Travel around light. A lot of bags means you need to pay more attention to your luggage. When meeting new or old friends, you are likely to divide this attention and forget some of your stuff. If it was a passport or phone for example, anyone who finds it can easily find out a lot about you.

 

Turn off Data Exchange. When connecting your phone to someone’s laptop via a USB data cable, be sure to turn off the Data Exchange button from your phone. Some people have apps that can copy your personal data as soon as your phone is connected to their laptops. If possible, only plug your USB cable into a computer of a trusted person to charge your phone.

Watch your words. Most of us speak on the phone when in taxis because we feel comfortable. Most assume that taxi drivers do not understand the topic of the phone call because they don’t look like they are paying attention or don’t act like it. But several taxi drivers are familiar with words like “kuchu” and “shoga.”

Do your research. When invited to an event like a friend’s party or a cousin’s birthday party, try to find out whether there are any gay-friendly people attending. You don’t want to end up feeling weird amidst some family members because of your identity or fall in the hands of drunk homophobic people.

Go out with someone you trust. When going out as friends or with a larger group, try to have at least one person in your group who can watch over and help with moderation. Some of our involuntary expressions of sexuality and gender identity can leave clues to our identities. This person can help inform the group if they are being too expressive and/or it’s time to leave.

Always know where you are going. If not, be sure about the directions. Also make sure that someone you trust knows where you are going and who you are going to meet. You can leave their contacts behind too.