Proposal Title
An Exploration of LGBTQIA + Experiences in Higher Education Institutions
Abstract
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community is united by a common culture and social movements. According to a Gallup survey, approximately 10 million American adults identify as LGBT (4.1%) in 2017. Also, the millennial portion of that generation identifying as LGBT increased from 5.8% in 2012 to 7.3% in 2016. Though the LGBTQIA+ is more visible than ever on U.S. college campuses, they remain minority and targets of discrimination and oppression. Understanding the underlying demographics of this population is critical to support their overall wellbeing and experience in higher education environments.
Lesley University currently has limited resources and policies that specifically support the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, it is apparent that many Lesley community members identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and they face many obstacles to full inclusion.
Thus, we believe it is important that these students, faculty, and staff should have the proper supports and resources to feel connected to the Lesley community. Generally, the research has found evidence to support how necessary it is for people to have access to such resources on campus. We intend to present and offer examples of diversity-related programming, resources, and policies that could enhance the Lesley community. Through this research, we hope to raise awareness of this issue and encourage the Lesley Administration to increase inclusion and improve campus climate.
Start Date
27-3-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
27-3-2019 1:50 PM
Room Number
U-Hall 3-094
Presentation Type
Panel
Disciplines
Education Policy | Higher Education | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies | Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation | Psychology | Women's Studies
An Exploration of LGBTQIA + Experiences in Higher Education Institutions
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community is united by a common culture and social movements. According to a Gallup survey, approximately 10 million American adults identify as LGBT (4.1%) in 2017. Also, the millennial portion of that generation identifying as LGBT increased from 5.8% in 2012 to 7.3% in 2016. Though the LGBTQIA+ is more visible than ever on U.S. college campuses, they remain minority and targets of discrimination and oppression. Understanding the underlying demographics of this population is critical to support their overall wellbeing and experience in higher education environments.
Lesley University currently has limited resources and policies that specifically support the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, it is apparent that many Lesley community members identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and they face many obstacles to full inclusion.
Thus, we believe it is important that these students, faculty, and staff should have the proper supports and resources to feel connected to the Lesley community. Generally, the research has found evidence to support how necessary it is for people to have access to such resources on campus. We intend to present and offer examples of diversity-related programming, resources, and policies that could enhance the Lesley community. Through this research, we hope to raise awareness of this issue and encourage the Lesley Administration to increase inclusion and improve campus climate.
