One last year of studying abroad before going back home
Hi all, I'm a queer WOC from a developing country where being visibly gay means social ostracism :( For almost a year now, I've been studying in Europe, which has been incredibly freeing compared to home, it's a very welcoming environment for queer people. Before coming here, I naively thought: "Oh, I'm going to have the best time of my life. I'll finally have a girlfriend I don't need to hide!"
During my first two semesters, I didn't go to bars or parties. Partly because loud music and crowds of strangers overwhelm me, and partly because I had a lot on my plate lol: adapting to a new language, new country, keeping up with my studies, and trying to make friends. I wouldn't say that my first year was wasted, but I do feel like I haven't taken advantage of being somewhere I can actually be myself.
As for now, I have one year left before I graduate, and realistically I will have to go back home. The job market here (almost everywhere else) is rough, and I doubt I will secure a PhD spot or any work that let me stay here. I feel like I'm running out of time. This could be my only chance at living openly as a lesbian, and I can't afford to wait.
Any other queer WOC who studied abroad in a more accepting country, knowing you would have to go back home soon. I would love to hear how you coped and how did you make the most of it?