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Teaching English in a foreign country can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime and is a vital component in helping bring people together from very different cultures. However, before earning a teaching credential, choosing the country where you want to teach, and packing up your life for an adventure abroad, you must consider what life will be like in a country whose culture may be quite distinct from that of your homeland. Every new teacher travelling to a foreign country has to take many things into account before embarking on the journey. In my case, there was a specific and crucial question that I had to consider: Is it safe (or legal) for me to live my life as an openly gay man in the country I would be calling home for the next two years?
One of the greatest moments of my life was seeing the faces of my students on the first day of class in Madrid, Spain. Fortunately for me, I had chosen a country with quite liberal views regarding homosexuality. In fact, gay marriage was legalized while I was living and teaching in Spain. However, legalization is one thing, social acceptance is another. I moved to Madrid with the knowledge that “machismo” was still very much alive in the Spanish culture.
I would not be able to walk down the street holding hands with my boyfriend in every neighborhood of Madrid and be safe from possible physical violence. This is where a little common sense and knowledge of social norms is imperative. In Madrid there is a clearly defined gay district called Chueca. Gay men and women live openly, walking the streets hand in hand and frequenting the many gay bars, cafes, and restaurants in the area. In fact I would go so far as to say that I felt safe in most of the neighborhoods that made up the city center. Consequently, I would always be aware of my surroundings, especially at night. Even in a city as liberal as Spain “gay bashing” is not unheard of. But one thing I knew without a doubt was that I would not be fined or jailed for living my life honestly, as an openly gay man teaching English in Spain.
If you are gay and moving to a foreign city to teach English there is another question to consider: How out do you want to be? After all, you will most likely be moving to a town where no one else knows you. You have the power to choose who you will come out to and when. It’s quite unlikely that the topic of your sexuality will come up at your workplace. However, empowering yourself with the knowledge of the laws regarding workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation is your best weapon of defense against any conflict that may arise as a result of possible prejudice. You may be on a date and run into your boss or see some of your students while having your morning cappuccino at a well known gay locale.
Be prepared to encounter possible situations like these. Personally, I never had a problem related to my sexuality and I always felt safe. I quickly met people who became close friends and a great support group. I worked at a private school teaching English and my personal life never affected my work in a negative way and I managed to maintain cordial and professional relationships with my boss and co-workers. I also attended Spanish lessons at a school for adults and I was open about my sexuality and out to my teachers, fellow students from around the world, as well as the Spanish students and the school staff. I made the choice to be completely open where I studied, and a little bit more private at my place of employment. I found a perfect balance that did not compromise my pride, while ensuring my physical safety and job security.
Becoming an English teacher in a foreign country is full of opportunities, even in today’s economic climate. I lived out and proud in a foreign country and the most important advice I would give to anyone, gay or straight, is to become an expert on the country where you choose to live and work, make sure you know the laws and the customs and be prepared to live within them. |
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