I’m So GLAAD: An Examination into the Experience of the LGBTQ Student at the HBCU

BTSU 201

By society’s standard, the sexual orientation of an individual played a major role in the status of that person. These standards placed upon an individual influences so many aspects of their lives, in particular, their experience in higher education. Historically Black Colleges and/or Universities (HBCUs) are traditionally diverse in the body of students who attend these institutions. Many of these HBCU students hail from varied socio-economic, geographical, and racial backgrounds. However, the institutions, themselves, are usually church affiliated. Due to this fact, the HBCUs that are, often project the conservative social practices reflected in traditional religious cultures unto the students. Therefore, the celebration of diversity often does not include students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and/or Queer (LGBTQ). There are one hundred and one established Historically Black Colleges and/or Universities within the United States and its territories, but few have programs directed to prevention of discrimination, violence, and bullying of LGBTQ students by Faculty, Staff, and other students on campus. However, the campuses where these programs are available and present, there is still a stigmatization surrounding students who utilize this campus facility. This research will investigate the historical and cultural environment of HBCUs as it relates to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and/or Queer student who attend, will explore instances of violence against LBGTQ students, and suggest viable solutions to help HBCUs improve their cultural outreach to include the safety and wellness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer students.