{"id":37804,"date":"2025-06-09T06:15:29","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T06:15:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37804"},"modified":"2025-06-09T06:17:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T06:17:09","slug":"lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-london\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+ Students&#8217; Guide to Internships Abroad: Safe Spaces in London"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-london\/#Places_in_London_to_learn_about_LGBTQIA_culture_history\" >Places in London to learn about LGBTQIA+ culture &amp; history<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-london\/#Where_to_find_LGBTQIA_cinema_in_London\" >Where to find LGBTQIA+ cinema in London<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">London has long been known as one of the most progressive and LGBTQIA+ inclusive cities in the world. Queerness is celebrated in everyday life, not just during Pride month\u2014and it\u2019s evident in the generous amount of spaces that honor LGBTQIA+ history, support the community\u2019s present, and help shape its future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The city\u2019s inclusivity isn\u2019t just performative\u2014it\u2019s a lived experience. In fact, whenever there\u2019s any sign of regression, the English are quick to rally, protest, and demand better. Just recently, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/society\/2025\/apr\/19\/trans-people-rally-london-gender-ruling-supreme-court\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thousands gathered to stand<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the trans community following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2025\/05\/09\/uk-court-ruling-threatens-trans-people\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a ruling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that threatened their safety.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So if you\u2019re heading to London for your internship abroad, you\u2019re in for a city where queer culture is alive, visible, and fiercely protected. Other than the usual must-see tourist spots, here are some of the LGBTQIA+ spaces and events you\u2019ll want to check out during your stay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Places_in_London_to_learn_about_LGBTQIA_culture_history\"><\/span><b>Places in London to learn about LGBTQIA+ culture &amp; history<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">London\u2019s queer identity is deeply rooted in its history and culture. Whether you\u2019re a book lover, history buff, or art enthusiast, there are plenty of places to learn about the community\u2019s past and present. These museums, archives, and bookshops aren\u2019t just educational\u2014they\u2019re safe, affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ stories take center stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Queer Britain Museum<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2022, Queer Britain, the UK\u2019s first LGBTQIA+ museum, opened its doors to the public. This was a major win, having a dedicated space that brings visibility to such an underrepresented group. As opposed to the usual where the community gets extra exposure on special occasions such as Pride, Queer Britain has them in the spotlight all year round. Visit this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/queerbritain.org.uk\/history-2022-best-small-museum-award\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">award-winning museum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and learn about the queer histories of the UK while you\u2019re in the city!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Tate Modern<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tate.org.uk\/visit\/tate-modern\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tate Modern<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the museums in London that\u2019s very vocal about its commitment to diversity. They are transparent with their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tate.org.uk\/about-us\/working-at-tate\/diversity-inclusion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hiring initiatives and workforce profile<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, hold exhibitions of art by non-binary individuals, and take steps to ensure that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tate.org.uk\/about-us\/our-commitment-race-equality\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">everyone gets representation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Collection-wise, they have pieces from the 1500s all the way to modern times. International students on a Creative Arts internship in London are in for a treat. Even more good news? Entrance is free!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Bishopsgate Institute: LGBTQIA+ Archives<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cultural institute, Bishopsgate Institute\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bishopsgate.org.uk\/collections\/lgbtqia-archives\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQIA+ Archives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a very impressive collection of various materials on the local queer history and culture. They have news cuttings dating back to the 1890s, books, magazines, pamphlets, banners, and shirts, among many others. Step inside and see for yourself what things looked like in the UK years ago\u2014politically, historically, and culturally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Gay\u2019s the Word<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The oldest LGBTQIA+ bookstore in the UK has been around for over 46 years, and is conveniently located in its capital. Its tenure has turned it into an iconic landmark, a safe space, and a reliable source of info for the community. Find a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gaystheword.co.uk\/bookshop\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">curated selection of books<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other reading materials in Gay\u2019s the Word, or attend workshops and events hosted by them. Whichever you choose to do, just make sure to make this stop!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>LGBTQIA+ community spaces in London<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">London has no shortage of welcoming LGBTQIA+ spaces and community events where you can connect, collaborate, and just be yourself. From workout groups to comedy shows, these spots are perfect for making new friends or trying out a hobby while you\u2019re in town.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>London LGBTQ+ Community Centre<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking to connect with non-binary individuals outside of your internship program in London, you can start with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/londonlgbtqcentre.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ Community Centre<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. True to its name, it\u2019s a space where members of the community can be themselves, find their people, and make new friends. They have a caf\u00e9 as well, where you can complete your Remote Internship tasks for the day or just hang out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>West London Queer Project (WLQP)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WLQP organizes fun activities that bring together the LGBTQIA+ community\u2014like workout sessions, yoga classes, book club meetings, and picnics. If you enjoy finding new friends this way, or maybe just want to try out a new hobby, check out what <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wlqp.org\/events1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exciting events<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> they have lined up. Don\u2019t worry\u2014you don\u2019t need to be staying in or interning at West London just to attend. Everyone is welcome!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The London Queer Comedy Club<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fancy a good laugh? Drop by a London Queer Comedy Club event and you\u2019re sure to get some hearty ones. As the UK\u2019s first permanent LGBTQIA+ comedy club, the group is committed to hosting relatable and hilarious shows for queer audiences. