LGBTQIA+ Abroad

**Important Update as of November 2025:

The State Department has restarted the enforcement of the passport policy within President Trump’s January 20 Executive Order. This policy directs U.S. federal agencies to recognize male and female genders only and to only issue documents in the gender assigned to an individual at birth.

Per the guidance given on the Department of State website Sex Marker in Passports, passports with a X Gender marker will no longer be issued. If you submit a passport application requesting an X marker or requesting a sex marker that differs from the sex marker at your birth, you may experience delays getting your passport. You may receive a letter or email requesting more information.

All passports will remain valid for travel until they expire, are replaced by the applicant, or are invalidated pursuant to federal regulations.**

Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, or are questioning aspects of your identity, it is always best to learn more about the social climate, laws, and norms for personal interactions in other cultures. Some societies abroad are more liberal than the U.S. on these matters and some less. Inform yourself of these key issues within the countries you are considering for your education abroad experience. Below are links to resources from organizations who have complied information on LGBTQIA+ issues throughout the world specific to international education, travel, and campus life. There are tips and resources to help you prepare for your time abroad and your transition back into U.S. American life when you return. Preparing for what to expect in a particular country can make the difference between a wonderful experience abroad and a less than pleasant one.

LGBTQIA+ people experience different levels of acceptance throughout the world. Before you go, it is important to reflect on the culturally based ideas and definitions of sexual identity and gender and consider carefully how your identity as a LGBTQIA+ person may affect your relationships with host nationals, your cultural adjustment, and your overall education abroad experience. Part of your pre-departure preparations should include reflecting on the larger context of acting on your LGBTQIA+ identity while abroad. What role as a visitor do or should you have in the host culture? Does your right to be LGBTQIA+ in the U.S. conflict with your host country’s religious or cultural values and traditions? How will you reconcile your human rights with the cultural values of your host society? Are there safety considerations of which you should be aware?

The Office of International Education and Global Initiatives (IEGI) at Binghamton University strives to create a safe and inclusive space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students and their allies. Never hesitate to contact an advisor in the office for more information or to share your input or concerns; reach us at iegi@binghamton.edu. You can also visit the Binghamton University  Q Center, located on the ground floor of Bartle Library in LSG 549, easily accessed via the doors along West Drive (a.k.a. "The Brain").