Experiences of Gay Students at a Traditional Women’s University

1. Experiences of Gay Students at a Traditional Women’s University March 15, 2011 12:15-1:30Dr. Christopher J. Holland Dean of Students, Brevard College

2. Overview Study concentrated on impact of the culture of a traditional women’s college on the experiences of gay male students Research on culture of women’s colleges existed in pre-coeducational context Prior research on gay male student development No research as it related to gay males within this context

3. Background College is critical time in development Interaction with culture is pivotal to development Campus culture is conglomerate of experiences and perceptions of experiences Campus culture is microcosm of larger society (which tends to be heterosexist in general)

4. Knowing This… Why do gay men choose to attend a traditional women’s college/university? What are the experiences of gay male students at a traditional women’s college/university? How does the culture of the women’s college/university influence the experiences of the gay male student?

5. Women’s College Culture (Then) Provided nurturing environment Cultivated intellectual, social, and personal advancement 300 women’s colleges a century ago, less than 60 today Existing research has focused on: Development of leadership skills; impact on educational achievements; increase in intellectual self-confidence

6. Women’s College Culture (Now) Is defined by the absence of the heterosexual masculine norm Maintains a high percentage of female students Emphasizes development of self-esteem and confidence Supportive relationships between students and faculty

7. College Culture Culture exists as it pertains to the individual that defines it Dominant norms exist and are defined/reinforced Students understand institutional culture through peers, others within borders Borders can be physical or other defined boundaries where members connection or have participation in the environment

8. Culture (Cont.) Norms established through cultural experiences of institution’s membership These norms become prescribed code all members follow For members of subcultures, acting against dominant norms places them in opposition to established culture Ultimately culture shapes identity development of members For gay male students, they go to class, live in residence halls, eat in dining hall, and participate in culture of campus

9. How Culture Is Shaped

10. College Impact on Gender

11. Gay Male Student Development • early research on the gay population began with an understanding of the etiology of the behaviors associated with the group • Identity development models—stages “achieved” • College culture on gay males • Coming Out • Harassment/Violence • Attitudes • Living and Learning on Campus

12. Cyclical Effects of Culture and Development

13. Methodology/Findings • Data collected of interviews of gay males and non-students • Three domains identified in considering data--place, interactions, and identifier • Each offered insights into the students’ perceptions and experiences of being gay men within this particular context • Participants less concerned with identification as gay; more concerned with identification as men within “female” culture • Developmental considerations were taken into account which raised questions of the lack of services/resources provided and how that affected growth

14. Defining Culture Through Student Experiences • Place • Campus environment (size and facilities) • Campus services/mission (resources and policies) • Interactions • Faculty, staff, administration, and student interactions and attitudes • Involvement on campus • Identifiers • The closet and coming out • Perceptions of other gay men on campus

15. Findings • Place • Environment was supportive, non-threatening, and even attractive • Attraction to this nurturing environment welcomed them to campus and keeps them enrolled • However, support services were practically non-existent • Interactions • Varying levels of participation in and out of classroom, in clubs, etc. • Participants did not know each other or feel the need for support from other gay males • Identifiers • Coming out was unique to faith identity and development of identity • Experiences led them to coming out

16. Why do Gay Men Attend? Perception of gay men attending Safe/comfortable atmosphere Large number of women attending—nurturing

17. What are Experiences of Gay Men? Expectations were accurate except… Lack of other gay men (that they related to) Limited support resources/services

18. Culture’s Influence on Experiences Supportive but lack of socialization from other gay males DID NOT make them want to leave DID NOT feel need to organize as a group, have support services, etc. “Bucked” the previous research

19. Discrepancies from Previous Research Participants discussed identity development in more fluid terms—coming out was continually happening for them in each new cultural context placed Did not need other gay males to identify with self-fulfillment Did not need services/support from institution/offices to feel connected to campus All were out and viewed campus more positively despite not being involved or engaged on campus Not political in nature, did not feel the need to oppose the larger society or form a subculture and yet aren’t refusing to do so eithernothing conscious about making political statements

20. What Does It All Mean? Implications for further research Limitations of study Concluding thought

21. Questions? Christopher J. Holland Dean of Students Brevard College hollancj@brevard.edu (828) 884-8258