Identities Abroad

A Resource Guide for Traveling LGBTQ Students

This guide is for LGBTQ students and their advisors to use throughout the study abroad process. It can assist in learning about different study abroad programs and help them navigate the process of study abroad.

This guide provides students with:

Questions to consider when choosing a study abroad program
Potential challenges LGBTQ students may experience abroad
General information on various study abroad programs
LGBTQ student experiences while abroad

This guide will provide advisors with:

Definitions of key terms on LGBTQ issues
Web resources and articles of interest
Unique challenges for these students
Suggestions for creating a LGBTQ friendly environment and establishing a visible presence on their campus.

— Colleges of the Fenway Study Abroad Council

With the generous support of a NAFSA Region XI mini grant, the Colleges of the Fenway Study Abroad Council has teamed up to create this guide to inform you in many ways to prepare and educate you for studying abroad as an LGBTQ student. Material and resources cited in this manual are, in part, adapted from various LGBTQ Resource Centers and Safe Zone Projects at other institutions as well as LGBTQ advocacy and education organizations. URLs can change over time, students and advisors are encouraged to conduct their own searches for relevant information.

Student info

Study abroad can be a transformative experience for LGBTQ students. Many students who studied abroad have reported gaining confidence in their sexual orientation as they explored another LGBTQ community and reflected on their experiences. This guide is designed to assist students as they consider and plan for studying abroad and provide information about study abroad providers, locations, and behaviors to ensure that students have a safe and exceptional experience abroad. Check out more interviews from students at: https://www.youtube.com/user/geocenter1.

Questions to ask about the destination

What are gender relations like in your host culture?
What are the laws and cultural norms surrounding relationships and dating?
What laws govern the LGBTQ community in your host country?
What are social and cultural attitudes towards the LGBTQ community?
What may make the coming out process different in the host country compared to the U.S.?
Are there any safety considerations to be aware of?
What is the attitude of the local police towards LGBTQ visitors?
Are sexual orientations and gender identity openly discussed or more taboo in the host country?
How are public displays of affection (both heterosexual and homosexual) viewed by the host culture?

Questions to ask about the host program

How LGBTQ-friendly is the host institution?
What types of housing are available?
Is my program able to make accommodations, including
- single rooms,
- private bathrooms
- certain roommates?
Are there LGBTQ friendly establishments near the program facilities?
Can and will the program staff help you identify them?
Does the study abroad program discuss LGBTQ considerations during orientation?
If you regularly use health and counseling services at home, will these be available abroad? Will you need them abroad?

Questions to ask about yourself

How open do you want/need to be about your sexual orientation while abroad with friends, professors, and host family and program staff?
Do you want/need to be a part of a supportive LGBTQ community?
Are there organizations available for this?
If you were to travel to a location where you would need to hide your sexual orientation due to safety concerns in the host country, how would this impact your overall study abroad experience?
Are there situations where you would not disclose your sexual identity?
How will you meet other sexual minority students while abroad?
How important is this to you?
Will you disclose your sexual orientation prior to arrival with your host family or wait until you know them to decide how to proceed?

LGBTQ Friendly Destinations

Perceptions of LGBTQ communities vary from culture to culture. While you may have heard about the less-welcoming countries, there are countries on nearly every continent where LGBTQ communities are accepted, providing these students with a plethora of study abroad options across the globe. The Pew Research Center conducted research on LGBTQ-friendly destinations, some of which are listed below.

LGBTQ Communities in Popular Study Abroad Locations

Colleges of the Fenway students have studied abroad in countless different locations and reported what their experiences were like where they studied. You can also find tips from past participants throughout this guide. Additionally, the University of South Florida’s “LGBTQ Student Guide for Education Abroad” offers narratives for several other destinations.

Friendliest Destinations

Spain
Germany
Canada
Czech Republic
Australia
France
Britain
Argentina
Italy
Philippines

Encountering Differences While Abroad

As you spend more time in your host culture, you will likely become more accustomed to the cultural cues that surround you. If the host language is one you do not speak proficiently, you may spend a great deal of time in your first few weeks abroad getting used to the language, signs and sounds of your new country. Whatever your sexual orientation, you are likely to encounter differences – ranging from food to ways of dressing to traditions and customs. Learning to navigate these visible differences will also help you be successful in navigating the differences surrounding issues involving sexual orientation. It is likely that, if you travel abroad with a faculty-led course or with a third-party study abroad provider, you will have ready access to information about LGBTQ cultural attitudes, norms and resources. This information may come with your pre-departure orientation materials or be presented during your in-country orientation. If you find that you are not given this information prior to leaving your home campus, you may wish to check in with your study abroad director about gender relations and additional resources for your host country. You will always have the choice whether you wish to be out or not while you are abroad. Most programs are interested in supporting your choices, and you can let them know if you have questions about local resources, how to talk with your host family, or safe space locations. If you encounter challenges while abroad, your program director or on-site staff are there to help you. They are likely to have suggestions that take your situation and the local culture into consideration. In case of the most difficult situations abroad, know that the US embassy or consulate will be able to help you. Consular officers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offer emergency assistance to American citizens traveling and studying abroad. Your privacy will be protected and the officers will not make generalizations, assumptions, or pass judgments. More information is available on the U.S. Government’s travel advisory website under US Passport “Before You Go”. Click here to learn more.

Global Gay Rights

Laws governing LGBTQ relationships and sexual activity differ from country to country and U.S. Citizens must abide by the laws of their host country. Knowing these laws may help you decide what countries you might like to visit if you will be out abroad. You should be informed about specific laws pertaining to sexual identity, including:

the legality of same-sex sexual behavior;
the age of consent; restrictions on freedom of association or expression for LGBTQ people
anti-discrimination laws

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) offers information on the legal issues around the world concerning LGBTQ rights.

