This is a conversation between Rory Foster from Common Ground and three students who identify as queer and are participating in a Spanish language program in Costa Rica.
Our discussion focuses on their experiences navigating language, host families, and safety as queer individuals in Costa Rica.
Here’s a summary of the key points that Jax, Lark and Han shared with Rory:
The Spanish language is binary at its core and gender-neutral language is less common:
- Spanish is inherently gendered, making gender-neutral communication more complex than in English.
- While gender-neutral pronouns like “elle” (Spanish equivalent of “they/them”) exist, their usage is not widespread in Costa Rica.
- Jax uses “elle” with friends and family in Costa Rica but not generally in public due to concerns about understanding.
- Lark sometimes uses feminine endings or mumbles when unsure of someone’s views, but uses “elle” with friends.
- Han, who uses gender-neutral “e” endings in their bilingual education work in the US, found it less common in Costa Rica but uses it with their accepting host family.
- Even accepting Costa Ricans find it linguistically challenging to shift from ingrained binary language patterns.
Host Families were strategically selected and offered a positive environment:
- Common Ground prioritizes placing queer students with accepting host families.
- Students felt that Common Ground made an effort to ensure they were placed in safe and accepting homes.
- Han’s host family was curious and open to learning about non-binary identity and pronouns.
- Lark hasn’t emphasized pronouns with their host family but feels it wouldn’t be an issue.
- Jax was placed with a lesbian couple and feels extremely lucky and supported.
- Common Ground is open to switching host families if it’s not a good fit.
Safety for LGBTQ+ travelers:
- Overall, the students felt safe in Costa Rica.
- Safety concerns were more related to general safety concerns for all travelers (driving, petty theft, etc) rather than being queer.
- Jax, who doesn’t “pass” as straight, has felt completely safe and hasn’t experienced negative interactions. They acknowledge the privilege of having lighter skin.
- Lark, who is often perceived as a woman, hasn’t had any queer-related safety concerns.
- Han, a trans-masc person, also feels safe, particularly in their community, and hasn’t faced negative interactions related to gender identity, though they get stares as a foreigner.
- The presence of other queer students in the program provided a sense of security.
- Costa Rica has legal same-sex marriage and options for transgender individuals to transition, indicating a degree of legal and social acceptance, though non-binary visibility may be less common.
The program was supportive:
- The students are thankful for Rory and Leslie’s efforts with open communication, support, and working to ensure a positive experience for queer students.
- Han specifically highlighted Common Ground’s support in addressing an issue with a teacher who was not accepting and the positive experience with a subsequent teacher who is an advocate for trans issues.
- Common Ground is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ travelers on program and providing them with a safe Spanish immersion program.
A few suggestions for future travelers:
- Be open and honest about your needs and identity.
- Communicate any concerns to Rory and Leslie, who are supportive and want to help.
- Know that the Common Ground team is dedicated to creating a positive and safe environment for queer students and is actively working to improve their program in this regard.
Common Ground International is dedicated to effective, fun and safe Spanish immersion experiences for all travelers. Learn more about diversity and inclusivity on our programs below:
Diversity and Inclusivity on Spanish Immersion
The use of non-binary language in Spanish
