LGBTQ college students’ lived experiences and perceptions of support on a conservative campus

Abstract

LGBTQ college students have historically experienced hostile campus climates during their time in higher education. While there has been advancement in LGBTQ inclusion, many universities and colleges still do not provide adequate support and services for LGBTQ students. This paper used the results from 14 qualitative interviews that explored the lived experiences of LGBTQ college students’ experiences of campus support and resources at a public university. Despite the presence of a student organization and the university’s commitment to inclusion, I found students wanted more LGBTQ representation and community; experienced homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination; and had mixed feelings about the Safe Zone program. Based on these findings, the paper concludes with proposals for increasing LGBTQ representation, facilitating campus education, and creating inclusive policies.

Keywords:

• Campus climate
• higher education
• LGBTQ community
• LGBTQ representation
• Safe Zone
• student experience