Mapping the Educational and Social Experiences of LGBTQ College Students

• In Event: 31.092 - Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: 31.092-7 - Poster Session: College Student Learning and Development (1)

Abstract

This study uses Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to map how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students’ participation in their college experience is mediated by the campus climate and culture. Data was collected using narrative inquiry and Photovoice (Wang & Burris, 1997) to explore issues of inclusion, support, and safety. Preliminary findings indicate that LGBTQ students’ educational and social experiences were constrained and mediated by the campus environment. Students shared how university policies impacted their lived experiences (i.e., housing policies), provide explicit examples of the affects of genderism, heterosexism, and hyper-masculinity on their lives (i.e., Greek system, gender policing), and how being LGBTQ constrained their ability to participate in student peer culture (i.e., Greek Life, student organizations).

Author

• Carrie A Kortegast, Northern Illinois University