LGBTQIA+
Studying abroad is an excellent way to learn about world cultures and can be an exciting journey of self-reflection and self-discovery. For LGBTQIA+ students, this process can pose opportunities as well as challenges. Various countries around the world have different perspectives on the LGBTQIA+ community. In some study abroad locations, students will find that expression of sexual orientation or gender identity will be more open than in their home country or Webster campus. However, in others, having a gender identity or sexual orientation that conflicts with social expectations may not be as accepted. To maximize your experience abroad, you should research and get to know your host country before departure. The resources below are designed to help in that process.
As you start your preparation for study abroad, it is important to consider key questions regarding differences you may experience based on cultural values, social customs and laws in your country/s of interest. Some questions to reflect on as your research programs include:
Additional Resources
Diversity Abroad- LGBTQ+ Students Abroad
This is an organization that provides a range of resources on diversity abroad, including for the LGBTQIA community.
GlobalGayz
This resource is a gay-owned charitable travel and culture website focused on les-bi-gay-trans life in countries around the world.
ILGA Europe
This organization a driving force for political, legal, and social change in Europe and Central Asia. Their vision is of a world where human rights are protected and ensured to everyone regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. The web site has a range of resources including benchmarking reports, newsletters, videos, etc.
ILGA World State-Sponsored Homophobia Report
This report has a survey of sexual orientation laws worldwide.
International Lesbian and Gay Association
This association provides an interactive country by country climate information. Connects and educates LGBT travelers and the businesses that welcome and support them along the way.
LGBTI Travelers- U.S. Department of State
This is a U.S. Government’s resource guide for travelers who identify as LGBTQ.
National Center for Transgender Equality
This center offers air travel tips for transgender people.
Tips for Flying While Trans: The Transgender and Non-binary Travel Guide You Didn't Know You Needed
Article from FOLX Health with helpful travel information.
Trans Respect versus Transphobia Worldwide
This web site provides country-specific guides detailing the human-rights situation of trans and gender-diverse people.
Utopia- Gay and Lesbian Resources in Asia
This web site has resources and social media pages for Gay and Lesbian travelers in Asia.
As you start your preparation for study abroad, it is important to consider key questions regarding differences you may experience based on cultural values, social customs and laws in your country/s of interest. Some questions to reflect on as your research programs include:
- What are the attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community in my host country of interest?
- Does your right to be LGBTQIA+ conflict with your host country’s religious or cultural values and traditions?
- What is the social perception of LGBTQIA+ people in my host country?
- What roles do transgender people play in the host culture?
- Do the laws of the location differ from those of my home country?
- What resources are available to those in the LGBTQIA+ community in my destination/s of interest, such as friendly establishments, newspapers, or on-line resources?
Additional Resources
Diversity Abroad- LGBTQ+ Students Abroad
This is an organization that provides a range of resources on diversity abroad, including for the LGBTQIA community.
GlobalGayz
This resource is a gay-owned charitable travel and culture website focused on les-bi-gay-trans life in countries around the world.
ILGA Europe
This organization a driving force for political, legal, and social change in Europe and Central Asia. Their vision is of a world where human rights are protected and ensured to everyone regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. The web site has a range of resources including benchmarking reports, newsletters, videos, etc.
ILGA World State-Sponsored Homophobia Report
This report has a survey of sexual orientation laws worldwide.
International Lesbian and Gay Association
This association provides an interactive country by country climate information. Connects and educates LGBT travelers and the businesses that welcome and support them along the way.
LGBTI Travelers- U.S. Department of State
This is a U.S. Government’s resource guide for travelers who identify as LGBTQ.
National Center for Transgender Equality
This center offers air travel tips for transgender people.
Tips for Flying While Trans: The Transgender and Non-binary Travel Guide You Didn't Know You Needed
Article from FOLX Health with helpful travel information.
Trans Respect versus Transphobia Worldwide
This web site provides country-specific guides detailing the human-rights situation of trans and gender-diverse people.
Utopia- Gay and Lesbian Resources in Asia
This web site has resources and social media pages for Gay and Lesbian travelers in Asia.