Diversity in Florence
Diversity & Inclusion
Excited for your trip to Florence? 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.
Creating Safe Spaces: Inclusivity and Confidentiality
We take pride in ensuring that all of our locations and accommodations are welcoming environments for everyone. Our goal is to foster a sense of inclusivity and confidentiality. If you have specific needs, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them. For those in need, we also provide access to professional counseling and health services.
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
The Recover Plan and Black History Month - The Recovery Plan is a research center that fosters transnational exchange around Afrodescendent cultures and peoples employing research, production and documentation in relation to cultural production as a means for examining the history and contemporary legacy of Blackness in a global context.
Progetto Arcobaleno Association is a social promotion association active since 1985 in Florence. A "rainbow" of colors as different as the stories and life paths of each of us are different!
Associazione Kibaka Africa Books, a collective of African Italian writers, poets, and visual artists (no website but they are very active and usually advertise their events on The Florentine and/or at The Social Hub).
To find more resources for Minority and Students of Color Abroad, check out Diversity Abroad's articles and student blogs.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
No matter your sexual orientation or your gender identity, we at CIS Abroad are here to give you any support you need. Whether you would like to ask us any questions or simply consult our guide, we are happy that you are here and curious to learn more. In this section, we hope you’ll be able to learn more about different LGBTQIA+ resources, along with the current state of affairs in Italy and within your program city.
Arcigay, the Italian LGBTQIA+ Association
Pride Park @prideparklgbtevents (Instagram) and their website
Tuscany Pride (Toscana Pride)
Legal Status of LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Although same sex relationships have been legal within Italy since 1890, lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender people still face opposition when it comes to obtaining the equal rights experienced by their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. In May 2016, civil unions finally became legal, despite opposition by conservative parties in particular. Now, homosexual couples have many of the legal rights that heterosexual couples have, e.g. the right to receive the deceased partner’s pension, to inherit each other’s assets, and to take each other’s surnames.
Transgender people have had the legal right to change their gender since 1982, making Italy the fourth nation in the world to allow citizens to change their gender on legal documents, in addition to allowing gender confirmation surgery. However, there is still some progress to be made. Same-sex marriages are not yet legal in Italy, and anti-discrimination protections are weak at the national level.
Public Opinion
Much like the United States, Italy is a large country, and just like Americans, Italians hold differing opinions on the LGBTQIA+ community. Nonetheless, you will find that Florence is quite LGBTQIA+ friendly due to its status as a cosmopolitan city and tourist hotspot. Additionally, for those of you staying at The Social Hub, you will be pleased to learn that TSH is a very inclusive and welcoming environment.
Despite the laws currently in place, Italy as a whole is surprisingly positive towards the LGBT community. As of a 2022 poll, 61% of Italians approve of same-sex marriage, higher than it was in the US when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. Many Italians are supportive of those in the LGBT community, but are not well-versed in what it means to be transgender or non-heterosexual, especially older Italians.
Religious Diversity
There’s no doubting that Rome and the Vatican are the center of the Catholic world. But that doesn’t mean that there is no room for other religions. Rome is the site of Europe’s largest mosque, and is also home to the oldest Jewish population in Europe. In the last fifteen or so years, Italy has seen an increase in immigration, just as many other countries in Europe, with some of the most significant migrant communities originating from China, Taiwan and South-East Asia. In fact Buddhism has also gained many Italian followers, and in fact is the third leading religion in Italy after Christianity and Islam.
Florence is home to the largest Chinese community in Italy, as well as a small Jewish community and several additional places of worship, including the Mosque of Central Florence.
Accessibility in Italy
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.
However, unfortunately Italy is generally not considered accessible to people with mobility challenges. Historic buildings and cobblestone streets haven’t entirely been upgraded for full accessibility. Apartment and other multi-story buildings are not required to have elevators or other accessible entrances. Our host academic institutions are more accommodating, but the nature of the rest of the program locations make it very difficult for foreigners with special accessibility needs to comfortably navigate around much of Italy.
Other impairments not related to mobility can often times be accommodated. Please contact us for details about your specific program location and we’ll gladly offer insights and work to accommodate you!
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.