Understanding how your sexuality or gender expression is perceived in other countries is one of the first steps in preparing for your study abroad experience.
Every country perceives sexuality and gender expression differently and you should think about how your study abroad destination may react to your identity and how freely you’ll be able to express yourself when you’re abroad. While you should not feel pressured to closet yourself while you’re away, it’s important to have a grasp on how your expression can be perceived in a different cultural context.
In order to help prepare you to have the best time while abroad, here are some resources we have gathered to get you started.
Questions to consider
- Is it safe for me to be out in the country I am studying in?
- How is my gender expression perceived in the country I’m studying in?
- Is my sexuality legal in the country I am studying in?
- Are there any laws that would limit my movement or expression in the country I am studying in?
- How is my sexuality perceived in the country I am studying in?
- Is there a visible LGBTQIA+ community in the country I am studying in?
- Are there LGBTQIA+ support groups, resources, and/or organizations in the country I am studying in?
