Abstract
This article examines the experiences of 19 women who self-identify as lesbian or bisexual as they pursue degrees in accredited master of social work educational programs located within the Southern United States. The pervasive discomfort and silence surrounding lesbian and bisexual issues, as well as the privileging of heterosexuality experienced by these women, are presented as being reflective of the contextual settings of these programs. Furthermore, factors including the location and structure of, and the presence of other gay, lesbian, or bisexually identified people within these programs, are discussed as mitigating the heteronormativity experienced by these women.