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LGBTQ+ & Ally Resources

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Resources for being you abroad.

Today and every day we celebrate who you are and who you will become. We take pride in simply getting to know you, and look forward to adventuring through this incredible world with you.

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 you and support you along the way. If you need additional resources outside of those that are linked below, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]. 

Browse a collection of IES Abroad and other website's resources specific to the LGBTQ+ and ally experience.

The LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Student Experience
screenshot of Myrtie washington during the panel discussion

LGBTQIA+ Perspectives on Study Abroad: IES Abroad Alumni + Staff Voices [VIDEO]

IES Abroad’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group hosted the "LGBTQIA+ Perspectives on Study Abroad: IES Abroad Alumni + Staff Voices" panel to chat with with IES Abroad and SAF (Study Abroad Foundation) staff and alumni from within the community who have either studied or lived in one of IES Abroad’s geographic regions – Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and South America. The panel discussed local laws and protections in each location, as well as authentic LGBTQIA+ experiences, struggles, and successes abroad.

Vienna opera house with rainbow flag hanging from the roof

6 Students Share Their LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Experience

Our IES Abroad Correspondents share their experiences within the LGBTQ+ community around the world from Amsterdam to Tokyo.

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Finding an LGBTQ+ Community Abroad: Alum of the Month Neal McKinney

IES Abroad Barcelona alum, Neal McKinney discusses his favorite study abroad memories and shares what advice he has for queer students who are thinking of studying or interning abroad.

alum of the month graphic with purple background and rainbow ribbon

Gaining Independence Abroad: Alum of the Month Max Freeman

Hear what IES Abroad Salamanca alum Max Freeman has to say about study abroad, what it was like being a queer student abroad, and how his study abroad experience made him more independent.

alum of the month graphic with purple background and rainbow ribbon

Coming Out While Studying Abroad: Alum of the Month Steve Streich

When IES Abroad alum Steve left Texas to study abroad in Vienna, the only thing he was sure of was that he was going to a very different place from where he grew up. Hear about his year in Vienna, and how he met his late partner of 38 years, John van Kleeck.

eunice shek standing with arms outstretched in grassy area

Student Voices – Examining Identity Within the Study Abroad Experience

IES Abroad Diversity Relations Manager, Kandice Rose interviewed IES Abroad alum Eunice Shek about how her Chinese American and pan-demic identities intersected with her study abroad experiences.

Student Voices – A Queer Student’s Perspective in Morocco

In an interview, an IES Abroad student shares about his experiences in Morocco learning French and Arabic, living with a host family, meeting people, and dating as a self-identifying Asian queer man.

samekh harris reed standing in front of a bridge

World of Difference Alumni Profile - Samekh Harris Reed

In celebrating 10 years of the Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA), IES Abroad alum Samekh Harris Reed shares their experience studying abroad in Tokyo and identifying as a black, bisexual, gender fluid, plus-sized individual.

marlowe padilla sitting on rocks in front of mountain landscape

World of Difference Alumni Profile - Marlowe Padilla

In celebrating 10 years of the Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA), IES Abroad alum Marlowe Padilla shares his experience studying abroad in Sydney as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

john luke hawkins posing seated on a sidewalk looking off to the side

Marching to the Beat of Social Justice: Thoughts on Global Citizenship from John Luke Hawkins

We chatted with IES Abroad Cape Town alum John Luke Hawkins to hear more about how studying abroad spurred, what he described as, a “180 degree turn” in his life in recognizing his sexuality and connecting with social justice movements.

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IES Abroad Blogs - LGBTQ+

Hear from IES Abroad Correspondents how their LGBTQ+ identities intersect with their study abroad and internship experiences.

lgbtq+ rainbow pride flag with peace written on it in tokyo, japan

General LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Resources

crowd holding lgbtq+ and transgender flags at pride parade in Santiago, Chile

Gender Identity Resources

We encourage all of our students to do research about their study abroad location before they start their journey, but would like to offer some resources about traveling while identifying as a transgender or non-binary student:

students holding pride flags and signs in Tokyo, Japan

Ally Resources

An ally has been defined as a person who identifies within a majority group but shows support for a minoritized group and promotes equality. The resources below are available for those who want to show support to their peers abroad and at home:

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.

John Luke Hawkins (IES Abroad Cape Town | Hope College)

At IES Abroad, we're here to help. If you have any questions about your identity abroad, please contact our Diversity Relations Department by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800.995.2300. Know of another resource we should add? Let us know!

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