04 Jun LGBTQ+ Students’ Guide to Internships Abroad: Safe Spaces in Madrid
Planning to do an internship in Madrid? If you’re an LGBTQ+ student heading to Spain’s 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—from queer bookshops and museums to organizations and pride events.
Chueca: Madrid’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood
Just a stone’s throw from the famous Gran Vía is Chueca, Madrid’s iconic LGBTQ+ hotspot. We don’t just mean rainbow flags—this neighborhood is home to many of the spaces we’ve listed here: cultural spots, bookstores, advocacy groups, and places for celebration and freedom.
Chueca is also lined with fashion stores, trendy bakeries, and cozy bistros—perfect places for you to unwind after a day at your internship. It’s hard to pick our favorites, but one casual stroll around the area and you’ll discover your own go-to spots in no time!
Where to find LGBTQ+ art and culture in Madrid
Madrid’s queer history and creativity are everywhere—you just need to know where to look. Here’s where you can dive into local art, culture, and history while you’re in the city:
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Museo Reina Sofía is one of Madrid’s modern art museums, and it champions equality and diversity through its exhibits. The museum houses thousands of pieces, including works from minority groups, like LGBTQ+ artists.
If you’re an international student completing a Creative Arts internship in Madrid, this museum is a must-visit—both for its rich collection and the chance to connect with modern queer narratives through art.
Archivo Arkhé
After your visit Museo Reina Sofia, walk over to Archivo Arkhé. 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’re passionate about queer history and activism, make this your next stop!
Librería Berkana
Opened in 1993, Librería 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 welcoming international students and giving them personal tours of the shop’s history and mission!
Students completing a Sports Management internship in Madrid need to check out their section on LGBTQ+ experiences in the world of sports—it’s a great way to gain insights on the industry outside the classroom.
Teatro del Barrio
Love the theater? Head to Teatro del Barrio, where you’ll find bold, socially conscious plays and musicals that tackle LGBTQ+ themes and other big societal topics.
Heads up, though: most shows are in Spanish. But we believe it’s a fun way to practice your skills. After all, the best language lessons happen when you’re truly engaged!
LGBTQ+ communities and advocacies in Madrid
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’s a quick guide to the groups you should check out:
COGAM
If you’re looking for advocacy groups to connect with, start with COGAM. 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.
Apoyo Positivo
Another great organization is Apoyo Positivo. 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’s LGBTQ+ scene.
Proyecto Chueco
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 Instagram for upcoming schedules—you might even discover a new favorite game or hobby here!
GMadrid Sports
Who says international students doing internships abroad need to hit pause on their hobbies? If you’re looking to stay active or even just to try something new in the spirit of being somewhere new, check out GMadrid Sports. Their sports club includes padel, soccer, running, and more—and they also organize yoga, dance, and reading groups!
LGBTQ+ events in Madrid
Madrid knows how to celebrate—and the LGBTQ+ community is at the heart of some of the city’s best events! We listed down some of the annual happenings that are a great way to meet new people and join the festivities.
Madrid Pride
Of course, no LGBTQ+ guide for international students in Madrid is complete without mentioning the city’s Pride event! This week-long celebration typically kicks off on June 28th—on International Pride Day itself—and wraps with a massive parade on the first Saturday of July.
If you’ve opted for a summer internship in Madrid, this is the perfect chance to experience the city’s open, joyful, and activist spirit—with cultural events, concerts, and parties happening across town, especially in Chueca and at iconic landmarks like Puerta del Sol.
GMadrid Sports’ Annual Pride Games
Remember GMadrid Sports? Every year, they host Juegos del Orgullo (Pride Games), a three-day tournament open to athletes and non-athletes alike.
Expect everything from volleyball and skating competitions to board games and yoga sessions. It’s not just about sports—it’s about bringing the community together through fun, healthy, and inclusive activities.
LesGaiCineMad
Film buffs, this one’s for you. LesGaiCineMad is the local LGBTQ+ film festival, held every November—perfect if you’re 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.
Madrid is one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive cities in the world, and whether you’re here for an internship in Journalism or Event Planning—there’s a community and a safe space for you.
When you’re not busy at your internship, explore these spots, support local queer-owned businesses, and connect with people who share your values.
Ready to experience life abroad in Madrid as an intern? Learn more about our internship programs in Madrid and start planning your adventure today!
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