Bisexual, and Transgendered Students

Challenges Faced by Lesbian, Gay,

Bisexual, and Transgendered Students

Isolation

LGBT students do not always neither the option or opportunity to seek out someone with a similar background for assistance. In the early stages of acknowledging their sexual orientation, these students may feel like “I’m the only one around.” Isolation can also stem from a lack of supportive gathering places, peer friendships, and even dating partners.

Invisibility

There are relatively few openly “out” LGBT role models to look towards for guidance, identity, or a sense of belonging. LGBT histories and cultures remain “closeted” in society, and frequently LGBT contributions to society and civilization remain unacknowledged. Invisibility can become magnified on a university campus, where campus functions, services, and attitudes are overwhelmingly skewed towards heterosexuality.

Lies

Widespread misrepresentations of what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered are perpetuated by the media, religious organizations, and homophobic attitudes. In addition to further distorting society’s understanding and empathy for what it means to be LGBT, these negative lies, inaccuracies, and stereotypes can often become internalized as shame by bisexuals, transgendered, lesbian, and gay students.

Intimidation and Violence

Being LGBT means you are often surrounded by negative attitudes, crude jokes, and demeaning statements. Ridiculing homosexuality, or the use of the pejorative terms like “fag” are often still commonplace in society, and on a university campus. Violence against LGBT people (or even those heterosexuals who are perceived to be LGBT) can range from name-calling, to verbal harassment, to physical assaults.

 Low Self-Esteem

Given the prevalence of the above challenges, an additional challenge for many LGBT people is maintaining integrity. With time, some LGBT people come to internalize (i.e. believe) the negative stereotypes, lies, and inaccuracies about their sexual orientation identity. Shame about the feelings they have for same-sex partners can often lead to depression, anxiety, and significant emotional stress. Low self-esteem can also lead to unsafe sex practices.

 Family Problems

Many LGBT people risk loss of support, condemnation, and even familial rejection by coming out. Violence towards LGBT people is also another possible consequence. A significant number of LGBT children who have come out their families are either kicked out of their home, or run away. Approximately 25% of homeless youths nationwide identify as LGBT.

Denial of Basic Rights

LGBT students grow up knowing that challenges face them in employment, housing, and other basic areas of their life if they come out. Many of the “privileges” that come with being heterosexual are unavailable to them, including speaking comfortably about their romantic interests, openly showing affection to their partner, and even marriage.

Source: adapted from NIU Safe Zone Program Ally Handbook