{"id":37710,"date":"2025-04-24T11:52:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T11:52:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37710"},"modified":"2025-06-24T07:27:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T07:27:37","slug":"lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+ Students&#8217; Guide to Internships Abroad: Safe Spaces in Paris"},"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-paris\/#Is_Paris_LGBTQ_friendly\" >Is Paris LGBTQ+ friendly?<\/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-paris\/#LGBTQ_friendly_spaces_in_Paris\" >LGBTQ+ friendly spaces in Paris<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ students often have extra things to consider when planning an internship abroad. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWill I be safe? Can I express myself? Will I be discriminated against?\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing an international internship program isn\u2019t just about finding the right fit for your career, after all\u2014it\u2019s also making sure you\u2019ll feel safe, welcomed, and supported in a whole new environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll highlight why internships in Paris, France are a fantastic choice for LGBTQ+ students. We\u2019ll explain what makes the city so inclusive and share some amazing safe spaces you can visit outside of internship hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Paris_LGBTQ_friendly\"><\/span><b>Is Paris LGBTQ+ friendly?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">France is one of the most progressive countries in the world. They were the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-europe-22261494\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fourteenth country<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ever legalize same-sex marriage, and was ranked the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/laurabegleybloom\/2023\/03\/07\/most-homophobic-countries-lgbtq-friendly-gay-travel-dangerous-places\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11th safest country<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for LGBTQ+ travelers in 2023. A recent survey also showed that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.equaldex.com\/region\/france\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">71% of LGBTQ+ participants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> felt safe to be open about their identity or orientation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As for the French capital, Paris\u2014it is actually the LGBTQ+ hotspot of the country. There are lots of safe spaces, the annual Pride events are extravagant to say the least, and there\u2019s even an entire neighborhood for the community! The City of Light is definitely a welcoming destination for students of all identities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LGBTQ_friendly_spaces_in_Paris\"><\/span><b>LGBTQ+ friendly spaces in Paris<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re out to grab coffee during your break or meet new people outside your internship program, there are plenty of exciting spaces for the Parisian LGBTQ+ community. Below, we list down some of our favorites, and break them down into cool hangouts, yummy eats, and must-visit events.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Let\u2019s get started!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><b>Hang-out spots in Paris for LGBTQ+ students<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&#8217;re not busy with your internship, Paris offers plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly hangouts where you can relax, soak up the local culture, and connect with the queer community. Here are four places to get started:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Le Marais<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Le Marais is pretty much synonymous with the LGBTQ+ culture in Paris. This neighborhood has been around a long time, but was transformed into a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalcommons.usf.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=9953&amp;context=etd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">space for the queer community<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the 1980s. With so many queer-friendly caf\u00e9s, boutiques, and nightlife spots to choose from, you\u2019ll never run out of places to explore!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Les Mots \u00e0 la Bouche<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This bookstore in Le Marais boasts a curated collection of literature on all things LGBTQ+. It opened in 1983 and has become a vital part of the neighborhood. If you\u2019re looking for a new read\u2014and honestly, even if you\u2019re not\u2014Les Mots \u00e0 la Bouche is a classic and a must-visit during your internship in Paris.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>La Mutinerie<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also located in Le Marais, La Mutinerie is a feminist space committed to community-building and accessibility (no door charge!). They host workshops, group discussions, shows, and more. Its name translates to \u201cthe mutiny,\u201d and it\u2019s perfect if you\u2019re looking to join important conversations and get more involved in queer culture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Violette and Co.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another bookshop! Violette and Co. focuses on feminism and LGBTQ+ issues. It actually shut down in 2022, but reopened thanks to volunteer-led fundraisers and the support of feminist and LGBTQ+ communities. Today, it continues to operate as a bookstore, but also as a caf\u00e9 and venue for workshops and discussions. Drop by for a productive afternoon in this meaningful space!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>LGBTQ+ friendly cafes and restaurants in Paris<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good food and welcoming spaces are pretty easy to find in Paris. Here are a few of the many caf\u00e9s and restaurants that are recognized as LGBTQ+ friendly:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Le Cactus<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Le Cactus is a bistro in Le Marais popular among the LGBTQ+ crowd. It has this relaxed and friendly vibe, which is great if you\u2019re looking to unwind and\/or meet new people after your internship. They also serve all sorts of tasty tapas!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Caf\u00e9 Contresort<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probably the most magical place in this list is Caf\u00e9 Contresort. Think mystical decor, witch-themed food that\u2019s too pretty to eat, colorful drinks\u2014or perhaps, potions\u2014and weekly tarot readings. This tea room and restaurant is openly feminist and LGBTQ+ friendly, and proudly vegan, too!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Le Ju\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located in Le Marais, Le Ju\u2019 is a proudly LGBTQ+ friendly restaurant with an extensive (and colorful) menu. It\u2019s also along Rue des Archives, a street lined with queer caf\u00e9s and restaurants, and is pretty close to the famous rainbow crosswalk. If your internship is within walking distance, Le Ju\u2019 could be a nice spot for lunch!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><i>More restaurants and cafes in Paris that are LGBTQ+ friendly:<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/marronnier_s\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Les Marronniers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Des Gars dans la Cuisine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lebeefmarais\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Le Beef<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Events in Paris that celebrate LGBTQ+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We mentioned that La Mutinerie and Violette and Co. occasionally host events, but plenty of other places in Paris do, too. A stroll along Rue des Archives will lead you to countless spots hosting gatherings for the LGBTQ+ community; there\u2019s always something happening if you know where to look.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outside the Marais, though, there are two LGBTQ+ events that we highly recommend checking out while you&#8217;re in Paris:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Flash Cocotte<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A famous LGBTQ+ collective known for its colorful, themed gatherings, drag performances, and high-energy music. If you\u2019re in Paris during a Flash Cocotte night, it\u2019s an unmissable experience for students looking to dance and celebrate trans and queer culture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>La Marche des Fiert\u00e9s LGBTQIA+<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paris\u2019s annual Pride parade is one of Europe\u2019s biggest, if not the world\u2019s. It draws hundreds of thousands of people each June to celebrate love and queer culture\u2014and of course, advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also plenty of extra events that you can attend, like after parties, festivals, and smaller gatherings. If you\u2019re going for a summer <a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/paris-internships\/\">internship in Paris<\/a>, then you pretty much have no excuse to miss this. Don\u2019t forget to plan and pack your fabulous outfits!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Your LGBTQ+ friendly internship adventure starts here<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paris is home to many thriving industries. Whether you\u2019re interested in <a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/internships\/hospitality-tourism-internships\/\">Hospitality &amp; Tourism internships<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/internships\/accounting-internships\/\">Accounting<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/internships\/finance-internships\/\">Finance internships<\/a>, you can make it happen in this inclusive city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you intern abroad with Absolute Internship, your program will include a guaranteed placement, student housing, weekend activities, and 24\/7 onsite support to help you feel safe, supported, and welcomed in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for an internship in Paris today and experience its vibrant queer culture while growing your career in one of the world\u2019s most beautiful cities!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LGBTQ+ students often have extra things to consider when planning an internship abroad. \u201cWill I be safe? Can I express myself? Will I be discriminated against?\u201d Choosing an international internship&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[920],"tags":[1105,1106,643],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-internship","tag-internships-abroad","tag-internships-abroad-2025","tag-summer-internships-abroad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37710","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=37710"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37710\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37710"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}