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International programs & student supports

Queer Students

Exploring global learning opportunities can be an exciting and transformative experience for students of diverse sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions. However, it’s important to recognize that local laws, cultural attitudes, and social norms toward LGBTQ+ individuals vary greatly across the world, which can impact your experience abroad. To ensure a safe, fulfilling, and informed journey, we have compiled a range of resources to help queer students navigate their global learning plans. These tools and insights are designed to support you in making decisions that align with your personal needs and provide guidance on how to thrive in different cultural contexts. We encourage you to explore these resources and reach out with any questions as you prepare for your adventure abroad.

The following information has been adapted from Toronto Metropolitan University

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • How important is it for me to find a queer community while abroad, and what steps can I take to locate or connect with one before I arrive?
  • Are there local LGBTQ+ organizations, events, or spaces (e.g., cafes, bars, or cultural centers) where I can safely connect with the local queer community?
  • Will I be able to maintain these relationships upon my return? 
  • If a sense of queer community is important to me, how will I manage the potential difficulties of not finding one while abroad? What self-care practices or resources can I rely on for emotional support?
  • How can I navigate and balance my involvement in both the local queer community and my study-abroad group to create meaningful connections in each?

  • What queer-specific resources do I rely on at UVic or in Victoria, and are similar resources available in my host country?
  • Are there queer-friendly healthcare providers, therapists, or counselors in my host country?
  • How can I ensure my travel documents reflect my identity (e.g., gender marker, name) and align with the requirements of the host country?
  • Does my global learning program discuss queer considerations during orientation?
  • What resources are available to me upon my return to campus?

  • How open will I be about my sexual orientation, gender expression and personal pronouns with my teachers, peers, friends, host family, and others? 
  • What are the risks and benefits of disclosing my identity in my host country, and how might this differ from my experience in Canada?
  • If I choose not to come out while abroad, how can I maintain my mental and emotional well-being?
  • If I choose to come out while abroad, how will this affect me and my relationships with friends and family upon my return?
  • How can I navigate situations where I may need to correct others about my pronouns or gender identity?

  1. What safety precautions should I take as a queer traveler in my host country?
  2. Are there specific accommodations (e.g., private rooms, queer-inclusive housing) I can request to ensure my comfort and safety?
  3. Will I need access to medical supplies, medications, or services (e.g., hormones, mental health care) while abroad, and how can I ensure they’re available?
  4. What should I do if I face discrimination, harassment, or violence related to my identity while abroad?
  5. How can I create a safety plan in case of emergencies, including identity-related risks?
Visit our Students Preparing for Travel page for guidance on pre-departure preparations for students travelling abroad and to learn more about our International SOS partner.

  • What are the cultural and local attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity in your destination country? 
  • What do cultural expressions of gender and sexuality look like in your destination country?
  • What do gender relations look like in your destination country? 
  • What are the behavioural norms within the local queer community?
  • Are there any behaviors, gestures, or expressions of affection that could be misinterpreted in my host country?
  • What are the attitudes toward same-sex relationships or gender diversity in the workplace, schools, or other professional settings in the host country?
  • How openly do locals discuss LGBTQ+ topics, and are there any taboos or sensitivities I should be aware of in conversations?
  • Are there any stereotypes, misconceptions, or prejudices about queer people in the local culture that I should be aware of?
  • How do laws and cultural attitudes differ between urban and rural areas in the host country?
  • How are friendships and emotions expressed? What are the body language norms for that region? In places where these are different from Canada, you may experience confusion or uncertainty about who may or may not be queer.
  • What is considered typical male and female social behaviour and customary gender relations?

  • What are the local attitudes toward transgender individuals?
  • What are the laws regarding gender identity and travel documentation? Are my travel documents (e.g., passport, visa) consistent with my gender identity, and will this create issues when passing through customs or immigration?
  • Will I need access to any medications, supplies, or services to properly care for my medical needs, including those related to physical transition, like hormones?  Are they available in my host country? If not, will I need any additional documentation to travel with any medications or supplies? Will it be possible to travel legally with these supplies? 
  • If I am currently utilizing insurance for any health services, including those related to physical transition, what does insurance coverage look like while I am abroad?
  • If I encounter challenges related to my gender identity abroad, what resources or support systems can I rely on?
  • Will I need access to gender-affirming healthcare, and how can I ensure continuity of care while abroad?
  • Are there gender-neutral facilities (e.g., bathrooms, dorms) available in my host country, and how can I navigate situations where they are not?

Key Considerations

  • Stay alert to your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, remove yourself from the situation.
  • In some countries, expressions of affection (e.g., holding hands, kissing) between same-sex partners may not be culturally or legally accepted.
  • Take precautions when using dating apps or connecting with queer individuals in countries with restrictive laws, as there may be risks of police monitoring.
  • Minimize risks during layovers or transit through countries with homophobic or transphobic laws by carefully planning your travel route and avoiding hostile regions.
  • Consider additional precautions when crossing borders or interacting with authorities in transit countries.

  • Consider whether it’s safe to wear or display LGBTQ+ symbols (e.g., pride flags, pins) in your host country. In countries with restrictive laws, these items might draw unwelcome attention.
  • If you require medications like HRT, PrEP, or antiretrovirals:
    • Bring enough for your trip or understand how to access them abroad.
    • Keep prescriptions and a doctor’s note with you for customs.
    • Research whether your medication is legal in the destination country.
  • Ensure your passport, visa, and other travel documents align with your identity and are consistent with entry requirements for your destination. If your documents do not reflect your current gender identity, bring additional supporting materials (e.g., a letter explaining discrepancies).
  • If language barriers exist, bring a phrasebook or translation app that includes LGBTQ+-specific vocabulary to help you navigate discussions about your identity if you choose to engage.

  • Develop strategies for navigating strict gender-segregated spaces (e.g., bathrooms, gyms, or dorms) in your host country to ensure your safety and comfort.
  • Research how local cultural understandings of gender differ from your own and how these differences may impact your interactions and self-expression.
  • Ensure you have access to binders, prosthetics, or other gender-affirming products while abroad, or bring an adequate supply if such items are unavailable locally.
  • Plan for potential restrictions on traveling with gender-affirming items and prepare for customs challenges if these items are misunderstood.

Resources

  • Equaldex - Explore the progress of LGBTQ+ rights across the world. This website also offers a view into the public opinions about LGBTQ+ issues in each country.
  • Studying Abroad as an LGBTQ+ person - Student shares their experience studying abroad in Northern Ireland as a queer student.
  • Coming Out Abroad -  Insights on navigating cultural differences, safety, and personal boundaries related to sexual orientation and gender identity in a new environment.
  • GlobalGayz - A highlight of LGBTQ+ life worldwide, featuring stories, news, photos, and resources on human rights, travel, and culture.
  • ILGA World Maps - A map of each country’s law regarding LGBTQ+ rights, criminalization, legal recognition, and policies.