I am... LGBTQIA+ Identifying
As a student identifying as LGBTQIA+, we encourage you to learn more about varying levels of acceptance throughout the world along with travel and safety tips while studying abroad.
Equaldex allows you to explore the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights across the world. Utilize their search feature to find out more about a location you’re interested in.
Global Gayz focuses on LGBTQIA+ travel worldwide and shares stories, news reports, and photos from a multitude of countries. Use their search bar to research a location you’re interested in.
Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualizes the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment.
ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.
The U.S. Department of State's LGBTQI+ Travelers page contains information on security for LGBTI travelers.
LGBTQIA+ rights and views vary per country. Just like in the US, even if a country has a wide legal acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals, a variety of people with differing opinions make up every culture and you should feel prepared to approach challenges that may arise. Take time to familiarize yourself with the laws and levels of acceptance in the locations you are interested in studying abroad.
Questions to Ask Yourself
What do I want to get out of my study abroad experience?
How will I find a community of LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals while abroad?
What are the acceptance levels, local laws, and customs regarding the LGBTQIA+ community in the location I am interested in?
Are there particular cultural norms or expected behaviors in this location?
What resources and support are available in the location I am interested in?
Are gender-inclusive housing options available in the program I am interested in?
Does my host university have any clubs or organizations that support LGBTQIA+ students?
Will I need medication or services for gender-affirming care? If so, are they available in my host country?
It is important that students feel safe and comfortable while studying abroad. Acceptance varies around the world and we encourage you to research the laws and customs affecting LGBTQIA+ identifying students in your host country before applying to a program. Be mindful that the places that you travel to outside of your host city/country might have different attitudes and policies, and it is important to be aware of those differences as you visit other places.
Transgender airport rights and safety in the US
Transgender students are encouraged to be familiar with TSA screening processes and their rights at the airport. More information can be found through the Transportation Security Administration and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Additionally, TSA Cares is available for more questions.
Travel abroad
The US Department of State provides limited guidance to students who identify as LGB.
It's important to keep in mind that when gender presentation is read as incongruous with a name or gender marker on travel documents, travelers often face increased scrutiny which may lead to stress and sometimes explicit denial of identity.
Gender X US Passport Update (as of January 2025)
In April 2022, the US Department of State (US DOS) created a gender X option for US passports.
On January 20, 2025 an Executive order was issued stating:
Sec 2. Policy and Definitions. It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.
Sec 3 (d) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall implement changes to require that government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, accurately reflect the holder’s sex
Future study abroad students applying for a passport may now choose to select M or F as the US DOS removed reference to X on their website travel.state.gov.
Students who have already submitted a passport application and selected "X" may experience processing delays. The DOS may contact you to request additional documents or records to confirm your biological sex for your passport application.
On February 10, 2025, the DOS published a new webpage titled Sex Marker in Passports. The page clarifies:
"All passports—including those with an X marker or those listing a sex different from your sex at birth—will remain valid for travel until their expiration date, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy."
Additionally, the FAQ section states:"Q: Is my passport still valid if I have an X marker or if it lists a sex other than my sex at birth?
A: Yes. Your passport will remain valid until its expiration date."
We understand that our community may find this information distressing. Please remember that all Berkeley Study Abroad students are able to access mental health sessions online with Lyra Health. We encourage students currently on UC Berkeley's campus to reach out to GenEq and/or Student Mental Health.
Gender-affirming care
Gender-affirming care may or may not be covered by travel insurance unless it is determined to be medically necessary care. It is important to understand what gender-affirming care services are available in your host country as you decide where to study abroad. Please speak with your Berkeley Study Abroad Adviser about how to access travel insurance information for your program so that you may better understand how to best prepare for the care you need while abroad.
Rainbow Scholarship
The NAFSA Rainbow Scholarship awards deserving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) students who aim to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs. To be considered for the Rainbow Scholarship, applicants must self-identify on the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarship application.
Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign offers a database of scholarships for LGBTQIA+ students, including opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Point Foundation National LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund
Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest higher education scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students. Point’s multifaceted support of its scholarship recipients extends far beyond direct financial contribution toward the cost of their education. Each scholar is paired with a mentor and participates in leadership development programs and events.
See section 12 (page 15) of GoAbroad’s LGBT Travel Brochure for a list of additional scholarships that you might be eligible for.
UC Berkeley Gender Equity (GenEq) Center
The GenEq Center is UC Berkeley’s center for supporting LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty. In addition to the services and information provided by the GenEq Center, Director of LGBTQ+ Advancement and Equity Em C. Huang (em.huang@berkeley.edu) is available as a resource to whom students can reach out with any questions about their study abroad journey.
Transgender Legal Mapping Report
Map of Sexual Orientation Laws
Full Report of World Survey on Sexual Orientation Laws
Exploring Your Identity Abroad Series: Navigating Gender Expression Abroad