Traveling as a person with an LGBTQIA+ identity can pose unique opportunities and challenges. We want students to be their authentic selves while studying abroad/away, but we also want to be up front about the potential safety risks for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. It is important for you to know that being “out” while traveling or studying abroad can impact your experiences and interactions with the host community. While many locations are very open and accepting, some countries may be openly hostile or have laws against “homosexuality” or other sexual or gender identities. Depending on where you go, public displays of affection or sharing who your partner is could pose safety and/or legal risks. It is important that you speak with the Smith Center, the Wellness Center, or the program on-site director about whether and how you should disclose your sexual or gender identity to locals, your host family, etc.
Travel Specific Resources:
National Center for Transgender Equality – Know Your Rights: Airport Security
National Center for Transgender Eqaulity – Know Your Rights: Passports
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Transgender Passengers Information
U.S. Department of State – LGBTI Travelers
X Passports Travel Safety – US Department of State
Helpful Links
General LGBTQIA+ Study Abroad Resources
Carleton College – 10 Reasons Why LGBTQ Students Should Study Abroad (Carleton College)
GoOverseas.com – 9 Major Life Lessons I learned Studying Abroad as an LGBT
NAFSA – Rainbow Special Interest Group – Study Abroad Students
NPR Article: Know an LGBTQ Student Itching to Study Abroad? Here Are Some Things to Think About
Scholarship Opportunity – FEA Rainbow Scholarship
University of California Davis – LGBTQIA Resource Center
Equaaldex – Collaborative LGBT knowledge base featuring interactive map
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)
ILGA – Sexual Orientation Laws in the World
Go Overseas – 9 Major Lessons I Learned Studying Abroad as an LGBT
Go Abroad – 12 Best Countries to LGBTIQ+ Study Abroad
Rainbow SIG – Resources for LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Students
IES Abroad – Finding an LGBTQ+ Community Abroad: Alum of the Month Neal McKinney
#OlesOffCampus! My Identity Off Campus Story
“I had the opportunity to do a gender studies course during my semester at DIS Stockholm, which was very important to me as a queer woman. We learned about gender roles in a Scandinavian context and some of the current issues going on regarding women’s rights in Sweden. But my favorite part was our week-long study tour to Berlin. We took a walking tour around the city that was specifically about LGBTQ history of Berlin, attended a traditional-style drag performance, and visited the Museum of Gay History. Most of my classmates were LGBTQ and we went to gay bars together every night. It was so great to relax with people like me and learn about a specific culture with a long history of acceptance, persecution, and celebration.”
– Anonymous ’18, DIS Stockholm
“I’m so grateful for my time at the Oregon Extension. The professors were really sweet and knowledgeable people, and it was wonderful to get to know them and break down that professor/student hierarchy a little. I loved the environment, and the small space with only 28 students was a great place to first come out as trans. I was incredibly lucky to have been admitted to such a safe place to spend the fall semester during COVID.”
-Linden Hoskins ’22, Oregon Extension