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This is an information resource mainly written for trans US citizens considering emigrating to another country, although we hope it is useful beyond that.

Please treat this wiki as a starting point for your own research, not as an authoritative source of truth or as legal advice.

Many of the authors have gone through the process themselves and want to share what they have learned.

Spain/CultureIntegration

From Trans World Express

Culture and Integration

In addition to the general Cultural adaptation tips, this page covers issues specific to Spain, including autonomous communities like Catalonia.

Cultural Differences between Spain and the US

When Spanish women greet other women or men for the first time or after a long-ish time, they lightly embrace and give a non-contact kiss near each cheek.

Spaniards are generally more open and friendly on the surface. They are very ready to give direct feedback. You may get stares but not because anyone is disapproving, but simply because you may be "different." Many may openly comment on your appearance, like being atypically tall.

  • friendships

Workplace Culture

In the modern business world, hours are generally 9am to 6pm with an hour lunch break at 1pm. Depending on the industry, there may be more unfamiliar hours, such as a 1.5 or 2 hour lunch and a much later end time.

Store Opening Hours

Hours are very unpredictable, but in general:

  • Everything closes on Sunday except big box stores and supermarkets, which are open 7 days, 10am-9pm
  • Local/artisan stores are open M-F 10am-2pm, 4 or 5pm-9pm and Saturdays with shorter hours
  • Food markets are M-F 10am-2pm, 3pm-7pm, and Saturdays with shorter hours
  • Cafes vary but are generally M-F 10am-6pm-ish
  • Sit-down restaurants are M-Sat 12pm-4pm, 7/8/even 9pm to midnight or
  • Coffee shops vary but are open earlier 8am-4pm

The more local/mom-and-pop the store, the more unpredictable the hours.

Many stores are closed the entire month of August and some even into early September.

Holidays

Spain generally follows Western European holiday schedules with each autonomous community having their own holidays as well.

  • taboos
  • restrooms
  • food (vegan/vegetarian options)

Cultural Differences between Catalonia and the US

Catalonians often seem very gruff and unfriendly at first. But over time as they get to know you they will open up and become very friendly.

  • friendships
  • workplace culture

Holidays

  • Dia de Catalunya
  • La Merce
  • taboos
  • restrooms
  • food (vegan/vegetarian options)

Cultural Attitudes Toward Trans People

Societal Acceptance
  • examples of acceptance
  • regional differences
'Historical Context'
  • history of LGBTQ rights and trans rights

Bureaucracy & Paperwork

Spain loves bureaucracy. Regardless of your immigration path, a key piece of advice from seasoned expats is, "bring or acquire a printer - you will be printing many documents as part of immigrating."

Navigating Spanish Bureaucracy

You can hire a Gestor to assist with filling out paperwork.

  • common challenges
  • corruption

Learning Spanish

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Spain. You can survive speaking English, but outside of touristy businesses and restaurants, you will find that most people only know some basic words and phrases and it will be difficult to navigate.

Spanish is a relatively easy language to learn with lots of resources and media available.

  • language courses
  • materials for learning the language

Pronouns in Spanish

Normally, pronouns are binary, with "el" meaning "he" and "ella" meaning "her." The gender-neutral alternative is "elle."

All Spanish words are gendered, such as "amigo" for "male friend" and "amiga" for "female friend." Some people use gender-neutral endings, so amigo/a would become "amige."

Furthermore, when referring to groups of people in the 1st and 2nd person, the endings change based on the gender of people in the group. A group of all women will get the -as ending, as in "nosotras" and "vosotras." If there is even one man in the group, they get the -os ending, as in "nosotros" and "vosotros." We can use "e" just like above and get "nosotres" and "vosotres."

Learning Catalan

Catalan can be described as a mix of Italian, French, and Spanish. It is closely related to Occitan. The overall structure is similar to Spanish. In Catalonia, you will sometimes encounter people who only speak Catalan, or if they are native Catalan speakers, prefer to just speak in English rather than soil their mouths with Castillian Spanish. Catalan was forbidden under Franco's dictatorship and the Catalonians are very proud to be able to speak their language again.

If you are familiar with Spanish, Catalan will be relatively easy to pick up.

  • language courses
  • materials for learning the language

Pronouns in Catalan

  • if applicable: how do pronouns work in LANGUAGE? Are there pronouns for non-binary people?
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