Alumni Relations and Development Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Intersex Graduates

• In Event: Border Crossings: Intercultural Explorations of Gender and Sexuality in Families and Schools

Abstract

Using a sub-set of findings from a constructivist multi-institutional case study analysis, this study explored the philanthropic behavior of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQQI) alumni. We used a four-tiered approach to collecting data, including focus groups with alumni relations and development staff, institutional document analysis, LGBTQQI alumni focus groups, and LGBTQQI alumni group document analysis. Data came from 4 higher education institutions, representing varying sectors, foci, student population sizes, and locations. Findings indicate that LGBTQQI communities approach philanthropy to higher education differently than the majority, often making targeted gifts to LGBTQQI-related causes, considering the current campus climate for sexuality- and gender-minority students when making donations, and being frustrated with rigid institutional data policies.

Authors

• Noah Daniel Drezner, University of Maryland - College Park

• Jason C. Garvey, University of Maryland