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Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Abroad

Gender Roles, Sexual Orientation, and Identity Considerations While Traveling Internationally

Even in the context of your native culture, identity, gender, and sexual orientation are complex issues that are connected with societal expectations, personal identity, intimacy and relationships, sexual expression and health, and much more. Since these perspectives are often culturally influenced, your gender and sexual identity become even more complex in the context of traveling internationally.

Gender and sexual identities are socially constructed terms that are unique to each country and/or culture, and even within a single country or culture the perspectives will vary. Differences between cultures can range from minor and unnoticeable to major and life-altering. It is important to reflect on your native culture's views on the subject to get a sense of where your own thoughts on the subject may be originating. It is equally important to research perspectives and ideas in your destination country before you go so that you will have an idea of what to expect.

Dating and Friendship

Social interactions of all kinds are largely determined by cultural perspectives and may require you to make adjustments from what you are used to in the U.S. The best way to prepare is to research these topics with regard to your destination country before you go. Cultural norms regarding public displays of affection, dating rituals, expectations of friends and partners, and acceptable dating/friendship behavior may vary greatly from the U.S. While in your host country, talk to locals in your age group about these topics and clarify any questions or concerns.

Legal Restrictions

In some countries, same-sex marriage and sexual relations are illegal. Other countries criminalize the distribution of LGBTQ+ material. As a foreign traveler, you may be subject to enhanced scrutiny by law enforcement and government authorities. For your safety and security, it is important that you respect local laws while you are abroad.

As of 2024, over 70 countries outlaw homosexual activity, and over 100 countries have no legal protections against discrimination for such individuals. LGBTQ+ travelers may be at an increased risk of arrest, arbitrary detainment, or harassment. It is important for travelers to learn about local laws concerning LGBTQ+ advocacy, clothing, public affection, and sexual behavior prior to traveling.

In some countries with strict anti-homosexuality laws, local authorities may engage in entrapment campaigns to monitor or arrest LGBTQ+ individuals. Exercise caution when interacting with people over social media or dating apps.

Tips While Abroad

  • Note the clothing styles worn by locals sharing your gender and age group and, as much as possible, dress in similar styles if you wish to “blend in”.
  • Watch how locals of the same age group interact with one another - both with the same gender and other genders - as this could provide insight into local perspectives on gender roles.
  • Ask on-site staff members or trusted local friends for advice on social interactions. Consider establishing a local LGBTQ+ friendly point of contact who you can contact in an emergency.
  • Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Be aware that in certain cultures, some gender identities or sexual orientations may not be respected or may even be seen as a "disorder". It is helpful to research areas or communities in your destination country which may be more welcoming ahead of time.
  • Use language that is direct, assertive and culturally appropriate, especially in response to unwanted attention.

Traveling With X Gender Passports

In 2023, the U.S. Department of State introduced passports featuring an X gender marker for nonbinary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals. These are valid, government-issued passports and any country that recognizes U.S. passports should make no legal distinction regarding the gender marker. However, some countries may not permit entry to travelers with X passports. Before you travel, be sure to confirm entry requirements with the closest embassy or consulate of your destination.

Even in countries where laws may be hostile to local LGBTQ+ communities, U.S. travelers are unlikely to be targeted since being an expatriate often affords some protection. However, unfriendly foreign governments or local officials looking for a pretext to harass American travelers may use an X gender marker as justification.

Many countries separate travelers by gender for security screenings. Often, travelers self-select into the line they are most comfortable in without having their documents checked. However, travelers may be directed into a line that does not match their gender identity. Have a plan in place to either follow officials’ guidance, or proactively request a private screening. These requests may or may not be granted.

Health Care

LGBTQ+ travelers may be more likely to avoid seeking healthcare overseas for fear of discrimination, stigmatization, or non-gender affirming treatment. Penn State students, faculty, and staff traveling on university-affiliated international travel can contact International SOS at +1-215-942-8478 for support in obtaining medical assistance abroad. International SOS can help travelers locate healthcare providers who are inclusive and affirming of all sexual or gender identities.

