L G B T Q +    A B R O A D

Studying abroad as an LGBTQ+ or non-binary student brings with it unique experiences, questions, and options that heterosexual peers will not encounter. Is the city LGBTQ+-friendly? Where are the best queer, lesbian or gay bars and cafés? How can I meet local Trans folx? Where can I learn about gender inclusive language in Spanish? Are my weekend trip destinations safe for me? It’s also really common during college years for students to not have a fully clear grasp on their gender identity. And that is okay. Study abroad is a particularly unique experience where many students explore and sometimes discover their true gender identity and sexual orientation. Both Barcelona and London are pretty inclusive cities and compared to home, they may be much more open and welcoming of gender diversity and expression. This context might provide just the environment to explore this part of your identity. However it is that you do identify, know that we are here to celebrate and support you! Browse our collection of resources below specific to the LGBTQ+ student experience.


GENERAL RESOURCES


Blogs, Guides & Podcasts



 

BARCELONA RESOURCES


Blogs & Guides


Cultural & Social


Sports

  • Panteres Grogues is the biggest LGBTQ+ & Friends sports club in the city.
  • Fit Lovas offers indoor and outdoor training groups with an inclusive, feminist perspective, centering empowerment, self-care, body acceptance and love.



Bars, Cafés, Nightclubs

  • Candy Darling is an underground club for fun and queer freedom just next to Plaça Universitat 
  • La Raposa is a Feminist & LGBTQ+ bookstore and café in Poblesec.
  • Carita Bonita is a dance bar in Gaixample with different floors.
  • La Casa de la Pradera is a queer bar, great for dancing, and located in the Raval. 
  • Furia Queer organizes queer parties at Sidecar in Plaza Reial.
  • Aire Chicas is one of the most well-known/historic women-only nightclubs in BCN!


Influencers, Magazines, Radio

  • Devermut are two of the biggest queer-feminist influencers-activists in the Spanish speaking world and they are based right here in Barcelona.
  • Roy Galán writes on gender, sexuality, feminism, and always challenges the status quo. 
  • Moderna del Pueblo draws and writes about hot topics from a queer-feminist lens.
  • Pikara Magazine provides journalism from a queer-feminist perspective.
  • Afroféminas publishes content written by afrofeminists with an LGBT/feminist/antiracist perspective; often times they advertise events in the city. 
  • Orgull Ràdio is a Catalan radio station, reporting on LGBT news, culture, health, and entertainment.
  • Pride Barcelona
  • Visit Gay Barcelona is the official guide for LGBTQ+ visitors to Barcelona. 
  • Time Out's section on LGBT in Barcelona has an extensive list of places and parties!
  • Lesbian Mallorca is your guide to Lesbian lifestyle in Mallorca.
  • Gay Sitges Link gives you insider tips on one of Spain’s friendliest LGBTQ+ towns.

 

Therapy & Care

  • Therapy in Barcelona has a team of English-speaking therapists of which some specialize in the health and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ community. Their team of therapists with diverse identities offers a range in specializations, of which include anxiety, depression, living abroad, LGBTQ+, ADHD, physical disabilities, health, identity and more.
  • Barcelona LGBTQ+ Center also offers counseling services for Queer & Trans folx.
  • Office for Non-Discrimination run by the city hall offers free services to anyone living in or visiting the city to file a grievance and receive support in English, whether psychosocial, emotional or legal. 




LONDON RESOURCES

 

Blogs and Guides


Cultural & Social


Sports

  • Out For Sport London is a grassroots, all volunteer organization run by London’s sports clubs to increase participation in LGBT+ sport in and around London. 
  • Pride Sports aim is to challenge homophobia in sport and improve access to sport for LGBT+ people.


Bars, Cafés, Nightclubs


Therapy & Care

  • Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. They work with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence.
  • London Friend delivers services to improve the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community in London, including online support, counseling, drug & alcohol support, social support groups, sexual health and helplines.
  • Stonewall UK imagines a world where all lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people are free to be themselves.