Diversity in Rome

Diversity & Inclusion  

Excited for your trip to Rome? We are too! Traveling overseas, especially for the first time, is an exciting experience. However, as an international college student, it's important to remember that you are a representative of your home country. To counter negative stereotypes, it's crucial to exhibit kindness, respect, and consideration towards others. Also, show that you are environmentally conscious and knowledgeable about other cultures. Be open-minded, learn about the local culture, and make an effort to adapt to the local lifestyle. Finally, be conscious of your behavior and treat everyone with respect. By doing so, you can challenge and break down negative stereotypes and make a positive impact.

Rome, as a vibrant and historically rich city, embraces diversity and inclusion in various aspects of its culture and society. With a long and diverse history of influences from different civilizations, Rome has become a melting pot of traditions, languages, and beliefs. The city evolves along with its residents and both historical and contemporary cultural diversity are palpable in every neighborhood. Rome has become home to many migrants from all over Africa and Bangladesh, as well as refugees (Syrian, Ukrainian and Venezuelan to name a few). From the array of international cuisines available throughout the city to the numerous cultural festivals that take place, Rome includes people from all walks of life. Additionally, the city promotes accessibility for people with disabilities, with improved infrastructure and facilities to ensure everyone can explore and enjoy Rome's treasures. Overall, Rome stands as a testament to the coexistence of people from various backgrounds, making it a remarkable destination for travelers from around the world.

Creating Safe Spaces: Inclusivity and Confidentiality

We take pride in ensuring that all of our locations and accommodations are welcoming environments for everyone. Our goal is to foster a sense of inclusivity. Our academic partner, The American University of Rome (AUR) has student clubs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion both on and off campus. To see what clubs and student organizations are active right now check out this link: https://aur.edu/student-clubs-activities.

If you have specific needs, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them. For those in need, we also provide access to professional counseling and health services that practice confidentiality.

Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students

Underrepresented students in higher education in the US may face similar challenges while studying or interning abroad. It is important to keep in mind that while you may be classified by your ethnicity in the US, abroad you may be initially identified as an American or something else entirely. This means that the people you interact with may have pre-existing opinions and be eager to share them with you.

To find more resources for Minority and Students of Color Abroad, check out Diversity Abroad's articles and student blogs.

LGBTQIA+ Resources

No matter your sexual orientation or your gender identity, we at CIS Abroad are here to give you any support you need. Whether you would like to ask us any questions or simply consult our guide, we are happy that you are here and curious to learn more. 

Rome has made significant strides in recent years in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and fostering a more inclusive environment for its community and visitors. While Italy, in general, has been somewhat conservative in its approach to LGBTQIA+ rights, Rome has emerged as a welcoming destination. Here are some key aspects of LGBTQIA+ life in Rome:

1. Pride Events: Rome hosts an annual Pride Parade, typically taking place in June, which attracts thousands of participants and supporters from all over Italy and beyond. The parade is a vibrant celebration of diversity and serves as an opportunity to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights.

2. Friendly Neighborhoods: Areas like Testaccio, Trastevere, and Monti are known for their LGBTQIA+ friendly atmosphere, with various LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, bars, and clubs.

3. Bars and Nightlife: Rome offers a thriving LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene, with gay bars and clubs catering to various tastes and preferences.

4. Gay Street: Via di San Giovanni in Laterano is often referred to as "Gay Street" due to its concentration of LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, including bars and cafes.

5. LGBTQ+ Organizations: Rome is home to several LGBTQ+ organizations and support groups that provide resources, advocacy, and community services for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Legal Status of LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Although same sex relationships have been legal within Italy since 1890, lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender people still face opposition when it comes to obtaining the equal rights experienced by their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. In May 2016, civil unions finally became legal, despite opposition by conservative parties in particular. Now, homosexual couples have many of the legal rights that heterosexual couples have, such the right to receive the deceased partner’s pension, inherit each other’s assets, and to take each other’s surnames.

Transgender people have had the legal right to change their gender since 1982, making Italy the fourth nation in the world to allow citizens to change their gender on legal documents, in addition to allowing gender confirmation surgery. However, there is still some progress to be made. Same-sex marriages are not yet legal in Italy, and anti-discrimination protections are weak at the national level. 

Public Opinion

Much like the United States, Italy is a large country, and just like Americans, Italians hold differing opinions on the LGBTQIA+ community. Nonetheless, you will find that Rome is quite LGBTQIA+ friendly due to its status as a cosmopolitan city and tourist hotspot.

Despite the laws currently in place, Italy as a whole is surprisingly positive towards the LGBT community. As of a 2022 poll, 61% of Italians approve of same-sex marriage, higher than it was in the US when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. Many Italians are supportive of those in the LGBT community, but are not well-versed in what it means to be transgender or non-heterosexual, especially older Italians. 

It's essential to note that while progress is being made, LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance can vary between different regions and communities within Italy, including Rome. Travelers visiting Rome can find LGBTQ+-friendly establishments and events to enjoy, but it's always wise to exercise the same caution and awareness one would in any unfamiliar city. Overall, Rome's LGBTQ+ scene continues to evolve, offering a welcoming space for the community and contributing to the city's diverse and inclusive spirit.

Religious Diversity

There’s no doubting that Rome and the Vatican are the center of the Catholic world. But that doesn’t mean that there is no room for other religions. Rome is the site of Europe’s largest mosque, and is also home to the oldest Jewish population in Europe. In the last fifteen years Italy has seen an increase in immigration, just as many other countries in Europe, with some of the most significant migrant communities originating from China, Taiwan and South-East Asia. This has caused other places of worship to appear up in Rome. In fact Buddhism has also gained many Italian followers, and in fact is the third leading religion in Italy after Christianity and Islam. So it is appropriate that Rome can now boast the largest Buddhist Temple in Europe too.

