LGBTQ+ travel toolkit supports people and policy development

A new travel tool developed by law researchers at the University of Reading gives guidance on LGBTQ+ international travel.

The free online resource lgbtqtraveltool.com can be used by universities and other employers to devise specific policies and practices for LGBTQ+ students and staffs who are travelling internationally.

Individuals can also use it to check how their employer or university can minimise risks to their safety and wellbeing when travelling, with a specific focus on the safeguarding of LGBTQ+ persons.

Dr Frances Hamilton, who led the development of the toolkit, said: “The LGBTQ+ Travel Tool seeks to address a gap in policy. Our research found that in the UK, only 27 universities (17%) have policies specifically about LGBTQ+ welfare concerns when travelling worldwide.”

“However, we know that LGBTQ+ staff can face challenges to their welfare when crossing international boundaries because of the diversity of legal, social and cultural treatment of LGBTQ+ persons worldwide.”

“At a time of increased international mobility in the higher education sector, barriers for LGBTQ+ staff and students considering international travel for work or educational purposes include concerns about how to stay safe and avoid discrimination, violence or even prosecution in certain jurisdictions.”

Tahlia-Rose Virdee, a PhD student in the School of Law who worked as a research assistant on the toolkit, said: “We are proud to introduce the LGBTQ+ Travel Tool, which is interactive and freely accessible.”

“For university students and staff and other employees it takes about 20 minutes to use and gain personalised feedback and suggestions.”

“For business and university users who are checking or creating LGBTQ+ international travel policies and practice there are more detailed questions which take about 40 minutes to complete.”

The Travel Tool has been funded by Research England through the University of Reading’s Rapid Response Policy Engagement Fund.

The toolkit is available at LGBTQ+ International Travel Tool (lgbtqtraveltool.com).

Read more about the introduction of the LGBTQ+ International Travel Tool on the Connecting Research blog.