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Future-Focused Friday: Things Shining with Pride This Week
Hi you,
How's your Friday going so far? Have you had a lot on your mind in the last few weeks? So have we, and Pride Month is one of those things.
Fifty years ago, people took to the streets to advocate for justice, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots. It was the first Gay Pride March in the United States. And at the forefront? Multiple Black members of the LGBTQ+ community leading the way. You see, our identities, our passions, and our struggles always overlap.
Pride Month reminds us, once again, how everything and everyone is connected—all across the globe.
So this month, while we continue to push for progress in the Black Lives Matter movement, we also proudly celebrate our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and friends. And just like we said in our Pride video, in case you don't hear it enough...
You are absolutely worthy of love,
of recognition,
of confidence,
of respect,
of being seen,
and of feeling pride
in exactly who you are.
And not "no matter who you are," but because of it. Because of all the things that make you, you.
Explore just some of our LGBTQ+ and ally content—including how to say pride in a few different languages—and know that no matter where you are in the world, we support you.
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On Coming Out While Studying Abroad
When Steve Streich (Vienna | Academic Year 1971-72) left his small Texas town to study in Vienna, the only thing he was sure of was that he was going to a very different place from where he grew up. During his year in Vienna, Steve met his late partner John van Kleeck and they were together for 38 years! Read the interview with Steve.

Resources for Being YOU Abroad
Studying abroad as part of the LGBTQ+ community can present unique opportunities and challenges in exploring a new culture, so we have compiled resources on sexual orientation, gender identity, and allyship to help prepare and support you along the way―check them out.

Unfiltered Student Blogs
Hear from IES Abroad student bloggers about how their LGBTQ+ identities intersect with their study abroad and internship experiences, while they navigate a new city, country, and culture. Because, who better to hear from than the students who’ve lived it?
I went into study abroad thinking I was a straight male, but I left knowing that I was a gay male. That also was a huge identity change, and was a really big piece of me finding my place in the world.
P.S. Let's keep learning and talking together. Have an article, blog, podcast, video, or other resource you think we should consider adding to our website? Share it with us!