Below you’ll find our curated list of resources for various religions and faiths in Rome; please contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for or if you have any doubts about your ability to practice or observe.

While there are a multitude of Catholic church services held in Italian, there are English worship options for those who seek them, of many denominations.

St. Patrick’s in Rome
Via Boncompagni 31 (near Via Veneto)
Sunday Mass in English 10 am

St Paul’s Within-the-Walls, American Episcopal Church
Via Napoli 58 (near Piazza della Republica) tel 06 488 3339
Sunday Services:
1 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (Spanish)

Grand Mosque of Rome
Via Anna Magnani
The Mosque of Rome is located in the Acqua Acetosa area, at the foot of the Monti Parioli, and it is also the seat of the Italian Islamic Cultural Centre. Designed by Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi, the project was financed by 23 Muslim countries including its main sponsor Saudi Arabia, and was inaugurated in 1995. 

Great Synagogue & Spanish Synagogue of Rome
Lungotevere de Cenci (right across the river) – Open daily except for Saturday.
The Main Synagogue is a place of worship for Roman Jews on the banks of the Tiber, near isola tiberina. It is a large building that supports an aluminium-coated pavilion cupola. It dates back to the early 20th century and was designed by architects Armanni and Costa. The Synagogue was built in memory of the Ghetto. This was created under the orders of Paolo IV in 1555. Rome’s Jewish population was forced to live in the Ghettos squalid conditions until 1870.

Chinese Buddhist Temple in Rome
Via Ferruccio 8, near Piazza Vittorio (Esquilino neighborhood)

Hua Yi Si Temple
Via dell’Omo, 142, Roma
The Hua Yi Si Temple is rather incongruously situated in an industrial zone just off the Via Prenestina and surrounded by warehouses and distribution centers supplying the Chinese restaurants and stores in Rome. Most of the signs outside these great sheds are in Chinese. The temple, whose mother Temple is the Chunk Tai Chan Monastery in Taiwan, is run by four very devoted, discrete and kind Buddhist nuns. Built in a very traditional oriental style as a one story pagoda, behind the solid metal gates all is tranquil. Two marble lions stand guard at the entrance from which a smiling Buddha looks upon the visitor.

The Orthodox Church of S. Teodoro in Palatino
Via di San Teodoro, 7, Roma
Daily except Saturday. 9:30-12:30. Free entry.

Evangelical Lutheran Church
Via Sicilia, 70, Rome
The church is open for visits only on Sunday 10:00-11:00, but is always visible from the outside. A stop in front of its interesting façade is indeed an opportunity to get to know this religious community. 

Institutes Involved in Interfaith Initiatives 

Comunità di Sant’Egidio
Pontifical Institute on Arabic and Islamic Studies
Pontifical Councils on “Inter-religious dialogue”
“Justice and Peace”
The Focolari Movement – Romaamor
Confronti
Cipax
International Foundation for Inter-religious and Intercultural Education
Religions for Peace
Monastic Interreligious Dialogue

Accessibility

At our program, we believe that every student should have equal access to study abroad opportunities, and many students with various disabilities have had successful and meaningful experiences in the past.

While accessibility in Rome has improved over the years, it still presents some challenges for people with mobility impairments or disabilities. The city is known for its historical architecture, which can make it difficult for individuals with limited mobility to access certain areas and attractions. However, efforts have been made to enhance accessibility in public spaces and transportation. Here are some key points regarding accessibility in Rome:

1. Public Transportation: Rome's public transportation system, including buses and metro trains, is gradually becoming more accessible. Some buses are equipped with ramps to facilitate wheelchair access, and many metro stations have elevators or escalators to assist passengers. However, not all stations are fully accessible, so it's essential to plan your route and check the accessibility status of stations beforehand.

2. Historical Sites: Many historical sites in Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, have made improvements to accommodate visitors with disabilities. While not all areas may be fully accessible due to their ancient nature, efforts have been made to provide accessible pathways and facilities.

3. Sidewalks and Streets: Some areas of Rome may have narrow or uneven sidewalks, making it challenging for people with mobility issues. Additionally, cobblestone streets can be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate. However, many main streets and tourist areas have smoother sidewalks, making movement more manageable.

4. Accessible Taxis: Rome has a limited number of accessible taxis equipped to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs or mobility challenges. It's advisable to book accessible taxis in advance, as they may not be readily available on the streets.

5. Wheelchair-Friendly Accommodations: Many hotels and accommodations in Rome have made efforts to provide wheelchair-friendly rooms and amenities. When booking accommodation, it's recommended to inquire about their accessibility features and services.

6. Museums and Cultural Venues: Several museums and cultural venues in Rome offer accessible entrances and facilities for visitors with disabilities. Some also provide audio guides and materials in various formats for those with visual impairments.

7. Disabled Parking: Blue disabled parking spaces are available throughout the city, but finding parking can still be a challenge, especially in crowded areas.

8. Assistance from Staff: Many tourist attractions, restaurants, and public spaces have staff members trained to assist visitors with disabilities. Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.

While Rome is continuously working to improve accessibility, it's essential for visitors with mobility impairments or disabilities to plan their trips carefully and be prepared for potential challenges. By doing so, individuals with diverse needs can still enjoy the beauty and history that Rome has to offer.

Other Resources

• Abroad101 - FAQ from parents of students with disabilities

Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience

Maximizing your study abroad experience starts before you even leave. It's important to be open and honest with our advisors and staff about any specific needs you may have. This can include accommodations in the classroom, transportation, meals, support, housing, and more. By sharing this information with us ahead of time, we can work to ensure that the program is tailored to meet your individual needs.