Travelling overseas offers unique experiences, exposing students to new cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. For the LGBTQIA+ community, international travel presents both opportunities and challenges.
In Australia, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival will be hosted from 14 February to 2 March 2025 to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity, voice, and expression. The month of June also represents ‘Pride Month’ to reflect on the history and progression of LGBTQIA+ civil rights.
For LGBTQIA+ students travelling overseas for UTS Exchange or Global Short Program, this guide has been provided to ensure safe, fulfilling, and enriching journeys around the world.
LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations
Promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and contributing to global advocacy.
At UTS, we take the safety and security of our students as a top priority. The following Global Mobility destinations have presented progressive societal attitudes for the LGBTQIA+ community.
To seek further information, please visit our Exchange or Global Short Program database.
- Brazil:
Insper - Canada:
Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) de Montréal
Toronto Metropolitan University - Germany:
Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin
Technische Universität Berlin
Universität Potsdam - Mexico:
Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM)
Universidad de las Américas Puebla - Netherlands:
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
Technische Universiteit Delft
Universiteit van Amsterdam - Spain (Barcelona, Madrid):
Universidad Instituto de Empresa (IE University)
Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Universidad Pontificia Comillas - Switzerland:
Zurich University - Thailand:
Mahidol University
Chulalongkorn University - Taiwan:
National Taiwan Normal University - USA:
Virginia: George Mason University
New York: New Paltz State University and Pace University
San Francisco: San Francisco State University
*for students with an 'X' or 'non-binary' passport, please contact us for further advice on travelling to the USA.
- Uruguay:
Universidad de Montevideo
LGBTQIA+ resources for travelling overseas
Organisations and initiatives promoting visibility and solidarity.
International resources advocating for LGBTQIA+ representation in mobility contexts:
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – ‘Sex and gender diverse passport applications’ and 'Advice for LGBTI travellers'
- GoAbroad – ‘Meaningful Travel Tips and Tales’: LGBTQ Traveller’s Perspectives (PDF, 37 MB)
- ISEP Study Abroad – ‘Recommended Programs for LGBTQ+ Students’
ISEP has partnered with universities and colleges around the world for solutions to help them reach their internationalisation goals. They have provided a list of programs they recommend for LGBTQ+ students. - IGLTA – ‘LGBTQ+ Travel Guides’
This set of travel guides has been designed to provide you with a brief overview of each country, including some of the most popular destinations and attractions. You’ll learn about the best times to visit, events and tours available, and up-to-date insights on LGBTQ+ laws and protections in each country.
Follow the IGLTA Instagram account. - International SOS - All UTS staff and students on approved travel utilise International SOS for assistance whilst embarking overseas. Contact International SOS and receive pre-trip information to prepare you for a safe journey.
- Diversity Abroad – ‘LGBTQ+ Students Abroad’
Diversity Abroad’s mission is to create equitable access to the benefits of global education by empowering educators, engaging stakeholders, and connecting diverse students to resources and opportunity. They have provided tips and questions for LGBTQIA+ students to consider when choosing a destination to travel to. - NAFSA – ‘Out and About’
LGBTQ students are increasingly represented in international programs. Understanding the resources that they need for support requires considering how identity connects with student experience. - The Lonely Planet – ‘LGBTQIA+ sitemap of world updates and travel recommendations’