FAQ

Can I go abroad?
Eligibility for study abroad programs is different at every school, and where you can go depends on several factors, such as your major, year, graduation requirements, etc. Check with your Study Abroad Advisor to find out what the options are for students at your institution.
Where can I go?
There are study abroad programs all over the world, that cover many different subject areas. Use this guide to think about how to combine your academic and personal interests with your needs as an LGBTQ student.
Will it be safe?
There are risks involved in traveling, living, and studying abroad that you won’t encounter on your home campus. However, with the right research and preparation, participation in an established study abroad program, and attention to surroundings when overseas, most study abroad experiences are safe and positive.
What are some key issues? Unique challenges?
There are many issues and challenges that are unique to LGBTQ students. Some of these issues include: identity abroad and views on LGBTQ issues in certain countries; relationships abroad; your decision on whether or not to come out abroad; and returning home after a study abroad experience.
How do I get ready to go?
Researching information before your departure. Ask your study abroad advisor for specific resources.Support from campus resources such as counseling centers, your study abroad office, health centers, etc. Maintaining contact with local resources on campus and at home with family and friends.
How do I afford to go abroad?
There are several scholarship opportunities available to students to fund their study abroad. Contact your study abroad advisor or your StudioAbroad website for more information.
Who can I contact?
Some helpful resources on your home campus include:

COF Schools/Departments
Study Abroad/International Programs Office
Counseling Centers
Health Services Centers
Campus Ministry

Additional Resources

For students who are not part of the Colleges of the Fenway, you are welcome to contact us for more information, or reach out to your home campus Study Abroad Advisor.

Web Resources

ILGA.org The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association provides extensive information on LGBTQ rights for each specific country.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices This resource from the U.S. Department of State provides information on Human Rights for every country and includes a section on sexual orientation and gender identity.

travel.state.gov This government resource provides important current information about each country and/or region. The sections often include information on the status of LGBTQ people in country.

LGBT Student Guide for Education Abroad This document outlines the legal and cultural climate of over two-dozen countries as it relates to the LGTBQ community.

Creating Safe Spaces

A safe space a space where an individual can be open about who he/she/they are free of fear. The space is respectful of all people, inclusive of the LGBTQ community. Here are some tips to help create a safe space

Have a ‘Safe Zone’ sticker available in office
Have resources for students available regarding appropriate programs/destinations
Include a non-discrimination statement on applications that includes sexual orientation
Include LGBTQ information and resources in Pre-Departure orientations and handbooks and discuss LGBTQ identity in these sessions.
Discuss identity in PDO and include LGBTQ identity
Hold information sessions for LGBTQ students where concerns can be addressed

Definitions

Ally Someone who is a friend, advocate, and/or activist for LGBTQ people.
Asexual A term used to identify someone who does not experience sexual attraction to anyone.
Bisexual A term used to identify someone who has romantic and/or sexual feelings, attractions, and/or relationships with men and women. This does not necessarily mean that bisexuals have relationships with both men and women at the same time-this is a common stereotype. It also does not mean that a person is equally attracted to men and women. Levels of attraction may vary.
Closeted or In the Closet A term commonly used to indicate that someone is hiding their sexual orientation.
Coming Out The term used to describe the process by which lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals recognize, acknowledge, accept, and appreciate their sexual identities.
Gay Usually refers to men who have romantic and/or sexual feelings, attractions, and/or relationships with other men. Some women may also identify themselves as gay.
Gender The expression or behavior of a person qualified by society as masculine, feminine, androgynous or any mix thereof.
Gender Identity The sense that a person is male or female. A person’s sense of being masculine, feminine, in-between, or androgynous; a sense that is independent from biological sex and usually manifests itself by age three or four.
Gender Expression The way you communicate your gender to others.
Heterosexual A person who has romantic and sexual feelings, attractions, and/or relationships with someone considered to be the opposite gender.
Heterosexism The societal/cultural, institutional, and individual beliefs and practices that privilege heterosexuals and subordinate and denigrate LGBTQ people. The critical element that differentiates heterosexism from prejudice and discrimination is the use of institutional power and authority to support prejudices and enforce discriminatory behaviors in systematic ways with far-reaching outcomes and effects.
Homophobia The fear, hatred, or intolerance of people who identify or are perceived to be lesbians or gay men, including the fear of being seen as lesbian or gay yourself. Homophobic behavior can range from telling jokes about lesbians and gay men, to verbal abuse, to acts of physical violence.
LGBTQ An acronym sometimes used to refer to individuals or groups of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning.
Lesbian A woman who has romantic or sexual feelings, attractions, and/or relationships with other women.
Outing The act of revealing someone’s gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender identity without permission.
Queer A term that some LGBTQ people have claimed as an inclusive and positive way to describe themselves and their community. Some people use it as an umbrella term or as a term in and of itself. Some people choose not to use the word “queer” because of its history as a derogatory term.
Questioning The process of considering or exploring one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Safe Space A space where an individual can be open about who he/she/are are free of fear. The space is respectful of all people, inclusive of the LGBTQ community.
Sexism The cultural, institutional, and individual set of beliefs and practices that privilege men, subordinate women, and denigrate values and practices associated with women.
Sexual Orientation An enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectional attraction to individuals of a particular gender. Commonly recognized sexual orientations are “gay” and “lesbian” (attraction to individuals of one’s own gender), “heterosexual” (attraction to individuals of another gender), and “bisexual” (attraction to individuals of various genders).
Sexuality The components of a person that include their biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual practices, etc.
Transgender Used most often as an umbrella term, some commonly held definitions are: Someone whose behavior or expression does not match their assigned sex; A gender outside of the man/ woman binary.