LGBTQIA+ Abroad

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 Diversity Abroad, 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. 

Diversity Abroad LGBTQ+ Students Abroad Webpage
 

GoAbroad.com has also created a thorough LGBTIA+ student guide offering step-by-step suggestions for education abroad from pre-departure and beyond. The guide also includes LGBTQIA-specific education abroad scholarship information and summaries of LGBTQIA+ "friendly", "neutral", and "negative" education abroad locations.

GoAbroad.com LGBT Student Guide

For additional resources including a region specific annotated bibliography check out this LGBTQ Students studying Abroad webpage by Carleton College. 

LGBTQ Students Studying Abroad - Carleton College
 

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