{"id":37799,"date":"2025-06-04T07:22:31","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T07:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37799"},"modified":"2025-06-04T07:22:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T07:22:31","slug":"lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-madrid\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+ Students&#8217; Guide to Internships Abroad: Safe Spaces in Madrid"},"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-madrid\/#Chueca_Madrids_historic_LGBTQ_neighborhood\" >Chueca: Madrid\u2019s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood<\/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-madrid\/#Where_to_find_LGBTQ_art_and_culture_in_Madrid\" >Where to find LGBTQ+ art and culture in Madrid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-madrid\/#LGBTQ_communities_and_advocacies_in_Madrid\" >LGBTQ+ communities and advocacies in Madrid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-madrid\/#LGBTQ_events_in_Madrid\" >LGBTQ+ events in Madrid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning to do an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/madrid-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internship in Madrid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? If you\u2019re an LGBTQ+ student heading to Spain\u2019s capital, knowing where to find safe, inclusive, and community-centered spaces makes a huge difference. Madrid is famous for its welcoming vibe, but this guide will help you discover places where you can truly be yourself\u2014from queer bookshops and museums to organizations and pride events.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chueca_Madrids_historic_LGBTQ_neighborhood\"><\/span><b>Chueca: Madrid\u2019s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just a stone\u2019s throw from the famous Gran V\u00eda is Chueca, Madrid\u2019s iconic LGBTQ+ hotspot. We don\u2019t just mean rainbow flags\u2014this neighborhood is home to many of the spaces we\u2019ve listed here: cultural spots, bookstores, advocacy groups, and places for celebration and freedom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chueca is also lined with fashion stores, trendy bakeries, and cozy bistros\u2014perfect places for you to unwind after a day at your internship. It\u2019s hard to pick our favorites, but one casual stroll around the area and you\u2019ll discover your own go-to spots in no time!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_find_LGBTQ_art_and_culture_in_Madrid\"><\/span><b>Where to find LGBTQ+ art and culture in Madrid<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madrid\u2019s queer history and creativity are everywhere\u2014you just need to know where to look. Here\u2019s where you can dive into local art, culture, and history while you\u2019re in the city:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sof\u00eda<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Museo Reina Sof\u00eda is one of Madrid\u2019s modern art museums, and it champions equality and diversity through its exhibits. The museum houses thousands of pieces, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theartnewspaper.com\/2025\/02\/17\/madrid-reina-sofia-museum-acquisitions-diversify-collection\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">works from minority groups<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like LGBTQ+ artists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re an international student completing a Creative Arts internship in Madrid, this museum is a must-visit\u2014both for its rich collection and the chance to connect with modern queer narratives through art.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Archivo Arkh\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your visit Museo Reina Sofia, walk over to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/archivo_arkhe\/?hl=en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Archivo Arkh\u00e9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This non-profit infoshop has an extensive collection of materials about Latin America, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ culture and history dating back to the 19th century. If you\u2019re passionate about queer history and activism, make this your next stop!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Librer\u00eda Berkana<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opened in 1993, Librer\u00eda Berkana is the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore in Madrid and a beloved landmark in Chueca. In its early years, when the community mostly gathered in bars, Berkana served as their safe space during the day. Today, it hosts book talks and community events, even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/barnard.edu\/news\/spring-break-sojourns-faculty-and-students-venture-europe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">welcoming international students<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and giving them personal tours of the shop\u2019s history and mission!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students completing a Sports Management internship in Madrid need to check out their section on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.libreriaberkana.com\/libros\/guiaslectura\/deporte-lgtbiq\/8\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ experiences in the world of sports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014it\u2019s a great way to gain insights on the industry outside the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Teatro del Barrio<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Love the theater? Head to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teatrodelbarrio.com\/programacion\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teatro del Barrio<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you\u2019ll find bold, socially conscious plays and musicals that tackle LGBTQ+ themes and other big societal topics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heads up, though: most shows are in Spanish. But we believe it\u2019s a fun way to practice your skills. After all, the best language lessons happen when you\u2019re truly engaged!