Additional Resources

Students, faculty, and staff of any sexual orientation should do research on their destination before leaving the U.S. Be aware of the legal restrictions regarding same-sex relationships in other countries, as well as the general attitudes of the population in the country where you plan to travel. Other countries may be more or less tolerant than the United States. For more information, please review the following resources:

Gender Roles, Sexual Orientation, and Identity Considerations While Traveling Internationally

Even in the context of your native culture, identity, gender, and sexual orientation are complex issues that are connected with societal expectations, personal identity, intimacy and relationships, sexual expression and health, and much more. Since these perspectives are often culturally influenced, your gender and sexual identity become even more complex in the context of traveling internationally.

Gender and sexual identities are socially constructed terms that are unique to each country and/or culture, and even within a single country or culture the perspectives will vary. Differences between cultures can range from minor and unnoticeable to major and life-altering. It is important to reflect on your native culture's views on the subject to get a sense of where your own thoughts on the subject may be originating. It is equally important to research perspectives and ideas in your destination country before you go so that you will have an idea of what to expect.

Dating and Friendship

Social interactions of all kinds are largely determined by cultural perspectives and may require you to make adjustments from what you are used to in the U.S. The best way to prepare is to research these topics with regard to your destination country before you go. Cultural norms regarding public displays of affection, dating rituals, expectations of friends and partners, and acceptable dating/friendship behavior may vary greatly from the U.S. While in your host country, talk to locals in your age group about these topics and clarify any questions or concerns.

Legal Restrictions

In some countries, same-sex marriage and sexual relations are illegal. Other countries criminalize the distribution of LGBTQ+ material. As a foreign traveler, you may be subject to enhanced scrutiny by law enforcement and government authorities. For your safety and security, it is important that you respect local laws while you are abroad.

As of 2024, over 70 countries outlaw homosexual activity, and over 100 countries have no legal protections against discrimination for such individuals. LGBTQ+ travelers may be at an increased risk of arrest, arbitrary detainment, or harassment. It is important for travelers to learn about local laws concerning LGBTQ+ advocacy, clothing, public affection, and sexual behavior prior to traveling.

In some countries with strict anti-homosexuality laws, local authorities may engage in entrapment campaigns to monitor or arrest LGBTQ+ individuals. Exercise caution when interacting with people over social media or dating apps.

Tips While Abroad

  • Note the clothing styles worn by locals sharing your gender and age group and, as much as possible, dress in similar styles if you wish to “blend in”.
  • Watch how locals of the same age group interact with one another - both with the same gender and other genders - as this could provide insight into local perspectives on gender roles.
  • Ask on-site staff members or trusted local friends for advice on social interactions. Consider establishing a local LGBTQ+ friendly point of contact who you can contact in an emergency.
  • Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Be aware that in certain cultures, some gender identities or sexual orientations may not be respected or may even be seen as a "disorder". It is helpful to research areas or communities in your destination country which may be more welcoming ahead of time.
  • Use language that is direct, assertive and culturally appropriate, especially in response to unwanted attention.

Traveling With X Gender Passports

In 2023, the U.S. Department of State introduced passports featuring an X gender marker for nonbinary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals. These are valid, government-issued passports and any country that recognizes U.S. passports should make no legal distinction regarding the gender marker. However, some countries may not permit entry to travelers with X passports. Before you travel, be sure to confirm entry requirements with the closest embassy or consulate of your destination.

Even in countries where laws may be hostile to local LGBTQ+ communities, U.S. travelers are unlikely to be targeted since being an expatriate often affords some protection. However, unfriendly foreign governments or local officials looking for a pretext to harass American travelers may use an X gender marker as justification.

Many countries separate travelers by gender for security screenings. Often, travelers self-select into the line they are most comfortable in without having their documents checked. However, travelers may be directed into a line that does not match their gender identity. Have a plan in place to either follow officials’ guidance, or proactively request a private screening. These requests may or may not be granted.

Health Care

LGBTQ+ travelers may be more likely to avoid seeking healthcare overseas for fear of discrimination, stigmatization, or non-gender affirming treatment. Penn State students, faculty, and staff traveling on university-affiliated international travel can contact International SOS at +1-215-942-8478 for support in obtaining medical assistance abroad. International SOS can help travelers locate healthcare providers who are inclusive and affirming of all sexual or gender identities.

Additional Resources

Students, faculty, and staff of any sexual orientation should do research on their destination before leaving the U.S. Be aware of the legal restrictions regarding same-sex relationships in other countries, as well as the general attitudes of the population in the country where you plan to travel. Other countries may be more or less tolerant than the United States. For more information, please review the following resources:

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