The Effect Of Openly LGBTQ+ Faculty on LGBTQ+ Students at a University In Central Appalachian

Authors' Affiliations

Gracie M. Carter, Department of Criminal Justice, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University Roger L. Blackwell, DrPH, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University

Location

Culp Ballroom

Start Date

4-7-2022 9:00 AM

End Date

4-7-2022 12:00 PM

Poster Number

125

Faculty Sponsor’s Department

Community & Behavioral Health

Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor

Roger Blackwell

Classification of First Author

Undergraduate Student

Competition Type

Competitive

Type

Poster Presentation

Project's Category

Other Social Science, Community Health

Abstract or Artist's Statement

Openly LGBTQ+ Faculty have a positive effect on LGBTQ+ students. LGBTQ+ students are often highly stigmatized, especially within STEM focused academic programs and universities, (Cooper, K.M., et al, 2020). This is seen through the ways LGBTQ+ students are treated, excluded and the fear of coming out, or letting someone in on their sexuality. This study uses Queer Theory. Queer Theory is a sociological look at how examining and representing gender and sexuality in media, entertainment and daily life affects the interpretation of LGBTQ+ individuals, (Valoochi, S., 2005). Looking through the lens of queer theory, we can see that having representation makes people feel more comfortable and gives permission for authenticity. Through looking at the effects and knowledge of queer theory in correlation with this research, the connection between having openly LGBTQ+ faculty representation and the positive effect on LGBTQ+ students. Faculty includes all individuals who teach and are tenured. This may include those who serve in administrative positions such as a deanship or a directorship.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 7th, 9:00 AM Apr 7th, 12:00 PM

The Effect Of Openly LGBTQ+ Faculty on LGBTQ+ Students at a University In Central Appalachian

Culp Ballroom

Openly LGBTQ+ Faculty have a positive effect on LGBTQ+ students. LGBTQ+ students are often highly stigmatized, especially within STEM focused academic programs and universities, (Cooper, K.M., et al, 2020). This is seen through the ways LGBTQ+ students are treated, excluded and the fear of coming out, or letting someone in on their sexuality. This study uses Queer Theory. Queer Theory is a sociological look at how examining and representing gender and sexuality in media, entertainment and daily life affects the interpretation of LGBTQ+ individuals, (Valoochi, S., 2005). Looking through the lens of queer theory, we can see that having representation makes people feel more comfortable and gives permission for authenticity. Through looking at the effects and knowledge of queer theory in correlation with this research, the connection between having openly LGBTQ+ faculty representation and the positive effect on LGBTQ+ students. Faculty includes all individuals who teach and are tenured. This may include those who serve in administrative positions such as a deanship or a directorship.