Pride Across Borders: Exploring LGBTQ+ History & Culture in EdOdyssey Destinations
Across the globe, LGBTQ+ history and culture are as diverse as the communities themselves, shaped by the constraints and freedoms of local societal attitudes, political environments, and many other factors. In some countries, LGBTQ+ communities are thriving and deeply enriching local culture. In others, the journey toward acceptance has been long and full of obstacles, marked by legal battles, social stigma, resistance, and progress only won through sheer determination and persistent advocacy. In other countries, LGBTQ+ individuals still face harsh repression, risk, and criminalization; at least 67 countries criminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adults, according to Human Rights Watch.
And yet, there is so much to learn from the resilience, courage, and creativity of LGBTQ+ communities around the world who have fought for rights, visibility, and dignity. In many cases, these communities have flourished by creating safe spaces, uplifting influential queer leaders, and building cultural movements that bring together LGBTQ+ community members and allies with a strength and solidarity that is especially visible now, during Pride Month.
Purposeful and immersive travel experiences can be a powerful way to help students better understand the history and culture of our LGBTQ+ communities around the globe. A custom program built with our team here at EdOdyssey could focus exclusively on this topic or incorporate elements of learning. Activities such as hearing from local advocates, visiting places that are connected to LGBTQ+ history and culture, and reflecting on the contrasts and similarities found between home and host countries can help students understand queer identities across the globe and deepen their empathy and awareness.
Below, we take a closer look at LGBTQ+ rights and history in each EdOdyssey destination country—some more positive than others—and share a city recommendation along with several locations there where students would have an opportunity to engage thoughtfully and meaningfully with this topic.
CANADA: TORONTO
Celebrated as one of the most progressive countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, Canada’s citizens have spent decades focused on advocacy for change. They started building momentum when homosexuality was partially decriminalized in 1969. The Canadian Human Rights Act was amended in 1996 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and again in 2017 to include gender identity and gender expression. In 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. As one of the most queer-inclusive cities in North America, Toronto is home to a huge LGBTQ+ community, holds the country’s biggest Pride celebration, and is a true hub for activism, focusing more recently on issues like homelessness among queer youth, trans healthcare access, and the need for inclusive education. The city came in at number nine on Lonely Planet’s 2025 list of most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world.
A few sites to explore:
The ArQuives: The largest independent LGBTQ2+ Archives in the world.
Church-Wellesley Village: Home to annual Pride celebrations and Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
Glad Day Bookshop: The oldest queer bookstore in the world, since 1970.
Barbara Hall Park: The location of the Toronto AIDS Memorial and the Trans Memorial and an important community space for reflection and activism.
CHILE: SANTIAGO
It was not so long ago—1999—that homosexuality was decriminalized in Chile, but the movement toward equal rights built up in the early 2000s. Anti-discrimination laws were introduced in 2012, and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2022. Much of this progress was shaped in the capital city of Santiago, which is home to the annual Pride celebrations as well as a number of grassroots organisations and cultural initiatives that advocate for equal rights and visibility. Though much progress has been made, attitudes around social acceptance still vary greatly among generations, with younger Chileans increasingly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. Public dialogue offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about the ongoing work to build a more inclusive society here.
A few sites to explore:
Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory & Human Rights): Though generally focused on human rights violations under Pinochet, last year, the museum launched the initiative #TuHistoriaEsParteDeLaMemoria ("Your Story Is Part of the Memory”), inviting members of the LGBTQ+ community to contribute their personal stories in an aim to construct a more inclusive historical record of this period of dictatorship.
Plaza de Armas. The main location of pride celebrations and LGBTQ+ protests and demonstrations.
MOVILH Headquarters. One of the leading forces in the local LGBTQ+ rights movement since 1991, open to visitors if arranged in advance.
Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral (GAM). While not dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ+ arts, this space holds theater productions, film screenings, and art exhibitions that regularly highlight LGBTQ+ themes and narratives, playing a role in uplifting LGBTQ+ perspectives in local culture.
La Casa de la Mujer y Diversidad Sexual (House of Women and Sexual Diversity): A cultural center focused on empowering women and LGBTQ+ individuals through performance events, workshops, and exhibitions.
