The Experiences of Lesbian and Bisexual Women in College Residence Halls

Abstract

SUMMARY In-depth interviews were conducted with ten lesbian and bisexual women university students to learn about their experiences living in college residence halls. Many of the women reported experiencing a hostile environment as a result of direct and indirect harassment and lack of support from roommates, resident assistants, and other residents. Participants also reported supportive factors that helped to make the environment more comfortable. In particular, these students appreciated residence life staff who actively confronted homophobic acts and showed their support by providing information on lesbian, gay, and bisexual topics. Interviewees provided suggestions for improving the climate in residence halls and for training residence hall staff to work more effectively with lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. Implications are offered for addressing homophobia and heterosexism in women's residence halls.

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

“…These participants' accounts are similar to the findings of Evans and Broido (2002) who found that LGBT students differed in their experience of residence environments, even though homophobia was not necessarily expressed openly. Our participants appeared to experience homophobia and heterosexism in nuanced and indirect ways in residences, but tended to view residence environments as positive if negative acts were minimal and/or not overtly expressed.…”

“…Evans and Broido 2002;Messinger 2002) on overseas campuses has identified mechanisms that contribute to a welcoming LGBT environment. University diversity management could therefore investigate the relevance of these mechanisms for the campus of study.…”

“…University diversity management could therefore investigate the relevance of these mechanisms for the campus of study. For example, environments where LGBT issues and challenges were integrated in the curriculum were experienced as the most supportive by LGBT students (Evans and Broido 2002). Furthermore, Evans and Broido (2002) identified mechanisms that specifically assist towards more positive resident environments.…”

“…For example, environments where LGBT issues and challenges were integrated in the curriculum were experienced as the most supportive by LGBT students (Evans and Broido 2002). Furthermore, Evans and Broido (2002) identified mechanisms that specifically assist towards more positive resident environments. These include residence staff members actively challenging homophobic behavior, programmes to sensitise residents about LGBT issues, and visible gestures and symbols of support in residences and living spaces.…”

From chilly climate to warm reception : experiences and good practices for supporting LGBTQ students in STEM

“…While the study is limited by the very small sample size, many students heard homophobic remarks in their halls, and they reported that coming out to their roommates was particularly stressful, leading to varied and unpredictable responses ranging from support to verbal or physical threats. Evans & Broido (2002) published a follow-up study, interviewing the 10 lesbian and bisexual women participants from their previous sample to study ways in which student halls could ofbe made more welcoming. They found that not all students saw the climate of the same halls in the same way.…”