> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://maties-abroad.gitbook.io/matiesabroad/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://maties-abroad.gitbook.io/matiesabroad/health-and-safety/suggestions-for-lgbtq+-students.md).

# Suggestions for LGBTQ+ Students

How you identify, or who you love should not exclude you from study abroad experiences.

![https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow\_flag\_(LGBT\_movement)](https://3662679309-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LbxD40CRocc9rpGuNaj%2F-LiSM9swhgJDsRaCCcXJ%2F-LiSMDsNLymhJv_xooQN%2FPhiladelphia_Pride_Flag.svg?alt=media\&token=d7a69955-b38d-4f21-b719-d1f95360ffdc)

LGBTQ+ students are vulnerable in terms of travelling abroad, it is for that reason very important to do as much research as possible about the host country’s cultural norms, practices, and attitudes regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.  Here are some resources which you can also use to prepare yourself properly:

* [Resources from Michigan State University](https://educationabroad.isp.msu.edu/students/admitted-students/life-abroad/sex-and-gender/)
* [LGBTQ Youth tips and tools for being online](https://ssd.eff.org/playlist/lgbtq-youth) by the <https://ssd.eff.org/>.
* [Airport Security Tips from the National Center for Transgender Equality](http://www.transequality.org/know-your-rights/airport-security)
* [Resources from Carleton College](http://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/ocs/diversity/LGBT/10_reasons/)
* [Rainbow SIG Resources](http://www.rainbowsig.org/resource-center/study-abroad/)
* [Rainbow SIG resources for Students visiting the US](http://www.rainbowsig.org/resource-center/international-students/)
* [ILGA / International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association](https://ilga.org/)
* [GoAbroad.com: LGBTQ Traveler's Abroad](https://www.goabroad.com/downloads/lgbt-study-abroad-guide.pdf)
* [Human Rights Watch](https://www.hrw.org/)

**Something that is important to think about is a support network. Think about ways of building a new support network in the host country. Do research about student societies, NGO’s and other support structures.**