2SLGBTQ+ Students

Colorful umbrellas in Italian alley — Photo: Adem Glenski, Italy

Advisors as Your Resource

Beyond academics, it's critical to consider your identity when researching international locations. Talk to your advisor about any concerns you have as a 2SLGBTQ+ student.

Discuss your concerns

If you'd rather talk about your concerns with someone other than your assigned advisor, UMD Sexuality & Gender Initiatives on campus is a great resource. Their staff can support you in making decisions and provide helpful resources.

Things to consider when choosing a location

What are the local and cultural attitudes toward Americans, tourists, sexual orientation, and gender identity in the host country?
How important is it to me to find other sexual minority students and friends while abroad?
What resources are available in my host country for sexual minority people?
Are there any 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly establishments?
What are my safety needs and perceptions and how can they be best met? Is the program able to make special accommodations for students who request single rooms, private baths, certain roommates, or gender-inclusive housing?
What are police attitudes towards local residents, tourists, and 2SLGBTQ+ visitors?
What is considered “typical” male and female social behavior in the host country?
What is the social perception of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer people in the host country? How are 2SLGBTQIA+ people socially defined? How are transgender people viewed or considered?
What role do transgender people play in the host culture? And what are the social perceptions of transgender people?

Get to know your destination

Explore 2SLGBTQ+ travel guides and internet resources. Talk with other 2SLGBTQ+ and allied people about their experiences in certain countries or regions. Gather as much information to make your choices and decisions on a location. Once in your host country, find out what other resources are available.

Understand the context, customs & attitudes of your host country

Similar behaviors and expressions may have different meanings in other cultures. In some places, openly expressing your sexual orientation may be frowned upon outside of specific neighborhoods or resorts.

In other countries, expressions of friendship like eye contact, smiles, touching, and physical closeness can have different meanings. For example, in many Middle Eastern countries, hand-holding among males shows special friendship and respect, not homosexuality. In Southeast Asia, the head is considered sacred, and you shouldn't touch someone's head.

Learn the laws of your host country

You must follow the laws of your host country, as U.S. laws no longer protect you once you are abroad. Engaging in same-sex acts where they are illegal can lead to severe penalties, including arrest, imprisonment, deportation, corporal punishment, or even execution. Learn about local laws and customs to make safe and informed choices about education abroad programs.

Questions to consider:

Are there public decency or indecency laws in relation to sexual orientation?
Does the law require having “proper documentation” at all times? If so, how does it need to be documented? (documentation of gender reassignment etc.)
What is the age of consent? Does it differ for heterosexual versus same-sex couples?
Will laws and attitudes be the same for different social classes or geographic areas?

Other Resources:

University of Minnesota Global Programs & Strategy Alliance
The University of Minnesota Global Programs and Strategy Alliance has developed an orientation video for GLBT Students Studying Abroad.

UMD Sexuality & Gender Equity Initiatives

Check with UMD Sexuality & Gender Equity Initiatives for resources, programs, scholarships, and services to support your academic and social success while studying abroad.

NAFSA’s Rainbow Special Interest Group
The Rainbow Sig website, run by a NAFSA special interest group, offers resources on considerations, scholarships, and firsthand accounts from 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who have gone abroad.

GoAbroad.com resource book for 2SLGBTQ+ travelers.