Event Title
Lived Experiences of LGBT Individuals Engaged in Fraternities and Sororities at Grand Valley State University
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biology, Women and Gender Studies
Mentor Information
Kathleen Underwood
Department
Women and Gender Studies
Location
Kirkhof Center KC12
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2013 1:00 PM
Keywords
Culture, Gender
Abstract
This study chronicles the lived experiences of ten to twenty members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community who are also engaged in the social fraternity and sorority systems at Grand Valley State University. While there is much research done on LGBT collegiate students in regard to their lives in general, little research centers on heteronormative institutions such as residence halls and Greek life; my study addresses this issue. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews lasting an average of an hour and a half and analyzed through the lenses created by D'Augelli's theory of identity development (1994) which addresses matter such as coming out as an LGBT community member and Nadal's theories of microaggressive behaviors (2011, 2012) which deals with covert day-to-day discriminations experienced by the individual. While this study is limited to one university, it is anticipated that it may serve as a model for other institutions of higher education.
Lived Experiences of LGBT Individuals Engaged in Fraternities and Sororities at Grand Valley State University
Kirkhof Center KC12
This study chronicles the lived experiences of ten to twenty members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community who are also engaged in the social fraternity and sorority systems at Grand Valley State University. While there is much research done on LGBT collegiate students in regard to their lives in general, little research centers on heteronormative institutions such as residence halls and Greek life; my study addresses this issue. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews lasting an average of an hour and a half and analyzed through the lenses created by D'Augelli's theory of identity development (1994) which addresses matter such as coming out as an LGBT community member and Nadal's theories of microaggressive behaviors (2011, 2012) which deals with covert day-to-day discriminations experienced by the individual. While this study is limited to one university, it is anticipated that it may serve as a model for other institutions of higher education.