You may already identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered student. Perhaps you are discovering that you don’t fit into any of the above categories, or you may still be exploring your identity. Regardless of at what point you currently occupy on the self-identification spectrum, it is important to reflect on the culturally based ideas and definitions of gender and sexual identity. Consider carefully how your identity as a LGBTQ person may influence your relationships with host nationals, your cultural adjustment, and your overall education abroad experience.
1. Learn about your host country before you go.
In some cultures, Western understandings of “gay” and “straight” don’t exist at all, or don’t have the same connotations as they do in the U.S. People involved in same-sex relationships may not see this as an identity. In other cultures, there are active social movements for civil rights for sexual and gender minorities. In preparing for your study abroad experience, it is important for you to research the LGBTQ climate of the country you will be visiting. If you are open about your gender and/or sexual identity,the culture of a country might make you feel either like you are being “herded back into the closet,” or, in countries that are more progressive, freer to express yourself. If your host country is NOT progressive or accepting of the LGBTQ community, make sure you understand the political climate and always consider your personal safety before confronting this way of thinking.
If you are not open about your gender and/or sexual identity, along with the above, also remember that some countries may make it easier for you to come out. If you choose to do so, make sure that you have an accessible support network. If you choose to remain non-public with your identity, you may discover that finding a common community will be more difficult.
2. Consider the following questions.
- Does your right to be LGBTQ in the United States 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 that you should be aware of?
- What are gender relations in the host culture?
- What is considered typical male and female social behavior in the host culture?
- Does your study abroad program offer LGBTQ friendly housing?
- Does your study abroad program discuss LGBTQ considerations during their orientation?
3. Consider the following legal issues.
The laws governing LGBTQ relationships and sexual activity differ from country to country. U.S. citizens must abide by the laws of a host country; knowing these laws may help you to decide what countries you might like to visit if you will be out abroad or if you will pursue relationships while abroad. Even if you do not plan to have a sexual relationship while away, you should be informed about specific laws pertaining to sexual behavior and sexual/gender identity. When researching, try to learn the following:
- The legality of same-sex sexual behavior (sometimes male-male sexual behavior is illegal while female-female sexual behavior is not), including sodomy laws
- The age of consent for sexual behavior (which may differ from the age of consent for opposite-sex sexual behavior)
- Restrictions on freedom of association or expression for LGBTQ people
- Anti-discrimination laws (these can be national laws or specific to local areas)
Study Away Programs is here to assist you should you have any questions or concerns about your study away plans. Your right to confidentiality will always be respected. Other home campus resources available to you include the Safe Zone Program, and the Office for Diversity & Inclusion.