As a LGBTQI youth or LGBTQI traveler, it can be difficult or daunting figuring out how to volunteer abroad. The world is (finally) becoming more accepting of LGBT culture and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex, but news stories about political oppression and hate crimes around the world can still make many feel uneasy.
Before volunteering abroad as LGBTQI, it is important to know where it is safe to go, and more so whether or not it is safe to be open about your sexual identity. LGBT volunteers can volunteer wherever they choose—whether or not they can be openly LGBT is, unfortunately, another story.
The good news is that there are a lot of LGBT volunteer opportunities abroad that are both safe and welcoming of the lifestyle! If you’re LGBTQI (or an ally) and looking for volunteering that specifically benefits the LGBT community, there are options for that as well. The world of volunteering abroad is absolutely not closed off to anyone who identifies as LGBTQI. Read on to learn all there is to know about LGBT volunteer abroad opportunities!
LGBT volunteer opportunities abroad by location
Thankfully, there are plenty of safe locations to volunteer abroad as LGBT nowadays. Many countries have legalized same-sex marriage and homsexual activity outright, while others have cultivated a culture of acceptance even if their laws don’t yet reflect that. These locations will surely have the potential to foster a positive volunteer abroad experience for anyone identifying as LGBTQI.
1. Germany
Consider Germany, especially Berlin, for LGBT volunteer abroad—it’s renowned as gay-friendly. In this country, there is no reason to hide your sexuality or lifestyle, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate it. From gay history museums to legendary LGBT nightlife, you will find plenty of ways to express yourself or meet friends and allies while volunteering in Germany. The Berlin Gay Pride event, the Christopher Street Day parade, takes place in June and draws in hundreds of thousands of people every year.
2. Ireland
In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage through popular vote, so we think you’ll be juuuuust fine here. There are still some conservative pockets throughout the country, but Dublin serves as a premier LGBT hotbed. If you volunteer over the summer you’ll be able to partake in Dublin Pride, which happens in June.
3. Argentina
If you have your heart set on volunteering in South America, we highly recommend considering Argentina (especially if you want to get away from Northern Hemisphere winter, too). Argentina was the first country on the continent to legalize both same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption, and they have been setting the bar for LGBT rights ever since. Buenos Aires would be your ideal destination, as that’s where you’ll find the largest LGBTQI community. Pro tip: Buenos Aires Pride takes place in November—time your LGBT volunteer abroad adventure accordingly! ;-)
4. Thailand
For LGBT volunteer opportunities abroad in Southeast Asia, Thailand would make a great homebase. This recommendation may not come as a surprise to anyone who knows anything about Thailand and the culture in Bangkok. While Bangkok itself is mostly LGBT-friendly and offers a vibrant LGBT culture, it is worth noting that the country itself has not passed any laws legalizing same-sex marriage or other LGBT rights.
5. Sweden
As a member of ultra-progressive Scandinavia, it should come as no surprise that Sweden would be welcoming to LGBTQI volunteers. As one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage, you should absolutely feel free to be yourself in Sweden. Stockholm has a lot to offer those who identify as LGBTQI, from bars to restaurants to museums; Stockholm Pride takes place in August.
*Worth noting*
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the Western World, in general, is safe for out LGBT volunteers; Canada, New Zealand, Australia, England, France, Spain, and Portugal (amongst others) are all viable options for LGBT volunteer abroad, and for those who want to rest assured that their safety is not in jeopardy. However, people with hate in their hearts exist all over the world, so while you can let your guard down to a certain degree in these locations, always stay vigilant against phobic citizens.
Places that are less likely to offer LGBT-friendly volunteer programs abroad, and that you should avoid if you’re uncomfortable hiding your sexual identity, include Russia, China, the Middle East, and North and Central Africa. Countries where homosexual activity may result in the death penalty include Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Mauritania, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and some areas of Nigeria and Somalia. Non-state actors in other countries of a generally conservative or religious culture have also been known to attack and even kill LGBTQI individuals. As a rule, err on the side of caution in developing countries, as the LGBT lifestyle may not be widely accepted.
LGBT volunteer opportunities abroad by project
If you’re not concerned about location or provider for your LGBT volunteer abroad experience, and would rather volunteer for a project that could benefit or influence the LGBT community, there are a few areas that could use your help.
