liberty Standards at Sea

The Hidden Reality of LGBT+ Seafarers

As Pride Month illuminates the progress of LGBT+ rights worldwide, the maritime industry faces an uncomfortable truth: 76% of LGBT+ seafarers actively conceal their identity while at sea, and over 60% have encountered homophobic or transphobic language onboard. Behind the rainbow flags flying in ports lies a complex web of jurisdictional challenges that leave LGBT+ crew vulnerable in international waters.

Flag State Disparities in LGBT+ Protection

The world’s three largest flag states – Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands, representing 46% of global shipping tonnage – present a patchwork of LGBT+ protections. The Marshall Islands has prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity since 2019, making it relatively progressive amongst major registries. However, same-sex couples remain ineligible for marriage recognition.

Jurisdictional Grey Zones at Sea

Flag state jurisdiction creates unique challenges for LGBT+ seafarers. A British cadet was denied sea time on a foreign-flagged vessel because she was a woman. Though UK courts ruled it discriminatory, they claimed they had no jurisdiction, highlighting how domestic protections can evaporate once vessels enter international waters.

The jurisdictional grey zone becomes particularly acute when vessels transit through or dock in countries where homosexuality remains criminalised. Seafarers must navigate the anxiety of changing port laws, where being out could mean detention or worse [4]. Unlike shore-based workers, seafarers cannot easily avoid hostile jurisdictions, trapped by employment contracts and vessel schedules.

Industry Initiatives and Future Prospects

Recent initiatives offer hope. The Pride in Maritime Network, established within Maritime UK’s Diversity in Maritime programme, launched Pride in Maritime Day in 2022, creating safe spaces for LGBT+ maritime professionals. Several speakers called for updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) to explicitly protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Companies that prioritise LGBTQ+ inclusive policies gain a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining seafarers, with younger generations seeking workplaces where acceptance replaces discrimination.

Yet challenges persist. Fear of discrimination and loss of jobs have forced gay seafarers to keep their homosexuality a secret when working onboard vessels. The maritime industry’s traditional masculine culture, combined with multinational crews operating under diverse legal frameworks, creates an environment where silence is a survival strategy for many LGBT+ seafarers.

As the industry grapples with crew shortages and seeks to attract diverse talent, addressing LGBT+ inclusion isn’t merely an ethical imperative – it’s becoming an operational necessity. The unknown dimension of maritime diversity requires urgent attention from flag states, shipowners, and international maritime organisations to ensure all seafarers can serve with dignity and authenticity.

References

Lloyd’s Register (2025). “Beyond the Silence: A wake-up call for LGBT+ inclusion.” Available here.

Maritime Fairtrade (2022). “Stop Discriminating Against Gay Seafarers.” Available here.

Maritime UK. “Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: The Maritime Industry’s Journey to Accept LGBTQ Individuals.” Available here.

Nautilus International. “Focus on rights at risk for LGBT+ crew.” Available here.

International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (2024). “TALKING POINT: Seeing through history: LGBT+ seafarers.” Available here;

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