Diversity in Barcelona
Diversity & Inclusion
Excited for your trip to Barcelona? We are too! Traveling overseas, especially for the first time, is an exciting experience. However, as an international college student, it's important to remember that you are a representative of your home country. To counter negative stereotypes, it's crucial to exhibit kindness, respect, and consideration towards others. Also, show that you are environmentally conscious and knowledgeable about other cultures. Be open-minded, learn about the local culture, and make an effort to adapt to the local lifestyle. Finally, be conscious of your behavior and treat everyone with respect. By doing so, you can challenge and break down negative stereotypes and make a positive impact.
Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students
Underrepresented students in higher education in the US may face similar challenges while studying or interning abroad. It is important to keep in mind that while you may be classified by your ethnicity in the US, abroad you may be initially identified as an American or something else entirely. This means that the people you interact with may have pre-existing opinions and be eager to share them with you.
Local Diversity Organizations
- SOS Racisme was established to combat racism and discrimination. They organize a variety of events for participation, share testimonials, and have a social media hashtag, #aixoesracisme, to make racism visible.
- Strategy BCN Anti-Rumors aims to fight ignorance and false stereotypes that lead to fear of the unknown in a diverse city. To get involved, visit the Espai Avinyó-Lengua y Cultura, a space for dialogue and reflection on cultural diversity. They organize many activities and exhibitions.
- Fundació Tot Raval is a network of over 50 organizations in the Raval neighborhood working to improve social cohesion, coexistence, quality of life, and promoting a sense of belonging in one of the most densely populated and diverse neighborhoods of Barcelona. Every year, they host the Festival Raval(s), created by the residents of the neighborhood. To participate, contact cultura@totraval.org or call +34 93 442 68 68.
LGBTQIA+ in Barcelona
Spain has made significant progress in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights since the end of Franco's rule in 1975. There are numerous LGBTQIA+ organizations operating throughout the country and in 2005, marriage was redefined to include same-sex couples, as well as granting them the right to adopt children. Transgender individuals and those with gender non-conforming identities are widely accepted in Spain, with strong public support for legal gender change.
Despite this progress, some areas of Spain, especially in smaller cities and rural areas, may still hold macho attitudes and LGBTQIA+ individuals may face discrimination. Each person has the the opportunity to raise awareness and promote understanding of these issues. However, it may require patience and understanding on both sides. To learn more, check out the following links.
For the most comprehensive and current guidance, we recommend consulting Equaldex or ILGA before your journey.
Queer Culture in Spain's major cities boast vibrant queer communities, complete with lively gay districts featuring a plethora of pubs, bars, cafes, and clubs. Key areas to explore include Madrid's Chueca neighborhood (one of the largest queer districts in Europe) and Barcelona's Eixample. The Spanish populace is generally open-minded, and LGBTQIA+ visitors will find a warm reception throughout the country. Additionally, Spain hosts remarkable LGBTQIA+ festivals and annual Pride celebrations that draw hundreds of thousands of attendees from both Spain and beyond, with the Madrid Pride parade ranking among the world's largest.
Ways To Get Involved
- Panteres Grogues - Yellow Panthers, a large organization of gay sports groups.
- Meet Up - Search events and groups by interest, also available as an app. There are a few groups aimed at the LGBTQ+ community.
- Casal Lambda - Non profit organization that offers resources and events events, including an annual film festival called Mostra Fire in June.
- Col.lectiu gai i lesbià de Barcelona. Gay and Lesbian group of Barcelona. You can follow their Facebook page.
- Downloadable Guide for LGBTQ+ activities, events and sightseeing.
- Gay-Xample neighborhood, a small part of Barcelona with a high concentration of gay bars, shops, resaturants and clubs.
Creating Safe Spaces: Inclusivity and Confidentiality
We take pride in ensuring that all of our offices are secure and welcoming environments for everyone. Our goal is to foster a sense of inclusivity and confidentiality. If you have specific housing needs, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Additionally, we offer recommendations for LGBTQ+ community activities and events in and around Barcelona. For those in need, we also provide access to professional counseling and health services.
Religious Diversity
Catalan society has undergone significant secularization, surpassing Torras i Bages' envisioned scope: 52% of Catalans identify as Catholic, 15% adhere to different faiths, and the remaining 33% profess no religious affiliation.
This religious diversity thrives notably in Barcelona. The city hosts 243 Catholic places of worship, outnumbered by 270 non-Catholic ones. The influx of immigrants since the 1990s has notably contributed to the rise of religions like Sikhism in Barcelona. However, it's vital to avoid assuming that non-Catholic individuals are exclusively foreigners. Catalan surnames and national identity documents devoid of the distinct markings for foreigner identification are prevalent among followers of Islam, Eastern religions, and various Christian denominations.
Centuries of intertwined relationships between political and ecclesiastical authorities persist in modern Spain. Catholicism still receives ample public funding, while many religious minorities lack sufficient resources to establish adequate places of worship. Despite Spain's constitutional declaration of secularism, it remains a complex notion, struggling to blend seamlessly with the country's cultural landscape.
Accessibility in Barcelona
At our program, we believe that every student should have equal access to study abroad opportunities, and many students with various disabilities have had successful and meaningful experiences in the past.
While Barcelona generally has accessible transportation and resources, you may still face challenges if you have a disability. Keep in mind that the city's medieval architecture can result in smaller apartments and elevators and uneven streets and sidewalks, which may be particularly challenging for students with mobility difficulties. However, do not let these challenges discourage you from pursuing your study abroad dream. With a little extra patience, you can still have the experience you desire.
Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience
Maximizing your study abroad experience starts before you even leave. It's important to be open and honest with our advisors and staff about any specific needs you may have. This can include accommodations in the classroom, transportation, meals, support, housing, and more. By sharing this information with us ahead of time, we can work to ensure that the program is tailored to meet your individual needs.
Check out abroadwithdisabilities.org for helpful tips on preparing for your trip and consider applying for a Passport Scholarship.
Resources