LGBTQIA+ Abroad

**Important Update: The Department of State is now required to issue passports to nonbinary and trans people with correct gender markers, and has finally issued guidance on how to do so! On July 2, after being ordered to do so by a court in the case Orr v. Trump, the U.S. Department of State issued instructions for nonbinary and trans people applying for passports. It is now possible to apply for a new passport or renew a passport if you have previously changed the gender marker on your passport or need to change the gender marker on your passport! Applications must include an attestation form declaring that you’re a member of one of the classes certified in Orr v. Trump, meaning that your gender is different from your sex assigned at birth and/or you’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, and you’re applying for a passport with a designation that’s different from your sex assigned at birth. No additional documentation is required other than the attestation form.

Important note: If you are applying for a new passport or replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, you must apply in person. Applications to renew a passport or change information on an existing passport can be mailed in.**

Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, or questioning aspects of your identity, it is always best to learn more about the social climate, laws, and norms for personal interactions in other cultures.  Some societies abroad are more liberal than the U.S. on these matters and some less. Inform yourself of these key issues within the countries you are considering for your education abroad experience. Below are links to resources by organizations who have complied information on LGBTQIA+ issues throughout the world specific to international education, travel, and campus life. There are tips and resources to help you prepare for your time abroad and your transition back into U.S. American life when you return. Preparing for what to expect in a particular country can make the difference between a wonderful experience abroad and a less than pleasant one.

LGBTQIA+ people experience different levels of acceptance throughout the world. Before you go, it is important to reflect on the culturally based ideas and definitions of sexual identity and gender and consider carefully how your identity as a LGBTQIA+ person may impact your relationships with host nationals, your cultural adjustment, and your overall education abroad experience. Part of your pre-departure preparations should include reflecting on the larger context of acting on your LGBTQIA+ identity while abroad. What role as a visitor do you/should you have in the host culture? Does your right to be LGBTQIA+ in the U.S. conflict with your host country’s religious or cultural values and traditions? How will you reconcile your human rights with the cultural values of your host society? Are there safety considerations which you should be aware of?

The Office of International Education and Global Initiatives at Binghamton University strives to create a safe and inclusive space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students and their allies.  Never hesitate to contact an advisor in the office for more information or to share your input or concerns. You can also visit the Q Center on the ground floor of Bartle Library in LS-G549, easily accessed via the doors along West Drive A.K.A. "the brain." 

Visit the Binghamton University Q Center Website 

LGBTQIA+ Resources in International Education 

Through DA Global, an international education consortium dedicated to increasing participation and better serving the needs of diverse and underrepresented students in international education, you will find a list of questions/topics you may wish to consider. 

DA Global LGBTQIA+ Students Abroad Webpage
 

LGBTQIA+ Travel Resources

ILGA's website is particularly helpful when researching laws around the world affecting the LGBTQIA community.  ILGA’s aim is to work for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people and their liberation from all forms of discrimination. The organization seeks to achieve this aim through the world-wide cooperation and mutual support of its members.

LGBTQIA+ International Organizations

UN Free & Equal (an initiative of the United Nations Human Rights Office)

United Nations Human Rights Office

Amnesty International
 

How Do I Get More Information?

Email IEGI at iegi@binghamton.edu or visit the Q Center website below.

Contact the Binghamton University Q Center