With the rise of anti-diversity, inclusion, and accessibility legislation leading to closures of LGBTQ+ centers at colleges such as the University of Utah and the University of Houston, LGBTQ+ students are facing increased
challenges. They are four times more likely than their non-LGBTQ+ peers to attend universities away from home and are also more likely to
experience poor mental health, bullying, and harassment. In fact, one-third of LGBTQ+ individuals report that their mental health was poor
for most or all their college years.
Back in July, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) hosted "Voices of Resilience: Insights From LGBTQ+ Students", a webinar featuring a panel of both current students and recent graduates who shared their college experiences from various higher
education settings, from large universities to small commuter colleges. Our student panelists highlighted the support systems that have been most impactful, what they wish they would have known before enrolling in college, and their hopes for the
future of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in higher education.
Support Systems for LGBTQ+ Students
For many LGBTQ+ students, having a safe community plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging on campus. This need is particularly pronounced at large institutions where students may feel like “a face in a sea of constantly changing student bodies.”
Peer support groups and LGBTQ+ events, such as community nights, help create safe spaces where students can discuss their experiences and connect with others, forming tight-knit communities.
Creating Community Amid Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Bans
Given the current political climate and diversity, inclusion, and accessibility bans, it is important for students and administrators to find ways to build community. One approach is to emphasize academic freedom,
the freedom in higher education to teach, research, and discuss issues without interference from political figures, boards of trustees, donors, or other entities. Our panelists reminded folx that discussions about LGBTQ+ issues can be packaged as
a part of gender studies departments on campus.
Visibility is also crucial; displaying a pride flag in an office can signal to LGBTQ+ students that they are entering a supportive environment where their identity is not only respected but welcomed. By removing the many stressors that are associated
with concerns about misgendering or deadnaming, seeing a sign of allyship can allow LGBTQ+ students to focus on their academic goals. Moreover, given the prevalence of misinformation
about LGBTQ+ topics, education about the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, important figures both historical and current, and the discrimination that continues to exist today is essential for fostering respectful interactions among all students,
administrators, and faculty members.
Advice for Incoming LGBTQ+ College Students
Difficult questions such as, “where do you want to go and what do you want to study for the next four years?” and, “what do you want to do for the rest of your life?” are not only impractical for any high schooler to answer, they ignore the fact that
campus culture plays a large role in LGBTQ+ students’ ability to persist and attain a college degree. Instead of these broad questions, college advisors can provide students with knowledge and advice on how to find and maintain friendships in college,
how to create community, and inform them of how the various colleges they are considering might perceive the LGBTQ+ community.
Hopes for the Future
Looking ahead, there is a need for more research that uplifts LGBTQ+ student voices to inform policy, programmatic, and cultural changes on college campuses. Additionally, providing more consistent options for students to use their chosen names on forms
related to registration, graduation, and other official documents is crucial to prevent deadnaming.
Lastly, campuses should provide comprehensive sexual health resources, such as PrEP, contraceptives, and STI testing, to support students in making informed
decisions about their sexual health, reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections, and promoting overall well-being.
For school counselors and advisors seeking tools to better support their LGBTQ+ students, Campus Q offers valuable information on topics such as LGBTQ+ student rights and advocacy, intersectional
identities, and strategies for creating a school culture of acceptance. Advisors and counselors can also utilize Campus Q’s materials to help students identify safe colleges, find scholarships, and promote wellness and community.
With a new academic year beginning and anti-diversity, inclusion, and accessibility legislation increasingly impacting LGBTQ+ centers and resources, the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students continue to grow. From navigating academic environments far from home to managing the strain of poor
mental health and harassment, LGBTQ+ students need robust support systems to thrive. The insights shared in this webinar underscore the importance of creating inclusive spaces, fostering community, and maintaining visibility for LGBTQ+ students. By
addressing these needs, college access and success programs, advisors, and higher education institutions themselves can better support LGBTQ+ students, helping them to focus on their education and achieve their full potential in a supportive and inclusive
environment.
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