LGBT Queer Studies Abroad, Mexico

COMMENTS FROM FORMER STUDENTS: “Since I received the program manual while I was back in the States I felt that CGE was making an effort to create safe spaces for various marginalized groups. During the first couple weeks when we were focusing on the 'isms - classism, racism, heterosexism, sexism, etc, I recognized and felt that this program works to bring different kinds of people into this dialogue and challenge prejudices so that it's not just token queers or token feminists or token minorities in the program or lines in a brochure about how open CGE is, but a sincere practice, sincere methodology of the program to work and maintain discussion and through that discussion a safe space for queer students. (Ashley Depenbusch, University of Nebraska) “Not only is it a safe space, but it’s a fun space. It’s a space to connect with other politically active, conscientious LGBTQ people. I wasn’t out to anyone, not even myself, when I started the program. In my high school and even in my college, there was not a strong LGBTQ community. Being in Mexico was the first time that I really got to know people who didn’t identify as straight. Because of the type of education and the inclusive environment that was provided, I was able to slowly find my own sexuality, and by the end of the semester I was able to acknowledge to myself and others that I am a queer woman.” (Hillary Mealman, Winona Sate University) “We had classes in history and environmental issues and religion that incorporated gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered speakers… CGE Mexico fosters an environment where sexuality is taken out of the background and brought into the foreground. Sexual diversity is recognized as an issue here. It's taken into account and incorporated into everything. LGBT perspectives are included in the classes in many ways. I love the fact that the program recognizes that LGBT issues are related to all aspects of life and not segregated or just relegated to personal life.” (Student, University of North Carolina) “I requested a homestay with a queer family. Not only was I granted my request; my host mothers' home was a hub of lesbian life in Cuernavaca. On a daily basis, lesbians came in and out of the home for visits, meals, and dancing, and I was always included in the action and invited to bring my friends.” (Sara Walker, Connecticut College) “Studying abroad with CGE was hands-down, the best experience of my life. My decision to go abroad to Mexico with CGE was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I grew a whole lot academically and emotionally during my experience, and while it was also quite challenging, through this challenge, I learned that I could depend on myself more than I ever thought I could.” (Student, Wesleyan University)