Dreaming of a Life Abroad? 5 Questions Every Black Queer Person Should Ask Before Becoming an Expat

The dream is a familiar one. It whispers on quiet afternoons and scrolls past on your feed: a life lived differently. A morning coffee on a Parisian balcony, a weekend exploring the markets of Mexico City, a career built in a city that pulses with a new kind of energy. For many Black queer people, the idea of moving abroad isn't just about a change of scenery; it's a profound search for a place where we can breathe a little deeper, live a little fuller, and feel a true sense of belonging.

After crisscrossing over 150 countries, I can tell you that this dream is not only possible, it can be life-altering. But a successful move is built on more than just wanderlust. It’s built on asking the right questions—the ones that go beyond the cost of rent and get to the heart of what it means to build a life as yourself, in a new corner of the world.

Before you book that one-way ticket, sit with these five essential questions.

1. Where is My Community?

This is the most important question, and it's far deeper than "Are there gay bars?" What you're really asking is, "Where will I find my people?" Your community might be a Black-owned bookstore in Lisbon, a queer hiking group in the mountains near Vancouver, or a digital network of other Black expats in Seoul.

• Go Beyond the Rainbow Flag: General LGBTQ+ spaces are not always synonymous with being safe or welcoming for Black people. Do your digital reconnaissance. Use Instagram and TikTok to search hashtags like #Blackin[City] or #Queer[City]. Join Facebook groups for Black expats. See who is visible, who is speaking, and who is creating the kinds of spaces you want to be a part of.

2. How Will I Care for Myself?

Your well-being is paramount. Navigating a new healthcare system is one of the biggest hurdles for any expat, but for us, it has added layers.

• System & Access: Is the country’s healthcare universal or private? What are the costs and requirements for residents versus non-residents?

• Affirming Care: How will you find a doctor who is queer-affirming? Do you know the local process for accessing PrEP or gender-affirming healthcare?

• Advocacy: Medical racism is a global phenomenon. How will you advocate for yourself in a system where you may not be fluent in the language? Look for resources like the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT), which can help find licensed, English-speaking doctors.

3. What Does My Money Really Look Like?

This is more than a simple budget. You need a full financial picture of the transition.

• The Upfront Costs: This includes visa applications (which can cost thousands), legal fees, and the flight itself.

• The Tax Man Cometh: If you are a U.S. citizen, you are taxed on your worldwide income, regardless of where you live. This is a crucial, often overlooked, financial reality. You will likely need to file taxes in two countries.

• Your "Runway" Fund: Most seasoned expats recommend having at least 6-12 months of living expenses saved before you move. This is your safety net, giving you time to find a job and get settled without financial panic.

4. How Will I Navigate Homesickness?

Homesickness isn't just missing your family. It's missing the specific taste of your favorite food, the cultural shorthand of your community, the ease of belonging without explanation.

• Anticipate the Gaps: What parts of your Black queer culture will you miss the most? Is it the music, the hair salons, the specific sense of humor? Acknowledging this beforehand helps you prepare.

• Build New Rituals: While you can’t replicate home, you can build a new one. Find the international market that sells plantains. Schedule regular video calls with your chosen family back home. Start a new tradition in your new city. Be patient with this process; it takes time.

5. Am I Running From Something or To Something?

This is the most important question of all. Are you moving to escape problems at home—a bad job, a toxic relationship, systemic oppression? While these are valid reasons to seek change, problems have a way of following us.

A move rooted in strength is one where you are running towards something: a specific career opportunity, a better quality of life, a culture that fascinates you, a desire for growth. When your "why" is a positive pursuit rather than a desperate escape, you are building your new life on a foundation of empowerment and intention.

These questions are just the beginning of an exciting journey. For a comprehensive roadmap, we've poured years of experience and research into our "Black & Queer Abroad" Expat Guide, your step-by-step companion to building a life you love, anywhere in the world.