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

General LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Resources
- Country-Specific Resources
IES Abroad
- LGBTI Travel Information
U.S. Department of State
- Rainbow Special Interest Group
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- LGBT Study Abroad Guide
GoAbroad.com
- Sexual Orientation Maps
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association
- Trans Legal Mapping Report
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association
- GlobalGayz
A travel & culture website focused on LGBT-Gay life worldwide
- The Advocate
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer News & Politics

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:
- Air Travel Tips for Trans & Non-Binary Students
Kandice Rose, IES Abroad
- Transgender Resources
GLAAD
- Know Your Resources: Airport Security
National Center for Transgender Equality
- TSA Transgender Passengers Information
Transportation Security Administration
- Transgender Workplace Rights (within the U.S.)
Cadyn Cathers & Dr. Kristie Overstreet, Learn How To Become

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:
- Queer and Trans 101
Sam Orchard, Rooster Tails Comic
- Understanding the Complexities of Gender [VIDEO]
Sam Killermann, TEDxUofIChicago
- Everything You Wanted to Know about Transgender People
Sam Killermann, The Safezone Project
- Guide to Allyship
Transwhat?: A Guide Towards Allyship
- Tips for Allies of Transgender People
GLAAD
- Coming Out as a Supporter
Human Rights Campaign
- Being an Ally to LGBT People
Youth Engaged 4 Change
- 5 Tips for Being an Ally [VIDEO]
Chescaleigh, Youtube
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.
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!