CHINA: SHANGHAI
In China, same-sex relationships have been legal since 1997, but the fight for LGBTQ+ rights exists largely in the shadows. Same-sex marriage is still illegal and there are still no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, and many challenges to overcome. But if there is a place to understand the fighter equality here, it is in Shanghai, where the first visible LGBTQ+ communities in the country began to form. In 2009, Shanghai hosted the first (quiet, small, private) Pride event in the country. Large Pride celebrations are not permitted, but very low-key events do continue to take place discreetly. Grassroots organizations work to advocate and provide resources, legal support, and visibility for the community and there are several social spaces like cafes and clubs where LGBTQ+ individuals tend to gather. Though activism is very limited by censorship and state restrictions, LGBTQ+ communities have creatively carved out underground spaces and support networks to come together.
A few sites to explore:
Shanghai Queer Film Festival: Launched in 2016, the city’s first independent LGBTQ-themed film festival runs events every September, including screenings, discussions, and workshops.
Queer Run Club: Not a physical location, but a safe and inclusive space for queer and trans individuals to run together most Sundays.
CINEMQ: A not-for-profit queer cinema collective that curates and screens queer short films from China, East Asia, and around the world with events announced in the WeChat group and often held in alternative venues like basements, rooftops, and art spaces.
Spread the Bagel: A New York-style bagel establishment under queer ownership, recognized for its inclusive environment and support for LGBTQ+ causes.
IRELAND: DUBLIN
Ireland was one of the last countries in Western Europe to decriminalze homosexuality (in 1993), but reached a significant milestone in 2015 when it became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. In the same year, the Gender Recognition Act was passed, allowing transgender individuals to legally change their gender without requiring surgery or medical diagnosis. Dublin played a huge role in this cultural shift with its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, grassroots activism, and exciting Pride celebrations that are some of the largest in Europe. Organizations like GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) and BeLonG To Youth Services continue to work hard to advance LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland, particularly in the areas of inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in education and employment discrimination. Dublin is considered one of the safest and friendliest cities in the world for the LGBTQ+ community.
A few sites to explore:
Oscar Wilde memorial and centre: Places like the Oscar Wilde Memorial in Merrion Square and The Oscar Wilde Centre at Trinity College give students insight into the famous, and openly gay, author’s life and work as well as his impact on LGBTQ+ culture.
The Outhouse Community Centre: A safe and supportive community space for LGBTQ+ individuals offering resources, information, and events. They run workshops and other gatherings open to the public and opportunities to engage with local LGBTQ+ leaders.
Dublin Castle: The Pride Wall here is a tribute to LGBTQ+ activists, and the castle itself is historically significant, especially related to the passing of the 2015 same-sex marriage referendum.
GAZE: Ireland’s only LGBTQ+ film festival celebrating the best in Irish and international queer cinema each summer with screenings, Q&As, and workshops.
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks: The rainbow trail is a walk through LGBTQ+ history. Artefacts linked to modern LGBTQ+ activists, like a dress worn by Dr. Panti Bliss, are housed here.
ITALY: ROME
Homosexuality was decriminalized as early as 1890 in Italy, and same-sex civil unions were made legal in 2016; however, joint adoption rights are still not in the equation. It has been legal for Italians to change gender since 1983, and since 2015, they no longer require surgery, but there is no legal recognition of non-binary people. There are still many challenges here, especially in rural areas and from conservative political and religious forces. But Rome is at the center of advocacy to improve LGBTQ+ rights in Italy with Arcigay one of the biggest groups promoting queer rights and offering resources and support. The capital city held the first Pride event in 2000, which has grown over time. There’s an active LGBTQ+ community here, nightlife and art scenes, and some inclusive public spaces.
A few sites to explore:
Via San Giovanni in Laterano: A busy and recognized LGBTQ+ area lined with rainbow flags, LGBTQ+-friendly cafes, bookshops, and bars with the affectionate nickname, “Gay Street.”
Gay Village Festival: A summer-long festival based in Parco del Ninfeo and its surrounding neighborhoods. There are street parties, concerts, performances, film screenings and more that celebrate LGBTQ+ identity and promote inclusivity.
Immaginaria International Film Festival: Italy’s first international independent film festival focusing on lesbian and feminist themes. It takes place annually in April.
Libreria Antigone: A queer-focused bookstore in San Lorenzo which also serves as a cultural hub for gender studies, queer theory, and feminist literature and hosts events, workshops, and book presentations.