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LGBTQ_communities_and_advocacies_in_Madrid\"><\/span><b>LGBTQ+ communities and advocacies in Madrid<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madrid is home to several advocacy groups and organizations that work toward equality, offer support services, and create safe spaces for people to gather and be themselves. Here\u2019s a quick guide to the groups you should check out:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>COGAM<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for advocacy groups to connect with, start with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cogam.es\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COGAM<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This nonprofit works toward equality for LGBTQ+ people through awareness campaigns, events, support services, and activism. They also run activities like workshops, film screenings, and talks, making it easy for international students in Madrid to engage with local queer communities during their internship abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Apoyo Positivo<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another great organization is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/apoyopositivo.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apoyo Positivo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Focused on diversity and community support, they offer a variety of resources including mental health programs and advocacy initiatives. Their events and workshops are open to everyone and a fantastic way to meet people while supporting causes in Madrid\u2019s LGBTQ+ scene.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Proyecto Chueco<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What better way to build community than over board games and open discussions? Proyecto Chueco hosts regular meet-ups for LGBTQ+ individuals with a more laid-back environment to make new friends, exchange stories, and simply relax. Check their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/proyectochueco\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for upcoming schedules\u2014you might even discover a new favorite game or hobby here!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>GMadrid Sports<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who says international students doing internships abroad need to hit pause on their hobbies? If you\u2019re looking to stay active or even just to try something new in the spirit of being somewhere new, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gmadridsports.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GMadrid Sports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Their sports club includes padel, soccer, running, and more\u2014and they also organize yoga, dance, and reading groups!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LGBTQ_events_in_Madrid\"><\/span><b>LGBTQ+ events in Madrid<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madrid knows how to celebrate\u2014and the LGBTQ+ community is at the heart of some of the city\u2019s best events! We listed down some of the annual happenings that are a great way to meet new people and join the festivities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Madrid Pride<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, no LGBTQ+ guide for international students in Madrid is complete without mentioning the city\u2019s Pride event! This week-long celebration typically kicks off on June 28th\u2014on International Pride Day itself\u2014and wraps with a massive parade on the first Saturday of July.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve opted for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/top-remote-internships-to-explore-this-summer-2025\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">summer internship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Madrid, this is the perfect chance to experience the city\u2019s open, joyful, and activist spirit\u2014with cultural events, concerts, and parties happening across town, especially in Chueca and at iconic landmarks like Puerta del Sol.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>GMadrid Sports\u2019 Annual Pride Games<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember GMadrid Sports? Every year, they host <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gmadridsports.org\/juegos-del-orgullo\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juegos del Orgullo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Pride Games), a three-day tournament open to athletes and non-athletes alike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expect everything from volleyball and skating competitions to board games and yoga sessions. It\u2019s not just about sports\u2014it\u2019s about bringing the community together through fun, healthy, and inclusive activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>LesGaiCineMad<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Film buffs, this one\u2019s for you. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lesgaicinemad.com\/programacion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LesGaiCineMad<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the local LGBTQ+ film festival, held every November\u2014perfect if you\u2019re doing a fall internship in Madrid. They spotlight independent films and documentaries focused on queer themes, and Video Production interns, in particular, might find this as a way to experience the local film scene and see how LGBTQ+ stories are told on screen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madrid is one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive cities in the world, and whether you\u2019re here for an internship in Journalism or Event Planning\u2014there\u2019s a community and a safe space for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re not busy at your internship, explore these spots, support local queer-owned businesses, and connect with people who share your values.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to experience life abroad in Madrid as an intern? Learn more about our internship programs in Madrid and start planning your adventure today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning to do an internship in Madrid? If you\u2019re an LGBTQ+ student heading to Spain\u2019s capital, knowing where to find safe, inclusive, and community-centered spaces makes a huge difference. Madrid&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":12964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[920],"tags":[1120,1119],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-internship","tag-lgbtq-students","tag-lgbtq-students-internship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37799","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=37799"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37799\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37799"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37799"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37799"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37799"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}