Resources for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning) Students
There are many factors that LGBTQ students may need to take into consideration as they plan for an education abroad experience. Customs, attitudes, laws, and social practices relating to LGBTQ people vary throughout the world. The links below, as well as links on some of the program pages, provide a great deal of information about LGBTQ issues worldwide and can assist LGBTQ students throughout the education abroad experience. When used prudently, social networking websites can also be a useful tool for students in finding out information about the LGBTQ community in the host country and city. In addition to these resources, students can speak confidentially with an education abroad adviser to address questions or concerns regarding education abroad.
Selecting a Program
Students who identify as LGBTQ may want to consider this as one factor in selecting a program destination. How much a student's LGBTQ identity influences the program selection will vary from student to student. There is not one location that is better than another for LGBTQ students. It will depend on individual circumstances as well as host environments.
Questions to consider during the selection process include:
- Is it safe in the host country and host city to be out as LGBTQ?
- If the host country or city is not a welcoming environment, am I prepared to be closeted?
- Does my host institution have an LGBTQ student organization?
- What is the living situation on the program? Will I have a roommate? Will I be living in a homestay? Am I comfortable with that?
For students who are not out at Bentley or at home:
- Do I want to be more out while abroad than I am on campus or at home?
- Are there resources and social opportunities for me to begin to come out and engage with the LGBTQ community in the host country?
- Will there be a large group of Bentley students at this location? Will I feel comfortable exploring my LGBTQ identity abroad with them around?
Living Abroad
Adapting to a new culture is one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of studying abroad. All aspects of a student's identity impact how he or she adapts and integrates into the local environment. Age, gender, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation and identity, and many other factors will shape the experience of each student. LGBTQ students abroad may encounter new attitudes, ideas, and stereotypes about gender, sex and sexuality, LGBTQ relationships, and LGBTQ rights. Students may perceive these as both positive and negative. Some may be similar to sentiments back home and others may challenge long-held beliefs.
One of the best ways to learn about the new culture and combat culture shock is to engage with locals. LGBTQ students can get in touch with locals through LGBTQ student and community organizations. Most guide books have some information for LGBTQ travelers and will usually list the address of the local LGBTQ community centers. These centers and their websites will provide information about support services, community events, social activities, and health resources for the LGBTQ community.
A student who enters into a romantic relationship abroad should proceed slowly and cautiously, as he or she would at home. Students need to be very aware of differences in cultural cues, norms, and expectations. Students who choose to be sexually active should protect themselves, as they would at home. Sexually-transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, are a serious issue for all students, in any country.
Coming Out Abroad
Education abroad is a transformational experience for all students. It is often a time of increased independence, deeper self knowledge, and personal exploration. Education abroad often influences students to make significant changes in academic and career goals. Experiences abroad also impact students' perspectives on their personal lives and relationships. Many LGBTQ students start or move forward in the coming out process while abroad. This can be a very positive, yet challenging experience.
There are resources available to students in their host cities and at Bentley. LGBTQ student groups at host institutions and local LGBTQ groups in the host city offer students the opportunity to meet other LGBTQ people. They usually have a variety of social activities and may offer resources such as support groups. Students can also utilize the services of the the counseling office at their host institution. If the host institution does not have a counseling center, students may be able to find a professional through an LGBTQ group. Students can also contact staff in Counseling and Student Development at Bentley.
Returning Home
Leaving a host country and returning home is an emotional experience for all students. This transition can be even more emotionally charged for LGBTQ students. Students who chose not to be out while abroad may be very happy to return to an environment where they feel comfortable being out. Students who came out while abroad often face the difficult decision of whether to continue to be out upon return or to "go back into the closet" at home or on campus. Students are encouraged to reach out to resource people on campus, including staff in Counseling and Student Development.
FAQ: LGBTQ+ While Abroad
There are multiple LGBTQ+ experts who have reviewed all countries’ individual laws and gathered data from a variety of trusted international sources to create the definitive “LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index” that will help you find the safest countries for your next trip abroad. These are the latest updates from 2024 and 2023.
Link for LGBTQ+ Community: https://spartacus.gayguide.travel/gaytravelindex.pdf
Link for Global Transgender Rights: https://www.asherfergusson.com/global-trans-rights-index/
On January 20, 2025, the White House issued Executive Order "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government."
Under this executive order, U.S. passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs) will no longer be issued with an X gender marker. Passports will only be issued with an M or F marker, reflecting the applicant’s biological sex at birth.
Existing Passports: Issued passports, including those with an X marker or a gender marker differing from sex at birth, will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy.
Currently, 17 countries legally recognize non-binary or third gender identities. Here is a link that shows a map of countries worldwide.
