CONCERNS OF LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL TRAVELERS

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From Barnard College's Guide to Living Abroad, courtesy of Janet Alperstein

It is important to be aware of the laws pertaining to homosexuality in the countries you are visiting as well as the general attitudes of the populace toward the lesbian and bisexual visitors and members of their community. Useful publications include "Gaia's Guide," "an international guide for travelling women," which includes lesbian, feminist, and gay resources, publications, restaurants, etc.; The International Lesbian and Gay Legal Resource Guide and Attorney Directory (NEFIR [The National Educational Foundation for Individual Rights]), a comprehensive guide to lesbian, gay and bisexual legal organizations and resources with a directory of lesbian, gay and bisexual friendly legal professionals currently practicing around the world. Make it your business to familiarize yourself with your host country's particular situation (legal, cultural, and practical) before your departure. Once abroad, contact existing appropriate organizations for lesbians, gays and bisexuals so you can begin building a support system.

Useful website: http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay/

WHY STUDY ABROAD

From: Emory Study Abroad LGBT brochure

Study Abroad can be the most rewarding experience of your college education–both academically and personally:

Study your academic major from an international perspective
Participate in the increasing global interdependence of our economy & society
Understand the people and issues of the world from a broader perspective
Develop a greater sense of independence, adaptability, and self-confidence
Enhance your qualifications for graduate schools and/or employment

Before You Go
The following information includes important points for you to consider before departing for your study or work abroad experience. It is important to be aware that cultures vary in terms of what is considered appropriate behavior when interacting with someone from another society. Cultures also vary in terms of how sexual identities are defined and understood. Country-specific information on the following will be helpful to review:

Homestays/Housing
Often programs place students in home-stay or housing situations so that they may be more immersed in the local host culture. It is important that all students are aware of and consider the implications of being identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in the host-culture and how coming out might affect the host-family relationship.

Program Specific Information
While the study abroad office in the U.S. may be inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered perspectives, the in-country staff and faculty may represent another office and culture that will present a different climate. Depending on this climate, you may need to look outside of the office for support related to sexual identity issues or lgbt community information. Please see http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay.links.html to locate resources in the city or country where you are studying.

Relationships
Before you leave the US, we encourage you to learn as much as possible about the culture-specific norms of friendship and dating for relationships between people of any sexual orientation. Inform yourself of important safe sex practices. Please see http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay.links.html#health for further information.

Safety
Adapted from the International Educational Task Force on GLBT Concerns University of Minnesota (7/14/93) and Welcoming Gay Culture, by Anthony Ogden

As mentioned above, it is important for students to realize how behavioral signals that mean one thing in the U.S. may mean something completely different in the foreign culture. Depending on the situation, the consequences can be serious. Physical harassment, assault, and rape are issues that both women and men have to consider when interacting across cultures because of the chance of misinterpretations of behavior. Furthermore, the legal system in the country may not offer protection for the victim when issues of sexual orientation or other behavior is involved. You are encouraged to explore and research the cultural, legal, and social issues relevant to the country where you plan to study and travel.

While You're Abroad
You will find that attitudes and tolerance toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered issues vary from country to country, and even within the US. Some countries are more welcoming and legally protective th an the US, while others may be less accepting and more restrictive. All students need to be aware of the legal issues related to sexuality in other countries. GLBT students need information regarding the receptivity and social climate of the host country.

Take the time to learn about:

• LGBT organizations and support resources
• Laws of the host culture
• Norms/styles of behavior in the host culture
• LGBT media
• General attitudes toward LGBT persons
• Meeting places

Study Abroad Alumni Stories
Learn what LGBT Study Abroad Alums Have to Say:

Germany: Matt Pitts

Honduras: Gustavo Orellana

Uzbekistan: Vika Gardner

Back in the U.S.
Before you return to the US it is helpful to consider how your sexual orientation may affect your relationship with families and friends back home.

Points to Consider
The following link provides helpful questions to consider upon your return:

GLB Study Abroad Debriefing Questions

Global Information & Country Guides
To start your research, check on your country of interest in one of these worldwide resources:

The Global Gay Guide Network

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC)

Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

World Legal Survey by The International Lesbian and Gay Association

Check Through Our Web Links for Area and Country Information

Australia

Australian Bisexual Network

Italy

Azione Omosessuale