DIS Blog

Tubbs’s summer from Stockholm to Copenhagen, and Stockholm again

Guided by academics 

“What really set DIS apart for me was the diverse courses, many of which include a geographical focus on the Scandinavian region, which I think is very underappreciated.” 

Tubbs knew they wanted to study in Scandinavia for the summer, but said they were drawn to the region as a whole, without a strong preference for Stockholm or Copenhagen.  

So “I made my decisions based on my courses, rather than the location,” they said.  

After consulting with their study abroad advisor, Tubbs selected two courses in Stockholm to contribute credits toward their women and gender studies minor, Transgender in Scandinavia and Power of Women in the Viking Age, as well as The Good Life in Copenhagen for their philosophy major. 

This meant they would begin their summer with a session in Stockholm, transfer to Copenhagen for Session Two, and then return to Stockholm for their third and final summer session.  

Though it wasn’t their intention, Tubbs said they were ultimately glad their academic priorities created this back-and-forth approach to locations. Leaving Stockholm and then returning allowed them to see it twice, first with a completely fresh perspective and then again with the context of Copenhagen and a return to something a bit more familiar.  

Stockholm and Copenhagen

Though they didn’t come to Scandinavia with a strong notion of Copenhagen or Stockholm, Tubbs’s time in each location taught them that the cities each contained distinct identities and characteristics, as well as “their own unique challenges and perspectives.” 

In Stockholm, Tubbs was drawn to the Swedish connection with nature and the easy access to different natural areas.  

“When not in class, I was often hiking through the forests and swimming in the archipelago. With endless islands, parks, and lakes, I rediscovered my love for outdoor activities. My favorite day in Stockholm was going swimming in a lake, and then relaxing in the sauna. It was exhilarating to switch between the two, and really lightened my mood.” 

Copenhagen, on the other hand, conveyed Danish notions of hygge and slowing down to savor the small, beautiful moments of daily life.

“The city is filled with signature colorful houses and a maze of canals and ships, constantly moving against the cool summer breeze and endless sunlight. Throughout my time [in Copenhagen], I was able to discover a variety of cozy cafes, fantastic vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and some of the best museums I have visited.” 

At both DIS Stockholm and DIS Copenhagen, Tubbs found DIS staff and faculty to be “extremely helpful with anything you might need” and said that each location “provided support, access to cultural opportunities, and plenty of recommendations from staff and fellow students alike.” 

“I gained lifelong memories from both cities and both programs, and I can say I would have sorely missed out by not having each location,” they wrote. 

Queer identity in Scandinavia

One of the most important aspects to Tubbs’s summer was an embrace and exploration of their queer identity. In a region known for its LGBTQ inclusivity. “As a queer and non-binary person, I am always concerned about having a safe space to freely express my identity,” they said. “At DIS, I always felt accepted and seen by both staff and students. Everyone was extremely welcoming and made me feel proud of my identity.”  

Tubbs said that “DIS was a great way to explore how queer communities are celebrated and included in daily life.” They attended a lesbian and queer women event in Stockholm and picked up ABBA gear at the ABBA museum, but they found the greatest joy in the day-to-day life and comfort of Copenhagen and Stockholm.  

“Being non-binary greatly affects my experiences traveling and studying abroad,” they said. “I can say that I have felt safer and more accepted here in Scandinavia than I have elsewhere in both Europe and the United States. The vast majority of spaces are queer-friendly, and people are allowed to love and express themselves openly.” 

Beyond everyday life in the city, Tubbs also explored their identity through their academics, especially in their Transgender in Scandinavia course, where they studied the history of sexual politics in Scandinavia and modern approaches to inclusive activism. 

“Although my home university, Iowa State, has a well-developed Women and Gender Studies Department, I have found that there is a lack of transgender-specific classes. I wanted to expand my knowledge of both the trans community and non-binary perspectives… Our professor [Iwo] was extremely passionate about the class and helped guide us through the many aspects of transgender identities, activism, history, health, safety, and most of all, trans pride and joy.” 

The class helped introduce them to new concepts and promoted open discussion and dialogue among the students, providing both a stimulating intellectual space as well as a sense of comfort and safety among the class. 

“As a recently-out non-binary person, I am relatively new to both the trans community and to my own identity,” Tubbs said. “I felt challenged to expand my perspective on both the trans community and my own identity. Overall, I know that I am more secure in my gender identity now than ever before. A large part of that is thanks to this class, my classmates, and our amazing professor.”  

Whether in the classroom or out in the city, Tubbs said they felt confident, comfortable, and reaffirmed in their identity. Perhaps their entire experience is best encapsulated in the story of a single haircut, and how it signaled that Tubbs had found a home where they were accepted.  

“Before coming to DIS I was traveling in Lithuania, where I attempted to get my hair cut. I was shockingly turned away from three salons, who cited being ‘unable to cut men’s hairstyles,’ as well as three barbers, who said they ‘do not cut women’s hair.’ I felt so defeated and dysphoric. I had never experienced anything that negative due to my gender identity before.  

My first day in Stockholm, I went to a hair salon after class and nervously asked if they could cut my short-styled hair. They responded ‘Of course, we cut everyone’s hair.’ I immediately felt relieved, and I can say it was one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had. That experience was all I needed to know about Stockholm. I felt at ease in the “queer capital” of the north.  

Beyond that experience, I have felt very welcomed and accepted in both Stockholm and Copenhagen. Whether it be an Elton John concert, pride event, public park, or simply getting a haircut, Scandinavia has allowed me to fully be myself, including both my non-binary and queer identities. I have felt safe, respected, and accepted here, and I know I will be back to experience Stockholm and Copenhagen Pride in the summers to come.”