Navigating Sexual Orientation Abroad
Studying abroad can be an enriching experience, and understanding the potential impact of your sexual orientation is essential. This guide provides insights and advice on how LGBTQIA+ students can navigate studying abroad while considering their sexual orientation. As you prepare for studying abroad, we offer the resources below as a starting point. We encourage you to talk with your Ed Abroad Program Manager to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. See also the Health and Safety section of our site.
Please reach out to your Ed Abroad Program Manager to update your name, gender or pronouns on your MyCUAbroad Portal!
Thoroughly research your host country's stance toward LGBTQIA+ individuals. Consider choosing friendly destinations with welcoming attitudes, and work to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations affecting LGBTQIA+ rights.
- EQUALDEX: Explore the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights across the world
- U.S. Department of State LGBTI Travel Information
- An LGBT Student Guide to Study Abroad, GoAbroad.com
- The Pride Office at CU Boulder: a CU resource for services and information.
- MSU resource: Questions to consider, research and ask
Develop cultural awareness by learning about local customs and norms related to LGBTQIA+ matters. Understand potential challenges and discrimination LGBTQIA+ individuals might face and equip yourself with strategies for respectful engagement.
- Cultural Adjustment
- MSU resource: Questions to consider, research and ask
- The ultimate guide to studying abroad as an LGBTQ+ student
- The Pride Office at CU Boulder: a CU resource for services and information.
- ISA Destination Resources
Connect with LGBTQIA+ student groups or organizations in your host country. Seek LGBTQIA+ friendly counseling or mental health services if needed and engage with local LGBTQIA+ communities for advice and social support.
- The Pride Office at CU Boulder: a CU resource for services and information.
- Finding your community (Go Abroad resource page 27 and 28)
- Out Traveler: This webpage is a resource for LGBTQI travelers. This webpage has articles, city guides, and information on bars, restaurants and clubs all over the world.
- The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association: IGLTA is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact.
- 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 and Gay 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 LGBT people. (Keep in mind that not all countries offer a safe environment for openly gay people).
Exercise caution when it comes to public displays of affection, considering local attitudes. Keep local emergency numbers and LGBTQIA+ support hotlines on hand and carry essential documents and emergency contact information. Be prepared for potential language barriers when seeking medical assistance.
- Read over our Health and Safety page before going abroad
- Register for the International Travel Registration
- View our Travel Health & Safety Resources
- Out Traveler: This webpage is a resource for LGBTQI travelers. This webpage has articles, city guides, and information on bars, restaurants and clubs all over the world.
- Get PrEP’D To Go Overseas
- Transgender and Non-Binary Student Travelers
- Ed Abroad’s Role in your Health & Safety
- What to Do in an Emergency
Understand the implications of sharing your sexual orientation online in your host country. Be aware of local laws surrounding LGBTQIA+ online content to help keep yourself safe.
- Consider adjusting the privacy settings on your social media profiles to control who can see your posts. Be mindful of what you share and with whom.
- Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your online data and maintain privacy
- Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp to communicate securely with friends
Navigate the dating culture while prioritizing your safety and well-being. Make informed decisions about disclosing your sexual orientation, and access sexual health resources to ensure your overall health.
When meeting someone from a dating app or website, arrange to meet in public places and inform a friend about your plans. Share your location with a trusted person and have a backup plan in case things don't go as expected.
- Out Traveler: This webpage is a resource for LGBTQI travelers. This webpage has articles, city guides, and information on bars, restaurants and clubs all over the world.
- Understanding Affirmative Consent
- Health & Wellness Services Sexual Health Resources
- Review the Sexual Health & Safety webpage for more information.
Participate in LGBTQIA+ events and initiatives if it's safe to do so. Learn about local LGBTQIA+ activism and advocacy efforts and contribute to raising awareness and promoting LGBTQIA+ rights.
- The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association: IGLTA is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact.
- 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 and Gay 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 LGBT people. (Keep in mind that not all countries offer a safe environment for openly gay people).
Reflect on your personal growth and cultural insights gained while studying abroad. Sharing your experiences can empower and educate others in the LGBTQIA+ community, contributing to a more inclusive global education environment. Continue your engagement with LGBTQIA+ support networks even after returning home.
Hear directly from a panel of students who identify as LGBTQI+ about what it is like to live and study abroad. Students share how their LGBTQI+ identity, as well as other identities, may have influenced their experiences studying and working abroad.
Parent/Family Questions
Do your parents/ families have concerns about you studying abroad? Parents and families as welcome to contact our office to speak to a Program Manager! Program Managers can provide further information, discuss concerns, and help navigate the process with you.Education Abroad is committed to serving a culturally diverse community of students and is dedicated to providing inclusive international experiences for students from all backgrounds. Please contact our Access and Inclusion Coordinator at inclusionabroad@colorado.edu with any questions or concerns.
Last Updated November 2023
Photo Credit Luis Cortes
Photo Credit Luis Cortes