Happy Pride Month! Everyone has a unique experience abroad, and differences in race, gender and sexuality can affect this. However, just because experiences vary does not mean that differences have to inhibit your ability to have an amazing time and find community abroad.
In this post, Peer Mentor Shilpika Pandey reached out to a few members of the LGBTQ+ community to gather their experiences abroad — and included a few of her own experiences, as well.
Student 1
Year and major: Junior, journalism and government
Destination abroad: London, United Kingdom
How was the LGBTQ+ experience abroad?
I visited many gay and lesbian safe spaces and drag shows. I met a lot of cool people and engaged with an LGBTQ+ community that was much larger than I was used to back home.
How safe did you feel as an LGBTQ+ person in the country where you studied?
The United Kingdom (U.K.) felt really safe. I lived in London close to an LGBTQ+ community, so I’m not sure what it’s like outside of the city, but the LGBTQ+ community is widely celebrated in London.
Any recommendations for LGBTQ+ students going to this country?
I would recommend going to lots of shows and events! There’s a lot of LGBTQ+ history in the U.K., and people are unabashedly themselves, so it’s easy to surround yourself with joy.
Student 2
Year and major: Senior, textiles and apparel
Destination abroad: London, United Kingdom
How was the LGBTQ+ experience abroad?
London is a very LGBTQ-friendly city, and I found it easy to connect with the community here. I already had friends living here, so they were able to show me around different clubs. It’s cool because they’re not all in one area, and you can get a different experience every weekend, whether it be in Soho or Dalston or a warehouse party farther east.
How safe did you feel as an LGBTQ+ person in the country where you studied?
I felt safe as an LGBTQ+ person in London and never felt like I was in danger because of this part of my identity.
Any recommendations for LGBTQ+ students going to this country?
Try looking into artists’ exhibitions and other creative events while in London. It’s a creative mecca, and you’re bound to find a couple events every month. Glasshouse London hosts a ton of events, and if you’re interested in alternative music, definitely check out Cafe Oto, as well.
Student 3
Year and major: Junior, marketing and health & society
Destination abroad: Seoul, South Korea
How was the LGBTQ+ experience abroad?
During my time in South Korea, I engaged in many ways with the LGBTQ+ communities in the area. Districts like Hongdae and Itaewon were generally more LGBTQ+ and foreigner-friendly than other districts, and I was able to go to very cute spaces in Itaewon. I also attended a drag show and Seoul Pride. Both of these were surreal experiences, and it was amazing to see LGBTQ+ spaces worldwide.
How safe did you feel as an LGBTQ+ person in the country where you studied?
I recognize that I have a privilege when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, in that I do not face problems that trans students may face with gender presentation. Also, the fact that I’m interested in both men and women means I am not only cisgender but can also be heterosexual-presenting.
Although there were several communities where I felt safe, there was also a considerable amount of homophobic sentiment perpetuated by older generations. However, in younger districts like Hongdae, Sinchon, and Itaewon, I didn’t feel as vulnerable, and people were not only tolerant but actively accepting of my sexuality.
Even more, people from the younger generations were interested in knowing more. However, I would advise for general personal safety that students do not actively disclose their sexuality unless they are in a space where they feel safe. That same rule applies to the U.S. as well, in my opinion.
Any recommendations for LGBTQ+ students going to this country?
Two spaces I recommend are Cake Shop and Rabbit Hole, especially Cake Shop for events like drag shows. Overall, I’d say that Seoul is generally as LGBTQ+ friendly as our more conservative major Southern cities in the U.S.
Safe spaces and communities exist in Seoul, and younger generations are generally more accepting, but discretion should always be exercised when discussing sexuality with individuals. Also, PDA (public displays of affection) with members of the same sex could incite backlash.
Shilpika Pandey is an Education Abroad Peer Mentor providing support to students interested in studying abroad. Learn about this position and its services on the Peer Mentor Programs webpage.
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