Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Student Experiences: An Exploratory Study

''Walking on eggshells to not offend people": Experiences of same-sex student couples at a South African university

“…The snowball sampling process resulted in a limited relatively homogenous group of senior, white participants. Their experiences on campus very likely do not represent the experiences of black lesbian and gay students at Stellenbosch University as research indicates that LGBT students from different social contexts may have very different experiences (Longerbeam, Inkelas, Johnson and Lee 2007).…”

Standing in the intersection : using Photovoice to understand the lived experience of black gay college students attending predominantly white postsecondary institutions.

“…In their effort to fit in and feel comfortable interacting socially, gay male students, in particular, spend less time with former friends and consume more alcohol than their heterosexual peers (Longerbeam, Inkelas, Johnson & Lee, 2007). The struggle to connect with peers and an inability to find one's place in the institution may encourage these students to give up and leave the institution.…”

“…Campus and civically engaged LGBTQ students develop a more positive self-awareness and motivation to speak out against other forms of oppression (Renn, 2007). Gay male students seek out peer groups offering a safe space in which to engage in discussions around academic and professional aspirations (Longerbeam, Inkelas, Johnson & Lee, 2007). Although researchers have expressed concerned about the long-term effects of this particular strategy, LGBTQ students may cope with the fallout of sexual prejudice by minimizing or defining antigay acts as "no big deal" in an effort to stave off damage to their psyche, thereby increasing resilience in the face of heteronormative encounters (Fine, 2011).…”

“…Positive consequences occur because the students have thoughtfully considered to their major choice, ideally increasing their commitment to the major and the likelihood of degree completion (Longerbeam, Inkelas, Johnson & Lee, 2007). That said LGBTQ students might avoid certain career fields out of fear of societal prejudices and assumptions (Magallanes, 2012;Schmidt, Miles & Welsh, 2011).…”

“…Finally, LGBTQ students are keenly aware of the personal and professional challenges they may encounter in college; to minimize these challenges LGBTQ students seek out supportive individuals and LGBTQ role models to guide them through the college process (Dugan & Yurman, 2011;Longerbeam, Inkelas, Johnson & Lee, 2007).…”