2SLGBTQIA+ Students

The following information has been adapted from Toronto Metropolitan University  

The U of A strives to ensure that students of diverse sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions experience equal opportunity in their academic career, however, in situations of global travel, the safety and opportunity to thrive may vary based on local laws and cultural attitudes.

To have a safe and rewarding experience when participating in global learning activities abroad, it’s important to think about how your sexual orientation and gender expression may shape your experiences abroad. Learning and/or working abroad can present you with exciting possibilities to explore other cultures and understandings of identity. You should be aware of local and cultural attitudes towards sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, as well as local laws that may affect people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This will help you make informed and safe choices about destinations and programs that best meet your needs.

You’ll find resources and stories for 2SLGBTQIA+ students considering going abroad. We are hoping that these resources can help you make an informed decision about global learning abroad. As you navigate these resources, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have.

Sense of Community

If a sense of community is important to you, it may be beneficial to do some online research about local LGBTQ+ organizations in your potential destination. If you know of someone who identifies with the queer community and has either studied abroad or visited that location, you may want to ask them about their experiences. Just remember, there are always going to be different opinions and viewpoints.

  • How important is it to me to find other LGBTQ+ students or friends while abroad, and how prepared am I to create these relationships?
  • Will I be able to maintain these relationships upon my return?
  • Are there open LGBTQ+ communities in the country/region/community? Or at the local university?
  • If a sense of LGBTQ+ community is important to me, how will I manage the potential difficulties of not finding one while abroad?
Coming Out
  • If I am open about my sexual orientation and/or gender identity at the U of A, will that change at all when I am abroad?
  • If I choose to come out while abroad, how will this affect me and my relationships with friends and family upon my return?
  • How open will I be about my sexual orientation, gender expression and personal pronouns with my teachers, peers, friends, host family, and others?
  • Are there situations in which I would not disclose my sexual orientation or gender identity?
  • If I choose to conceal my sexual orientation or gender identity while abroad, what impact will this have on me upon my return?
Local Attitudes
  • 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?
  • 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?
Personal Health & Safety
  • What are my safety needs, and how can they best be met? Is the program able to make accommodations for students who request single rooms, private baths, or certain roommates?
  • 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?
Legality

Concerning legality and enforcement, the Government of Canada LGBTQ2 Travel website provides general information about travel advice for queer individuals. They also have a country-specific database that includes information on 2SLGBTQ+ rights. You are required to follow the law in your host country. Once outside of Canada you are not protected by Canadian laws. In some countries same-sex acts are illegal and the penalties if caught can be very severe.

  • Are there any restrictions on freedom of association or expression for queer people? 
  • Are there “public decency” or “public indecency” laws?
  • What are the laws regarding identity and travel documentation?
  • Are there hate crime laws in place that provide certain protections for queer minorities?
  • What is the legality of same-sex sexual behaviour? 
  • What is the age of consent for sexual behaviour? Does it differ for heterosexual versus same-sex couples? 
  • What is the police attitude towards the local queer community?
Trans Identities
  • What are the local attitudes toward transgender individuals?
  • What are the laws regarding gender identity and travel documentation?
  • What are my safety needs and perceptions, and how can they best be met? 
  • 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?
Resources
Blogs/Stories

Take the next step: talk with an Education Abroad Advisor

U of A International's Education Abroad advisors are ready to help you go abroad:

  • Get answers to your questions
  • Assistance with the application process
  • Advice on destination and program choice

Make an Appointment