LGBTQ+ Students

Local attitudes in your host country can heavily influence the abroad experience for you as an LGBTQ+ student. It’s helpful to approach expressing your sexual and gender identity as another cross-cultural challenge.
Before you leave the U.S., learn as much as possible about the culture-specific norms of friendship and dating for relationships between people of any sexual orientation.
Before you go abroad, find out what kinds of legal rights LGBTQ+ persons have in your host country.
Once abroad, connect with local support networks and LGBTQ+ communities to help ease your transition and provide a base to explore your sexual identity in the host culture.

Web Resources

A&M Texas A&M LGBTQ+ Pride Center – A resource and referral center for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Aggies and their straight supporters.
Diversity Abroad – Education abroad tips and resources for LGBTQ+ students - including a comprehensive LGBTQ+ Student Guide with country specific information.
International GLBTI Association – Has a world map with information about laws specific to LGBTI+ communities.
U.S. Department of State LGBTI Travel Information – Recommendations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
NAFSA Rainbow SIG – This organization provides a scholarship made possible by a group of international education professionals who are committed to advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ students.
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association – Provides resources and information to promote equality and safety for LGBTQ+ international travel.
National Center for Transgender Equality: Airport Security – Information on your rights and what to expect for transgender travelers at airport security.