1. AIDS
HIV/AIDS continues to decimate populations in developing countries around the world, though not to the same extent as a few decades ago. Nonetheless, volunteers working for HIV/AIDS awareness and education will absolutely be able to make a difference in whichever destination they choose. This would serve as a great project for LGBT volunteers who want to work with an issue so close to the LGBT community worldwide.
2. Human Rights
LGBT rights are human rights, and volunteering for a human rights project might give you the chance to spread that message. In many countries around the world, LGBT rights have become a massive human rights concern; some countries still enforce the death penalty in regards to homosexual acts, while others take a brutal “unofficial” stance on LGBT issues. Volunteering with projects in human rights has the potential to get you close to LGBT communities around the world, and help see them through the fight for their basic rights.
3. Grassroots Organizations
Many organizations that have the potential to make the greatest impact, and make the most strides in LGBTQI rights, are grassroots organizations. Generally, however, grassroots organizations lack the funding of all those big dog organizations that you’ve heard of; thus, the time and effort of every volunteer they have is felt. Volunteering with grassroots organizations will get you up close and personal with the good guys.
4. Journalism
Advocates for LGBTQI rights could make a huge difference with journalism projects, perhaps especially in countries where homosexual activity is illegal or treated as such. However, for a safer, more lowkey volunteer experience, journalism projects could absolutely benefit from volunteers who have firsthand knowledge of LGBT rights and issues from any corner of the globe.
5. Gender Issues
LGBT volunteers and allies for LGBTQI rights will find great projects in gender issues as well. With transgender and transexual rights finally gaining global attention, volunteers will be needed at organizations that continue to support LGBT individuals, raise awareness for transgender issues, and secure rights for the LGBTQI community.
Other projects where you may be able to have a positive impact on the LGBTQI community (or volunteer for LGBT youth) include community development, counseling, drug & alcohol recovery, education, healthcare, health education, refugee relief, social work, and youth development.
5 organizations that support LGBT volunteering abroad
Some volunteer program providers stand out above the rest in terms of what they have to offer LGBT volunteers or the LGBT community. If location is less of a concern for your volunteer abroad experience, and if you would rather give your time and money to organizations that will look out for you or your community specifically, these providers are worth considering.
1. Kaya Responsible Travel
Kaya Responsible Travel is a great program provider for LGBTQI who would like to volunteer in locations that may not be accepting of the LGBT lifestyle. They mostly operate in Africa, Asia, and Latin America; thus, they offer resources for LGBT volunteers who are concerned about their safety and other issues that go along with travel to countries or cultures that may not necessarily be accepting of open LGBTQI individuals.
2. Global Volunteers
Global Volunteers put on programs called “volunteer vacations” for the LGBT community. It is possible to arrange LGBT group travel to any of their destinations; they also offer programs in Cuba and Vietnam that are staffed solely by LGBTQI individuals. Global Volunteers are accepting of all LGBTQI volunteers, and actively encourage the LGBT community to get involved in international volunteering.
3. Adelante Abroad
Adelante Abroad operates solely in Spanish-speaking countries, so you’re in luck if you’re looking to brush up on your español. The most noteworthy programs they have to offer LGBTQI volunteers (or ally volunteers) are their LGBT internships. Adelante Abroad offers many volunteer opportunities, though none guarantee a LGBT focus; if you would like to guarantee that you’ll be working directly with LGBT communities, consider the internships that they offer in Spain and Chile.
4. Connect-123
Connect-123 operates all over the world, with programs offered in many LGBT-friendly locations such as Buenos Aires, Dublin, and Sydney. Human rights volunteer projects are also on offer, specifically in Cape Town. It should be possible to coordinate with your program advisor to find opportunities through Connect-123 that have a heavier focus on working with the LGBT community in your destination.
5. International Volunteer HQ
IVHQ is another major volunteering company that operates in multiple locations on six continents. With IVHQ, you’ll be able to choose a project that focuses on human rights, while opportunities exist to work directly with LGBT rights in some of their destinations. IVHQ is a great choice for LGBT volunteers who don’t necessarily want to stick to Western countries for their volunteer experience.
There are tons of LGBT volunteer opportunities abroad!
There is no reason that trips involving gay volunteer opportunities and LGBT volunteering have to be any different from any other kind of travel. As with planning any trip abroad, as long as you do the proper research and make intentional choices, you’ll be set up for a successful and fulfilling journey abroad!
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