You may already identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, or you may still be exploring your identity. In either case, you will find that the social climate, laws, and personal interactions of other cultures will often differ. While researching study abroad programs and preparing for departure, it is important to reflect on the culturally based ideas and definitions of gender and sexual identity. Consider carefully how your identity as a member, questioning member, or ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ community may influence your relationships within your study abroad program, your cultural adjustment in the host country, and your overall education abroad experience.
It is also important to be aware of the laws on gender and/or sexual identity in your study abroad destination as well as the popular attitudes toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer individuals. Some students feel more accepted abroad than they do in Canada, while others feel discrimination or harassment. Whatever the general attitude is toward gender and/or sexual identity in your study abroad destination, there will be those who dissent from the general attitude one way or the other. Try to talk with other 2SLGBTQ+ students who have studied abroad in your destination country and refer to the resources below for more support.
Information was resourced and adapted from: NYTimes: How to Plan a Safe Trip for Gay and Transgender Travelers, LGBTI Travel Information, Diversity Abroad- Sexual Orientation Abroad, and the Gay Travel Index.