LGBTQ+ Travel Guidance & Resources

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Depending on destination and culture, LGBTQ+ travelers may encounter unique challenges abroad. We offer a world of resources for LGBTQ+ travelers, and we’re here to help, wherever you’re headed.

Support for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Depending on destination and culture, LGBTQ+ travelers may encounter unique challenges abroad, including harassment, intimidation, discrimination, barriers to medical and law enforcement assistance, incarceration, and physical violence. Before you leave, do your research and talk with us about your concerns. To get you started, the criteria and resources below can help you think through potential challenges and risk mitigation strategies before traveling.

Research Laws Before Traveling

Because laws vary widely across countries, you should research the legal protections, if any, available to the LGBTQ+ community. Keep in mind that laws change, and many countries have complex legal landscapes. For example, some countries have laws criminalizing homosexuality that, even if rarely enforced, can cause harm to LGBTQ+ persons. Other countries have decriminalized homosexuality, but their governments have yet to implement any protections against discrimination.

Legal Resources

Equaldex is a crowd-sourced knowledge base of LGBT rights by country and region. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) publishes an annual world report and a map on legislation that criminalizes or protects people based on their sexual orientation or recognizing their relationships.

Be Aware of Cultural Attitudes

Discrimination and violence remain serious issues for the LGBTQ community, even in countries that have legalized same-sex marriage or that protect against discrimination for sexual orientation and gender identity.

Cultural Resources

The Global Divide on Homosexuality, a report from the Pew Research Center, highlights 34 countries' cultural attitudes toward homosexuality. Country guides, available through the International SOS Assistance App and member portal, include information for LGBTQ travelers and general information on culture and customs.

Human Rights Violations Occur Globally

Pervasive cultural attitudes can impact the actions of law enforcement and government officials. Review reports of official mistreatment and discrimination so that you can identify safe spaces to seek emergency assistance.

Human Rights Resources

OutRight Action International, formerly known as the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), provides reports of human rights violations specific to LGBTIQ communities. Amnesty International publishes a report on the state of the world's human rights. And the US State Department publishes annual human rights reports, which include acts of violence and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Should I Come Out Abroad?

If, how, and when you choose to come out abroad is a personal decision. A strong understanding of the legal and cultural landscape is helpful when making this decision, as is having a support network. Many international cities have active LGBTQ+ communities, but you may have to research organizations. Depending on local laws, some communities are more visible than others.

Out abroad Resources

Human Rights Watch aggregates news and reports on international LGBT rights. Alturi, an LGBTI education and advocacy organization, also maintains a list of organizations worldwide. ManAboutWorld, a digital magazine for LGBTQ travelers, has an LGBTQ Guide for Travel Safety, which provides advice on coming out while traveling.

Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health Abroad

Health care providers may not be aware of specific LGBTQ+ health needs. You may also face discriminatory practices if you come out to a local health care professional. If you don't feel safe using local medical resources, we can help you receive the health care you need in a safe location. If you plan on being sexually active while abroad, ensure you’ll have access to contraception and can take preventative measures to protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases. Not being able to authentically express your gender or sexual identities—or facing harassment because of it—may cause stress and anxiety. Be mindful of your mental health and seek help from a professional, if needed.

Health Resources

Counseling and Mental Health Services has affinity group-based counseling services. While abroad, you can speak to medical and mental health providers through International SOS, our 24/7 global emergency program. If traveling with medication, review our tips for traveling with medication before you go.

Additional Considerations for Transgender Travelers

Transgender travelers may experience difficulties entering a country if their identification documents do not match their current presentation. You can consider changing your gender designation on your identity documents, speak to a medical professional or therapist about obtaining a letter that provides explanations (translated into the local language, if necessary), or prepare a short, direct statement to provide to border officials and law enforcement officers if asked. Again, disclosing your identity is a very personal decision and may not always be safe.

Resources for Transgender Travelers

ManAboutWorld, a digital magazine for LGBTQ travelers, has an LGBTQ Guide for Travel Safety, which provides advice for transgender travelers. If traveling with medication, review our tips for traveling with medication before you go. For US nationals, the US State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information on passport gender designation changes and name changes.

Both of the following resources are specific to the US and may not apply abroad, where procedures may vary and/or be inconsistent; however, they prepare you for departure from a US airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides guidance for transgender passengers. And the National Center for Transgender Equality provides information on airport security and TSA procedures.

Harvard Resources and Support Organizations

Our International Safety & Security team is available for one-on-one pre-travel consultations.

Schedule a Consultation

It may also be helpful to speak with others who have experience in the region that you’re planning to visit or who may be planning similar travel. There are numerous peer and ally organizations across the University.

LGBTQ@GSAS is a student organization that provides a community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer graduate students.

Queers in Design is a student group focused on the intersection of LGBTQ-identified designers’ academic/professional practices and the lived experiences of LGBTQ communities.

LGBTSA is a student organization for LGBT students, partners, and straight allies to increase awareness and understanding of LGBT issues at HBS and in the business community.

The Office of BGLTQ Student Life provides support, resources, and leadership development for bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, and questioning students.

The Office of International Education provides tips for BGLTQ students traveling abroad and maintains a BGLTQ Peer Contact List.

Queer Students and Allies is a student resource-based organization that aims to strengthen and support the visibility and initiatives of the LGBTQ community.

Queer Rites is a student organization that provides a safe space for queer folks and gender non-conforming individuals to engage in fellowship and dialogue.

The Office of Student Affairs maintains a list of resources for LGBTQIA students to help make their experience at HGSE richer, safer, and more personally rewarding.

The LGBTQ Caucus (HKS login required) is a student organization focusing on social and service activities in and around Harvard and LGBTQ activism. They also publish the LGBTQ Policy Journal annually, which highlights policymaking and politics that impact the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.

Lambda is a social and political student organization that provides programming and events to serve LGBTQ students and allies at HLS.

LAHMS is a student organization that provides a forum for LGBTQ-identifying healthcare practitioners and aims to increase awareness of LGBTQ patients.

The LGBT Office maintains a terminology guide, map of gender-inclusive restrooms at Longwood, and an OutList of more than 100 LGBT faculty, trainees, and staff at HMS and HSDM who are available as mentors to medical and dental students.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion maintains a list of Harvard and community LGBTQ resources and activism.

The Harvard Gender and Sexuality Caucus is a group of University alumni, faculty, and staff that seeks to support and affirm the University’s BGLTQ community. This support includes advocacy for the interests of BGLTQ-identifying employees and students at Harvard, as well as access to its global network of 6,000+ BGLTQ alumni.

The Office of Gender Equity provides several LGBTQ+ support resources, and the Office of Work/Life maintains a list of Harvard and area resources for LGBTQIA staff.

Harvard Global Support Services does not endorse any of the external organizations or services; they are provided only to serve as aides.

Further Reading