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/queercomedyclub.co.uk\/whats-on\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check their schedule<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see if any of their upcoming shows align with your off-work hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Queer Noise<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you love supporting local artists\u2014or better yet, local <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">queer<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> artists\u2014you should check out the events by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/queer.noise\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queer Noise<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Their goal is to provide a platform for LGBTQIA+ artists in London, whether it be through workshops, open mic nights, or live performances. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite artist!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Dykes with Mics<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of live performances, we understand if you\u2019re more of the performer yourself. If that\u2019s the case, we invite you to check out Dykes with Mics\u2014a karaoke event in London that mainly celebrates lesbians, but welcomes the entire LGBTQIA+ community. They have themed karaoke nights, too, like an event solely dedicated to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grammy.com\/artists\/chappell-roan\/56864\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recent Grammy winner Chappell Roan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Workout with Pride<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fitness\/gym-anxiety\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gym anxiety is real<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and even more so for those who belong in minority groups. If you\u2019re hoping to stay fit during your international internship in London but low-key feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar gyms, say hello to Workout with Pride! They offer everything from functional training to HIIT workouts, so you can find something that suits your fitness goals. They also hold post-workout socials where you can make friends and eat good meals together!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_find_LGBTQIA_cinema_in_London\"><\/span><b>Where to find LGBTQIA+ cinema in London<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re a film buff\u2014or just love watching stories that reflect your identity\u2014London\u2019s queer film scene is one you\u2019ll want to experience. These festivals and film nights showcase diverse voices from across the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating everything from horror to Southeast Asian cinema. Mark your calendars if your internship abroad lines up with any of these events!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Fringe!<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have heard of Fringe! by now\u2014it\u2019s been around since 2011, after all. If you need us to jog your memory, though, Fringe! is a film and arts festival that showcases the work of queer creatives from all over the world. There are films to be watched, workshops to be attended, exhibitions to be enjoyed, discussions to be a part of\u2014if you happen to be completing a Fall internship in London, check out their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fringefilmfest.com\/festival-programme-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">line up of events<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every year in March, the British Film Institute hosts BFI Flare, London\u2019s LGBTQIA+ film festival, and features the best of the best of queer cinema from across the world. If this aligns with your Spring internship in London, try to make time for a film or two!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Token Homo<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Token Homo is a huge queer film fan who founded two iconic film events for the LGBTQIA+ community: Queer Horror Nights and Bar Trash. Both are held in various spots in London, and bring together people who share a love for queer cinema. If you\u2019re doing a Video Production internship in London, you\u2019d enjoy this on an entirely different level! Check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tokenhomo.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">their website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see what\u2019s showing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Queer East<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asian students in London, listen up! London has a film festival dedicated to works by LGBTQIA+ artists particularly from East and Southeast Asia\u2014and you need to experience it. At the intersection of two underrepresented groups lies <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/queereast.org.uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queer East<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and it takes place every year between April and May. If you\u2019re in London for your Spring internship, you need to add this to your agenda.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Pride events in London<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">London\u2019s Pride scene is more than just a party\u2014it\u2019s a display of resistance and community. The city hosts a wide range of Pride events throughout the year, each celebrating different corners of the LGBTQIA+ community. These events are powerful reminders of what makes London one of the most inclusive cities in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>UK Black Pride<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there\u2019s a film festival dedicated to queer Asians, there is also an event for LGBTQIA+ black and other POC. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ukblackpride.org.uk\/uk-black-pride-2025\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UK Black Pride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> takes place every year in August, which is perfect if you\u2019re in London for a summer internship! Expect live performances, informative talks, fun workshops, and a welcoming environment where you can safely be yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>London Trans+ Pride (LTP)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The annual LTP has been taking place since 2018. The iconic march, which, in 2023, brought together over 35,000 attendees, proudly shows the people\u2019s support and allyship for the trans+ community in the entire UK. If you wish to take part in this incredible movement, check if <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/londontranspride\/?hl=en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">their schedule<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aligns with your summer internship in London.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Pride in London<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest and most iconic LGBTQIA+ event in the UK, Pride in London takes place every July. While the city transforms into a rainbow-filled celebration with parades and performances, there are also important conversations on LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. If this happens to align with your internship, it\u2019s something you\u2019re bound to remember long after your program ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whichever industry you choose when you intern in London\u2014whether it\u2019s a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/internships\/fashion-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fashion internship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a Public Relations internship\u2014you\u2019ll find that the city\u2019s commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity makes it a truly special destination for international education. Be sure to check out these museums, festivals, and community hubs while you\u2019re here. It\u2019s a great way to meet people, learn new things, and feel right at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinking of interning in London soon? Apply for an international internship program with us and experience what it\u2019s like to live, work, and thrive in one of the world\u2019s most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>London has long been known as one of the most progressive and LGBTQIA+ inclusive cities in the world. Queerness is celebrated in everyday life, not just during Pride month\u2014and it\u2019s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37805,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[920],"tags":[1120,1121],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-internship","tag-lgbtq-students","tag-summer-internship-lgbtq-students"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37804"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37804\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37805"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37804"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}