1. 10/28/2016 5 Tips for LGBT Travelers Abroad | United Planet Blog
http://www.unitedplanet.org/blog/2016/07/21/5-tips-for-lgbt-travelers-abroad 1/4
5 Tips for LGBT Travelers
Abroad
July 21, 2016 Billy LePage
Spending time abroad is an incredible experience; it is transformative,
immersive, and challenging all at once. The challenges it presents are often a
source of growth, and vary from person to person. Navigating those di cult
feelings, like initial culture shock or homesickness, is an important step towards
becoming a global citizen. Since the sociopolitical climate for LGBT people is
di erent internationally, travelers need to take into account how their sexuality
and/or gender identity may a ect their experience. Here at United Planet the
safety of our volunteers is of the utmost importance, so read up on some tips
for the best possible experience.
1. Do your research
Being aware of cultural di erences when it comes to gender and sexuality is
very important. Some countries are more conservative, and may not be
accustomed to certain forms of expression. Educating yourself on cultural
norms in country is vital to keeping yourself safe. There is no one size ts all
rule – experiencing life as an LGBT person is very di erent in Denmark than in
Ghana! Make sure to research the following:
Legality a ecting LGBT
persons
Any safety issues
Location of the US
Embassy
Gender neutral
bathrooms
Language (gender
pronouns)
LGBT friendly areas, establishments, health clinics, etc.
Gender roles & customs
Newsletter Sign Up
Categories
GO
Bucket List (3)
Creative Inspirations
(16)
Cultural Spotlights (53)
Global Projects and
Countries (68)
Long-Term (23)
News and Events (95)
Perspectives (48)
Tips and Advice (64)
Uncategorized (4)
United Planet Team
(24)
Volunteer Stories (157)

2. 10/28/2016 5 Tips for LGBT Travelers Abroad | United Planet Blog
http://www.unitedplanet.org/blog/2016/07/21/5-tips-for-lgbt-travelers-abroad 2/4
Styles of dress
Necessary documentation*
*Primarily applies to transgender and non-binary volunteers. Some foreign
entities might question your documentation, so make sure to be prepared just
in case.
2. Establish a support network
Depending on where you travel, you may have access to LGBT safe spaces and
resources in country. However, that might not be the case due to language
barriers or other reasons. Thus, the importance of nding people you can trust
and talk to ‑ even if they are at home. Building a solid support system makes
the adjustment period smoother.
3. Coming out (again)
After spending some time in country and feeling out the level of tolerance, you
might decide to open up about your LGBT identity to others. This may be a
strange thing for those of us who have been out of the closet for many years,
and having to go through coming out again may be stressful or triggering. Use
your best judgment and only share as much as you feel comfortable – but you
may be pleasantly surprised!
4. Advocacy

3. 10/28/2016 5 Tips for LGBT Travelers Abroad | United Planet Blog
http://www.unitedplanet.org/blog/2016/07/21/5-tips-for-lgbt-travelers-abroad 3/4
Tags: Bisexual Featured Foreign Culture gap year Gay
international volunteering Lesbian LGBT LGBTQ local culture
Queer Transgender Travel Tips volunteer work worldwide
Keep up-to-date on the status of LGBT rights in your host country. Global
citizenship means advocating for yourself and others. Keep in mind your
personal safety, but also take the opportunity engage in respectful dialogue if
you feel comfortable.
5. Re ection
Living in a di erent part of the world is an amazing opportunity to alter your
perspectives. Through the relationships you form and kindness you experience
abroad, re ect upon what it means to be LGBT in the world. Moreover,
consider what e ective allyship means to you – and how to be the best ally to
global communities.
References: ILGA, U.S. Department of State, Go Overseas, USF
Share
Related Posts
Welcoming in the Year of the Ox: Chinese New Year in 2009
5 Travel Photography Tips to Make Your Photos Pop!
Getting ready for Mongolia-U.S. exchange!
No comments
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required elds are marked *
Comment
0 0 1 1 0
January 30, 2009
July 16, 2013
November 9, 2010