Upcoming Events

NAFSA Annual Conference 2023

LGBTQIA+ Sessions

Wednesday, May 31st

Concurrent Session Block | 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM EDT | WCC Room 204AB

At the Intersection: Strategies for LGBTQIA+ International Student Support

While considerable literature exists concerning the experiences of some LGBTQIA+ students within the context of U.S. higher education, there is a dearth of research into the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and international student identities, particularly in the areas of lived experiences and student support. This session will discuss considerations for student services personnel and other student-facing campus constituencies when supporting LGBTQIA+ international students, including socio-cultural factors and potential barriers to communication and comprehension. This session was selected as the Region VII conference highlight.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the broad lived experiences of some LGBTQIA+ international students.
  • Anticipate considerations and concerns unique to LGBTQIA+ international students.
  • Create stronger support plans for LGBTQIA+ international students and move plans into action.

Concurrent Session Block | 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM EDT | WCC Room 209ABC

LGBTQ+ Abroad: Research on Student Experiences and Promising Practices

How do gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity shape student experiences abroad? This talk uses original research findings and student perspectives to illustrate best practices for education abroad offices to support LGBTQ+ students. Presenters also explore student experiences and student suggestions to increase feelings of safety and inclusion while abroad.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe how the study abroad experiences of LGBTQ+ students differ from those of straight and/or cisgender students.
  • Analyze student recommendations for building more queer-inclusive study abroad programs.
  • Develop an action plan of next steps for individual campuses incorporating best practices and suggested approaches.

Concurrent Session Block | 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM EDT | WCC Room 144AB

Including Queer Students in International Education: From Research to Practice

Presenters discuss their research on LGBTQ+ international student identity formation and trajectories, focusing on moving research to practice. The session’s goal is to help international student and scholar services practitioners support LGBTQ+ international students at the individual and institutional level. A guidebook for those working with LGBTQ+ international students is provided.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the unique experiences and challenges of LGBTQ+ international students through the presenters’ research on identity formation, students’ experiences, and visa policies.
  • Using case studies and a guidebook, assess challenges and opportunities within the contexts of attendees’ specific institutions, organizations, countries, or job roles.
  • Brainstorm ideas on policy, practices, services, and programs inclusive to LGBTQ+ international students through insights from research findings.

Rainbow SIG Annual Business Meeting | 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM EDT | WCC Room 207B

Join this open meeting to network with professionals who share your interests. Learn more about the Member Interest Groups at www.nafsa.org/MIGs

Reception | 8:00pm

Pitchers & A League of Her Own | 2317 & 2319 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Join your colleagues for the most anticipated fundraiser reception at the NAFSA Annual Conference! Suggested $10 donation at the door.


Thursday, June 1st

Poster Session Block | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT | Halls ABC, Poster Fair Area, Table 41B

Gender Inclusive Housing Practices for Short-Term Travel Programs

In 2022, the External Programs team at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and Integrated Marketing Communications revamped gender inclusive housing practices. This poster examines the current state of gender inclusive housing practices across the United States and offers an example of inclusive practice in study abroad applications.

Concurrent Session Block | 1:00 – 1:50 PM EDT | WCC Room 209ABC

Between Worlds: Developing a Toolkit for Supporting LGBTQ+ International Students

The session explores the complex experiences of LGBTQ+ international students and provides ideas for a tool kit, including research data and practices for international students and scholar professionals, to support students. Session attendees also engage in group dialogues and develop action plans through a worksheet for their own contexts.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe various LGBTQ+ communities around the world and how they are socially and culturally perceived differently in each society.
  • Identify challenges of LGBTQ+ international students in the United States.
  • Plan and coordinate institutional efforts to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ international students on campus.
  • Develop and execute strategies for session attendees’ own contexts and take actions to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion within the work of international student and scholar services.

Friday, June 2nd

Concurrent Session Block | 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM EDT | WCC Salon C

LGBTQIA and Z: Today’s Queer Students Navigating Complex Policy Landscapes

Policies like ”Don’t Say Gay” and “LGBT-free zones” impact student learning and wellbeing on campus and abroad; particularly for Gen Z, in which 1 in 5 identify as LGBTQIA+. Through relevant data and case study exploration, this critical session is a call to action for all international educators.

Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate the global and domestic LGBTQIA+ policy landscape for U.S. education abroad students.
  • Understand initial data on LGBTQIA+ student perspectives on the holistic education abroad experience, from advising to return.
  • Reexamine and develop methods to support LGBTQIA+ education abroad students through relevant case studies.