JAPAN: TOKYO
While same-sex relationships have never been criminalized in modern Japanese law, there is still no national recognition of same-sex marriage. In some areas of the country, partnership certificates are offered with limited rights, but it’s a small symbolic step toward legal recognition. Traditional values remain strong in many areas, but younger generations are increasingly open to LGBTQ+ rights. Tokyo in particular has a rich queer history that is connected to its post-war art scene and nightlife, and more recently to manga and underground clubs. The city’s quickly growing Tokyo Rainbow Pride is held annually in Yoyogi Park, and the capital city has been the seat of much advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
A few sites to explore:
Rainbow Reel Toyko: A summertime LGBTQ+ film festival showcasing queer cinema from Japan and abroad, with screenings, panel discussions, and filmmaker Q&As.
Shinjuku’s Ni-Chōme District: Home to the country’s most visible LGBTQ+ scene. It has much historical and cultural significance and is a hub for activism.
Asakusa: A neighborhood now famous for its temple and shopping, it was once home to a thriving gay scene in the 1910s-1930s, with a vibrant nightlife, so there is history here to explore.
Mandarake, Akihabara branch: A secondhand manga shop with has an extensive collection of LGBTQ+ titles, making it a great place to explore LGBTQ+ representation in manga and pop culture and how queer identities are portrayed and consumed in Japan
Pride House Tokyo Legacy: Established as a pop-up to promote diversity and inclusion during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it is now a permanent LGBTQ+ community center that hosts events and meet-ups and supports the local LGBTQ+ community.
PERU: LIMA
Peru was one of the earlier Latin American countries to decriminalize homosexuality back in 1924, but same-sex marriage is not recognized, and societal attitudes are not always accepting toward LGBTQ+ couples, especially outside of big cities. The founding of the Homosexual Movement of Lima (MHOL) in 1982 was a small but pivotal moment. Local activists and organizations are pushing for progress, and Lima has been a hub for activism in this area, increasing visibility through Pride marches, cultural events, and a growing network of support services. Read about the experience and insights of EdOdyssey student Johanna in Peru.
A few sites to explore:
OutfestPerú: An international LGBTQ+ film festival that takes place in Lima each July, now in its second decade, that has become a space for dialogue, reflection, and celebration.
La Rebelde Librería: A feminist bookshop and cultural space that is known for its progressive literature, including queer voices. They host events that highlight and celebrate LGBTQ+ themes and authors.
Miraflores: A popular tourist area that is connected to Lima’s Pride march, home to several queer-friendly establishments like cafes and bookshops, and Parque Kennedy, which is not inherently LGBTQ+-focused, but is often a gathering space for activists and inclusive events.
Barranco: One of the most important neighbourhoods for the LGBTQ+ community with a mix of the city’s most LGBTQ+-friendly spaces, queer-owned businesses, and artistic expression, where some local murals explore identity and LGBTQ+ activism.
SPAIN: MADRID
After 1975, following harsh repressions under the dictatorship of Franco, LGBTQ+ organizations started to emerge. There was a movement toward more personal and political freedom that was embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, and eventually, activism and determination set the stage for Spain to become the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, including full adoption rights for LGBTQ+ families. Spain also passed one of Europe’s most comprehensive transgender rights laws in 2023, allowing people to self-identify without medical certification. Barcelona was recognized as number five on Lonely Planet’s 2025 list of most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world, but Madrid is considered a global leader in LGBTQ+ rights, and its Pride celebrations are some of the biggest in Europe.
A few sites to explore:
Chueca, including Plaza de Chueca: A neighborhood considered to be the epicentre of Spain’s LGBTQ+ movement, where students can learn about Franco-era repression, urban activism, and current-day rights.
Libraría Berkana: One of Spain’s first LGBTQ bookstores with media by and about the LGBTQ community.
LesGaiCineMad: The biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in the Spanish-speaking world and the oldest in Europe, typically held in November.
Fresh Gallery: A contemporary art gallery with a focus on pop, post-modern, and underground art opened by Topacio Fresh, a prominent trans icon and artist. Exhibitions often explore themes of gender, identity, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Archivo Arkhé (Archivo de la Memoria Histórica LGTBI+): An archive in Lavapiés preserving over 80,000 pieces of LGBTQ+ memory, history, and culture from Spain and Latin America. Exhibitions and materials focus on queer activism, art, and identity.
UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON
Lonely Planet named London the number one most LGBTQ+-friendly city in the world in their 2025 list. 1967 was one of the first major milestones here when homosexuality was decriminalized in England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland would come later), and the early 2000s brought a series of small victories that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in England and Wales in 2014. Trans rights remain a debated topic in British politics. In fact, just a month ago, the UK’s Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. London has long been a cultural and political beacon for the LGBTQ+ community, hosting everything from protests to pride marches, community centres to archives, and cultural events like queer-led art exhibitions, theater performances, book signings, and the slightly more unique offerings like Chelsea Physic Garden’s queer nature tour, queer botanical drawing workshop, and queer poetry night for their LGBTQ+ history month celebrations to name just one example.
A few sites to explore:
The British Museum: Follow the “Desire, Love, Identity: LGBTQ+ Histories Trail” using the museum’s map and accompanying audio guide.
Queer Britain: The UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum, highlighting and celebrating through exhibitions, oral histories, and visual art the stories, people, and movements that have shaped British queer life.
Soho: A vibrant neighborhood in London that has long been central to the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, politics, and community.
Bishopsgate Institute Archives: Holds an extensive collection of LGBTQ+ archives and activist materials, including personal diaries, protest banners, zines, photographs, and documents from movements like Pride and ACT UP.
The LGBTQ+ Bookshop Trail: Discover some of London’s best LGBTQ+ bookshops—from Gay’s the Word (the UK’s first and oldest surviving LGBTQ+ bookshop) in Bloomsbury to The Common Press (an intersectional queer bookshop which hosts launches, workshops and gatherings) in Bethnal Green, to Ink@84 (an indie with a great curated LGBTQ+ section) in Highbury Park.
UNITED STATES: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, and Boston is one place where queer life is celebrated. The US legalized same-sex marriage nationally in 2015, but legal and social protections still vary by state. The LGBTQ+ community is facing new challenges and setbacks, with recent policies from the current administration threatening hard-won protections. Trans rights, especially, are currently under threat in many areas of the country. One place to delve into the topic of LGBTQ+ rights, history, and culture is in San Francisco, which our Northeastern University Global Scholars already do. The city that played a pivotal role in the gay rights movement since way back in the time of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly-gay elected officials in the US. Ever since, the city has been a leader in the fight for equality, visibility, and inclusion.
A few sites to explore:
The Castro District: One of the first LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in the US, rich in both history and pride. Great for a guided walking tour.
GLBT Historical Society Museum: A small but powerful place that is dedicated to documenting queer history and activism.
Harvey Milk Plaza: A space that honors the legacy of politician Harvey Milk.
Pink Triangle Park and Memorial: A tribute to LGBTQ+ victims of the Holocaust.
Rainbow Honor Walk: A sidewalk tribute with bronze plaques in the names of LGBTQ+ trailblazers.
5 TIPS FOR FACULTY LEADERS
Engaging with LGBTQ+ history, rights, culture, and communities abroad can be a rewarding and enlightening experience for both faculty leaders and students. Here are a few tips we encourage you to keep in mind:
Talk About History. When you’re visiting sites with students, provide as much historical context as you can before you go in order to frame their understanding of the LGBTQ+ community’s journey and continuing fight for equality in your location.
Highlight Local Voices. Lean into guest speakers, workshops, and other opportunities for students to connect directly with LGBTQ+ individuals or organizations locally for their authentic perspectives. Listen to stories and learn from the lived experiences of others.
Consider Inclusion. When you travel, make an effort to explore and support the museums, neighborhoods, and other sites that have played a positive role in LGBTQ+ heritage and uplift and celebrate the local community.
Make Space for Reflection. As with all programs we run, on any topic, we encourage you to build in time for reflection, whether that is quiet journaling or lively group discussion, so students can better internalize what they are learning along the way and better understand themselves in the context of what they are observing.
Be Mindful of Local Laws and Expectations. While we will work with you to understand the local laws and expectations around LGBTQ+ rights and communities wherever you decide to travel, also educate students on local societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals and their legal status when it comes to topics like marriage, discrimination, and more.
HAPPY PRIDE!
Wishing all of our friends, partners, and colleagues a joyful and celebratory Pride Month—one of our favorite times of year here in Boston! Let’s continue to honor the progress made, support those still fighting for equality, and embrace the diversity that makes us stronger together.
And if you’re interested in integrating LGBTQ+ history and culture into a custom program—or building a program fully around this topic—reach out and start a conversation. We’d love to help you bring your vision to life so your students (no matter how they personally identify—all are welcome!) can gain a deeper understanding of diverse experiences shaping societies across the globe.
We’ll leave you with a message from EdOdyssey’s CEO and Founder, Peter McGovern:
