30 May LGBTQ+ Students’ Guide to Internships Abroad: Safe Spaces in Barcelona
If there’s an internship destination where LGBTQIA+ students can feel safe, welcome, and supported, it would be Barcelona. Known for its rich queer history, inclusive events, and thriving community spaces, the city continues to be a leader for diversity and equality in Europe.
The history of LGBTQIA+ in Barcelona
Compared to other cities around the world, Barcelona is among the early ones who fought for the rights of the non-binary community. Spain’s first ever pride parade was actually held in the famous street of La Rambla back in 1977—as an estimated 4,000 people protested against policies that punished non-binary individuals with imprisonment, fines, and detainment in psychiatric centers.
Just two years later, those policies were abolished. Progress continued, and in 2005, same sex marriage became legal in the country. The city’s long-standing tradition of activism and advocacy has shaped it into one of the most queer-friendly places in Europe today.
LGBTQIA+ communities in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to a thriving and visible LGBTQIA+ community, with safe spaces and support networks designed to uplift, protect, and celebrate queer individuals, including young students like you.
LGBTI Centre
In the neighborhood of Sant Antoni lies the Barcelona LGBTI Centre. It’s a public space that provides information, assistance, and organized programs that promote and protect the LGBTQIA+ community. If you’re looking for a safe space during your time in the city and don’t know where to look, you can start here.
PRIDE Barcelona
The annual Pride event in Barcelona (which we’ll talk more about later) is one of the grandest and most recognized LGBTQIA+ events around the world. The committee behind it hosts events and organizes programs that start important conversations throughout the year as well. If you’d like to get involved, they are always accepting applications for volunteers!
Panteresports
If you love staying active, Panteresports offers a safe and inclusive space in the world of sports. Founded by the non-profit Panteres Grogues, this annual sports tournament takes place every September and features activities like beach volleyball, rugby, table tennis, and even yoga. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Barcelona’s queer community while embracing healthy competition.
LGBTQIA+ reads, art, and culture in Barcelona
Barcelona’s queer culture is known for its nightlife and parades, but it isn’t limited to that. The city is also a hub for LGBTQIA+ literature, cultural projects, and contemporary art exhibits. Here’s where to start:
LGBTQIA+ bookshops in Barcelona
Digital books are all the rage today, but if you prefer your queer reads in print, Barcelona has some excellent bookstores you’ll want to check out:
Antinous – An iconic bookshop dedicated to LGBTQIA+ literature, with a wide selection of books, zines, essays, and gems that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Prole – A book store and publishing house focused on issues surrounding gender, LGBTQIA+, and racism.
La Raposa – A feminist and LGBTQIA+ bookshop that offers not just plenty of reading materials, but also community events. They have a vegan bar, too!
Digital reads: Queer Mourning
Queer Mourning: Grieving at the Museum is a 100-page digital collection of texts, prayers, and reflections created by LGBTQIA+ activists and artists. It explores the technicalities of grief over the violence toward and suffering of queer individuals.
If you’re curious about the often overlooked histories within queer communities, this might just be up your alley. You may access the book through the website of Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
Queer-focused art exhibit
Currently on display at the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) until October 2025 is Pleas of Resistance, an exhibit by Colombian artist Carlos Motta. The exhibit shows the artist’s relationship with politics and social movements, particularly on gender.
Art spaces like these aren’t just for students doing a Creative Arts internship—they’re for anyone interested in how art intersects with activism, identity, and community. From June 19 to 20, a special program hosted by Motta will accompany the exhibit, featuring live art, performances, and music celebrating queer voices. Check it out while you’re there!
LBTQIA+ events in Barcelona
Barcelona definitely knows how to celebrate inclusivity—and it shows through the city’s jampacked LGBTQIA+ event calendar!
Barcelona Pride
Barcelona Pride is a grand celebration that lasts for weeks. It includes workshops, live performances, exhibitions, other exciting programs, and the famous unity march.
Barcelona Pride is happening between June 28th and July 19th this 2025, with the march scheduled on the last day. If you’re doing a summer internship in Barcelona, you’ve come at the best time. And if you’re on a Fashion internship, get ready—the creative and extravagant outfits people wear to Pride are an absolute spectacle you won’t want to miss!
Circuit Festival
The celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t end with Barcelona Pride. In August, you can attend the internationally renowned Circuit Festival.
The festival lasts for over a week. Here, you can not just find good music, but also be unapologetically yourself and meet members of the LGBTQIA+ community from all over the world! It’s one of the world’s best queer celebrations, however, unlike Barcelona Pride which you can attend mostly for free, you would need a ticket to attend Circuit Festival.
Fire!! Mostra: LGTBI Film Festival
Fire!! is the first ever LGBTQIA+ film festival in Spain. Its carefully curated selection of films and documentaries provide both art and education on and for the queer community. Fire!! is happening from June 5 to 15 this year, and not only will there be films, but also workshops, exhibitions, and other activities.
Your LGBTQ+ friendly internship adventure starts here
Paris is home to many thriving industries. Whether you’re interested in Hospitality & Tourism internships, Accounting, or Finance internships, you can make it happen in this inclusive city.
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.
Apply for an internship in Paris today and experience its vibrant queer culture while growing your career in one of the world’s most beautiful cities!
Let us help you find your inclusive internship in Barcelona!
Barcelona is more than just sun, beaches, and beautiful architecture—it’s a progressive city where LGBTQIA+ students can thrive both professionally and personally. So whether you’re drawn to a Marketing internship or an Architecture internship in Barcelona, you’ll find opportunities in an environment that champions inclusivity and celebrates diversity.
When you choose to intern abroad with Absolute Internship, your program will include a guaranteed internship, high-end student housing, weekend cultural activities, 24/7 onsite support, and more to help you feel safe and at home in Barcelona.
Apply for an international internship in Barcelona today and discover the city’s vibrant queer culture while building your career!
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