While purchasing travel insurance is never a bad idea, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision:
- What type of international coverage does your insurance currently have?
- Where are you traveling and what sort of itinerary do you have planned?
While it’s important to note that LGBTQ+ travelers may face special challenges abroad, many accidents arise the same way they do at home. Alcohol and automobile-related incidents still make up a large portion of accidents. If you have a daring itinerary, plan to rent a car, or want to be covered in all incidents, we encourage you to consider travel insurance.
All Bentley students will be automatically enrolled in travel insurance while studying abroad.
We encourage you to make an appointment with your study abroad advisor! They are all super friendly and understanding. They are here for you and can help provide information around the program you are interested in and can also connect you with previous students who have traveled there. Make an appointment with an advisor here.
Street harassment may cross from being an annoyance to an act that can lead you to question your safety and continuously fear physical and sexual harm. If you fear harm, review the following advice.
If you believe you're being followed, don't go home or to any location that you frequent. Instead, head to a hospital, pharmacy, police station, or any other location that is staffed day and night and where you’re likely to receive help. As in the U.S., not all resources are accessible for all people.
If you encounter repeat offenders, consider varying your travel routes. Use alternate forms of transportation, and don’t keep to a predictable schedule.
If you’re in imminent danger, call the local police if it is safe to do so. If it isn’t safe to do so or you can't access the resources you need, then you should contact International SOS at +1-617-998-0000 or through the Assistance App. You’ll be connected quickly to a security professional who can provide advice or assistance.
Information from: https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/travel/advice/street-harassment-abroad
If traveling with a passport using an “X” gender identifier, we suggest checking entry guidelines for each country you visit, including for layovers. For countries that have unclear guidelines, call the closest local embassy or consulate for regulations. In some cases, even if your passport indicates an “x” gender marker, you may still be asked to provide binary sex information. Avoid layovers in countries that criminalize gender expression of trans people.
If traveling with a passport marked with binary sex expression, continue to research laws, regulations, and social customs of each country you visit (including layovers). While traveling outside of the United States, you are subject to local laws of the country. Understand the difference between cultural norms and laws. If traveling in a country that criminalizes LGBTQ+ status, assume that your social media accounts can be viewed by local authorities. Carefully consider information that you’re sharing. Assume police monitor LGBTQ+ sites, apps, and visitors on the platform. Be wary of new “friends”, especially those met online or through dating apps. Be cautious of public displays of affection, including kissing and holding hands to avoid discrimination. Many LGBTQ+ travelers still choose to travel to countries that criminalize LGBTQ+ sexual expression, so be cautious when deciding to continue travel plans.
Depending on which country your layover is in, you may encounter questioning from passport control regarding your passport. However, in many cases, once you confirm the information on your passport, the officer should allow you to move through to your next gate destination.
On February 24, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed the State Department to deny visas to transgender athletes if their sex marker does not align with their sex assigned at birth. Unfortunately, this will affect other individuals applying for visas to the United States. Please reach out to our office at GA_Study_Abroad@bentley.edu or connect with the Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) so we can further support you.
Our office's recommendation is to assess the environment you plan to study in. If you feel safe in your host country and city, then we encourage you to embrace your moments and if you feel comfortable sharing them online, we empower you to do so. If you feel it would be best to lower your online profile due to concerns of backlash from the country’s geopolitical state, then do what is best for you and your ability to thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically while abroad.
Of course! We encourage you to check out testimonies from IES Abroad. These are from students who have finished their time abroad and are reflecting back on their experiences. Check it out here!
Maybe. The State Department notes that you need to apply for a new passport if your appearance has significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport. Significant facial surgery is considered a major change in appearance and requires a new passport.
The fact that you may be forced to use a passport with a mismatched sex designation makes it even more important that your photograph match your current appearance so that you can readily be identified by your passport.
Link: https://transequality.org/documents/know-your-rights-passports
For an individual who has never had a passport but has already corrected the sex designation on their proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and with Social Security, applications will be processed in accordance with the February 8, 2025, internal guidance. The State Department may issue a letter requesting proof of sex assigned at birth, and if such proof is not provided, may suspend the application.
Passport applications are signed under penalty of perjury, and federal law prohibits knowingly and willfully making false statements in passport applications, including affidavits or other documents submitted to support the application. Passport application Form DS-11 requires that all previous legal names be listed. A Social Security number also must be provided, which is used to verify the applicant’s identity. The State Department has the authority to cross-reference sex with the Social Security Administration.
Note: it is no longer possible to correct the sex designation with the Social Security Administration.
Link: https://transequality.org/documents/know-your-rights-passports