150 likes | 243 Views
Faculty Staff Safe Zone Seminar. MaryBeth Walpole Walpole@rowan.edu x4706. Experience of LGBT Students.
E N D
Faculty Staff Safe Zone Seminar MaryBeth Walpole Walpole@rowan.edu x4706
Experience of LGBT Students College and university environments are a microcosm of society. The same issues that exist in the larger community also exist in classes, offices, residence halls, apartments, and student organizations on campus The college years (18-22) are a period that individuals are defining themselves and this includes their sexual identity About 10% of the population is LGBT - there is no accurate number because individuals have to self identify The LGBT population is an invisible underrepresented and marginalized population
Campus Experiences 43% of all students, faculty, and staff hide their sexual identity to avoid intimidation 13% of LGBQ participants feared for their physical safety 63% hide their gender identity to avoid intimidation 43% of transgender students, faculty, and staff feared for their physical safety This result was more salient for LGBQ students and for LGBTQ people of color.
Campus Experiences 23% of LGBQ staff, faculty, and students reported experiencing harassment 83% of these respondents identified sexual identity as the basis of the harassment. 39% of transgender students, faculty, and staff reported experiencing harassment 87% identified gender identity/expression as the basis of the harassment
GLB Identity Development • Cass’ Model- identity is developmental and linear; 6 stages- not all progress through all stages • Confusion- gender roles don’t fit • Comparison- look at others who are similar • Tolerance- acknowledgement • Acceptance- positive identity developed • Pride- attending events, joining organizations • Synthesis- integrating ID into all areas of life
GLB Identity Development • D’Augelli’s model- identity is developmental, evolves over a lifetime, is nonlinear; 6 interactive processes • Exiting heterosexual ID-acknowledgement to self and others of GLB identity • Developing personal GLB ID- positive stable identity • Developing social GLB ID- creating a supportive network • Developing a familial GLB ID-coming out to parents, families, non-GLB friends can be traumatic • Developing intimacy- having relationships • Entering GLB community-committing to social and political action
GLB Identity Development • Troiden’s - 4 stage, non-linear model: • Realization- realization of difference, often before puberty • Identity confusion- questioning sexual orientation • Identity assumption- LGB identity becomes clear • Commitment/self-acceptance- Complete self-acceptance; pride develops
Transgender Identity Development • D’Augelli’s model is being adapted • Exiting traditional gender ID-acknowledgement to self and others of Transgender identity • Developing personal Transgender ID- positive stable identity • Developing social Transgender ID- creating a supportive network • Developing a familial trans ID-coming out to parents, families as transgender • Developing intimacy • Entering Transgender community
General campus concerns for LGBT students Coming Out Academic issues/choices Lack of Privacy Roommates Lack of Activities Dealing with Harassment
Causes of campus concerns for LGBT students • Generally, we assume our students are heterosexual unless they tell us otherwise • Student Language is often homophobic • Students report some faculty use homophobic and non-inclusive language, and make disparaging comments, jokes • The campus environment and residence halls are rooted in heterosexuality
What can I do? Be an Ally for LGBT students Make an effort to educate yourself and others • Create an inclusive community in your classes and offices • Be a role model to those around you • Understand the important role you play and the impact you have on students • Be aware of the issues around coming out
What can I do? Support Be a visible ally by displaying the sticker Support students who come out to you Question or correct anti-LGBT language Educate Include LGBT people/representations in curriculum Teach and model respect for all Advocate Support and promote inclusive campus policies
What is the University doing? Sexual orientation/ gender and affectual orientation included in nondiscrimination policies (NJ State Law) Transgender Housing Policy New Construction Safe Zone Program April – Rowan PRIDE…in who you are and who you love
Campus Resources • Safe Zone participants • Multicultural Affairs office • Dean of Students office • GSA • Counseling center
Online resources • National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resource in Higher Education http://www.lgbtcampus.org • Campus Pride http://www.campuspride.org • Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network http://www.glsen.org • Human Rights Campaign http://www.hrc.org • It Gets Better Campaign http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject