LGBTIQ & Allies

Benefits:

• Use cross-cultural and navigation skills you’ve already developed.
• Study abroad gives you the ability to see the world from an international perspective while developing independence and self-confidence.
• Studying and living in another country provides a unique opportunity to learn about and engage in another LGBTIQ community.

Preparing:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer/Questioning & Allies (LGBTIQA) students face some special considerations when choosing a study abroad program. Laws pertaining to sexual orientation, same-sex sexual contact, and gender expression vary widely around the world, as do popular attitudes. Cultures also vary in terms of how sexual orientation and gender identities are defined and understood. Some countries are more liberal on these matters than the U.S. and some less so. Also, there will always be pockets of difference and personal idiosyncrasies.

When choosing a study abroad destination, consider the following questions:

• How open do you want/need to be about your sexual orientation and/or gender identity while abroad? Some countries may be far more supportive of LGBTIQ rights than is the U.S. In other cases, it may be inadvisable or even dangerous for you to come out to people in your host community. If you choose a location where you will need to hide your identity, how will this impact your overall study abroad experience?
• Do you want/need to be part of a supportive LGBTIQA community? Are there LGBTIQA organizations on your host campus or in the community?
• What are laws and cultural norms surrounding relationships and dating?
• What types of housing options are available? If you will live with a host family, do you want to specifically request a family that is known to be supportive of LGBTIQ students? Some past students have wanted to come out to their host families prior to arrival, while others prefer to get to know them first and then make that decision.
• If you regularly utilize any health or counseling services at home, will these be available and covered by insurance abroad?
• If your gender presentation is different from your legal sex, or if you are in the process of transition, what types of challenges might you face with travel, immigration, and documents?

The resources below can help you learn more about laws, cultural norms, and other considerations regarding your study abroad experience. You are welcome to contact a study abroad advisor with any questions, concerns, or for additional country-specific resources.

Resources:

• Behind the Mask: devoted to lesbian and gay affairs in Africa.
• CIEE: Identity: Sexual and Gender Expression Abroad: covers concerns LGBTQI students may have about going abroad. This website also provides students and advisors with different groups that can help support LGBTQI students.
• Diversity in Global Education Network: This page provides advisors with information regarding diversity in global education. Advisors are able to select a specific country and read about diversity in each country.
• Gay and Lesbian Arab Society: news and articles from the Gay and Lesbian Arab Society.
• Gay and Lesbian Travel & Resource Guide: a city-by-city guide to resources and places of interest for both residents and travelers.
• International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission: A US-based non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO), IGLHRC effects their mission through advocacy, documentation, coalition building, public education, and technical assistance.
• International Lesbian, Gay, Trans, & Intersex Association: a worldwide federation of national and local groups dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people everywhere; offers a country-by-country world survey of the legal position of LGBTQI people.
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators Rainbow Special Interest Group: extensive information for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered students interested in studying abroad including a comprehensive list of related links and bibliography; if you only have time for one web site, this is the one.
• Out Traveler: This webpage is a resource for GLBTQI travelers. This webpage has articles, city guides, and information on bars, restaurants and clubs all over the world.
• U.S. passport information for transgender travelers.
• National Center for Transgender Equality: offers air travel tips for transgender people.

CU-Boulder Resources

• CU-Boulder GLBTQ Resource Center: CU-Boulder services and information.
• CU-Boulder International Student Organizations: a list of local with contact information; international students usually enjoy discussing their home culture and they can provide great insight into the differences between their culture and U.S. American culture.
• CU-Boulder Program Specific Handbooks : country specific information in these orientation materials; some will include LGBTQI country-specific information.

If financing study abroad is a concern, see our scholarship page. In addition, many of our programs offer scholarships, some specifically for underrepresented students.

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your goals and plans. See Getting Started for your next steps!