Hi there!
I'm Allyssa, a lesbian gal in my 20s with a passion for storytelling, photography, and building deep connections around the world. I travel full-time and often solo, although one of my biggest joys is finding a sense of home and community in the people I meet, landscapes I explore, and food I indulge in— no matter where it may be. I started The Lesbian Passport as a passion project and with the aim of being the representation that my younger self desperately needed. I find joy in documenting everything from the simple moments at home to my wildest adventures abroad, and hope that my content helps you, inspires you, or simply leaves a smile on your face!
So, why the emphasis on 'lesbian?'
I’m a firm believer that our choice of words is powerful. So, picking such a bold name for my platform was highly intentional. I wanted something catchy, unique, and meaningful, and for me this checked all of those boxes.
The word ‘lesbian’ has historically been used as a tool to shame women who strayed from the norm, or to offend and humiliate those who dared to look or be different. It took well into my college years for me to discover and embrace the beautiful complexities of my sexual identity, and a few more years until I felt confident sharing my queerness with the world under this new label. Although I’m not one to believe that we should limit our identities within the bounds of language, reclaiming this term not only felt like embracing my identity, but also rejecting the negative discourse and connotation around the word.
My hope is to inspire others to explore the world as their unapologetic, authentic selves, and to show that LGBTQ+ individuals exist in every corner of the world, capable of living fulfilling, successful, joyful lives. I’m so happy you’ve decided to be a part of my journey, and am excited to continue sharing my stories and adventures with you!
My Story
I have been outdoorsy, curious, and creative since a young age. Growing up in the States as the youngest child of two ex-military parents, traveling and pushing comfort levels has always been a big part of my life. We often spent weekends driving to sports tournaments or camping as a family, and after attending three high schools and finally heading off to college, I had grown to appreciate change and actively searched for opportunities to see the world.
In 2019, I flew to Spain to spend my summer studying abroad and living with a host family. This was my first long-term trip, and over those two months I was introduced to budget and opportunistic travel, using my free weekends to explore parts of Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Germany, and Belgium. I was hooked on adventure and had a dramatic shift of perspective on U.S. society and culture. I found myself changing my priorities from measurable accomplishments to invaluable life experiences and fulfillment.
In May 2021, I had finally graduated from college after spending the last year and a half studying online during the pandemic. I was proud, but felt more burnt out, lost, and financially insecure than ever. I moved back home, got a job at a local brewery, and started saving almost all of my earnings while working to figure out my next steps.
A few months later, I booked my first solo trip on a whim. I spent a combined two weeks backpacking Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and roadtripping Costa Rica. I met and befriended so many incredible and inspiring people, most of whom were women and doing life by anything but the book.
Traveling solo was liberating, exhilarating, and frightening. But, more than anything, it empowered me to believe that I could make any reality possible for myself. I continued working my bartending job and saving intensely, taking trips whenever and wherever I could.
In June 2022, I hard launched The Lesbian Passport out of passion and heartbreak. I was an amateur when it came to blogging and running a business, but determined and excited to make a travel-centric lifestyle my reality. I began posting my life and travels alongside working overtime and my platform took off soon after.
In August 2022, I flew to Puerto Rico on a one-way ticket. I felt comfortable enough with the funds I had saved to travel on a budget for at least a year, so quit my job and began the biggest travel journey of my life in San Juan. I continued on to backpack through Guatemala and South America, saying ‘yes’ to nearly any opportunity that presented itself and documenting my stories, tips, and favorite photos along the way.
Now, through unapologetic queer pride and a fiery passion for adventure, The Lesbian Passport has grown beyond what I could have dreamed. Finding a space in a global community I once didn’t know existed and chasing once-in-a-lifetime experiences never ceases to fill my cup with joy. I don’t have a clue what the next few years have in store, but am forever grateful that you’re here following along the journey!