Digital Commons Network^™

Fostering Lgbtq Spirituality: A Campus Case Study, Tracy Morin

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

The importance of spirituality in the lives and identities of LGBTQ students is sufficiently documented in extant scholarship to encourage campus leaders to consider spiritual support in their efforts to improve campus climate (Birch, 2011; Gold & Stewart, 2011; Love et al., 2005; Means et al., 2016; Pryor et al., 2017), but there is minimal research to gauge whether, where, and how this consideration is being enacted. Even the Campus Pride Index, the nation’s premier resource for ranking the LGBTQ-friendliness of colleges and universities, does not consider support for spirituality in their campus assessment criteria. The purpose of this study …

Handbooks, Policies, And Power: Discursive Language And Lgbtqia+ Representation In Christian University Handbooks, Kaitlin Merlino

Honors Projects and Presentations: Undergraduate

For many years, tensions have existed between Christianity and the LGBTQ community, most apparent in contexts such as politics and education. One site of conflict is within the realm of Christian higher education, specifically in regards to campus-wide regulation of same-sex behaviors. This research examines the language in sexuality-based rules as communicated in four Christian universities' handbooks. Bakhtin & Holquist (1981) demonstrate the innate tension between dialogue and the social context within which it is understood. Therefore, since language is not neutral, the words creating these rules are in themselves a site of tension for the university, its contributors, its …

Lgbtqia+ Undergraduate On-Campus Students' Perceptions And Satisfaction On Rowan University's Campus Climate, Emily C. Ohlson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore Rowan University undergraduate LGBTQIA+ students' perceptions towards campus culture. In a predominately heterosexual society, it is important to put an extra emphasis on providing a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ students. This study aims to address not only what the perceived impact of the Rowan University campus culture is on these students, but also investigates some of the perceptions LGBTQIA+ undergraduate students have on programs and services Rowan University offers to these students, and how it impacts their sense of belonging. This phenomenological qualitative study included seven interviews, which were then …

Understanding Queer Women’S Satisfaction With Healthcare Providers: The Role Of Positive Lgb Identity And Communication, Maddie Luebe

Honors Theses

Much research has explored the negative effects of having a queer identity in healthcare, such as stigmatization and discrimination, but little research examined the potential benefits of a positive LGBTQ identity in healthcare. This study investigated the relationship between having a positive LGBTQ identity and provider satisfaction through comfort communicating with a provider. This study also considered the potential effect of participants’ fear of provider heterosexism in this relationship. Survey data were collected from 506 queer-identified women in the United States. Using moderated mediation, results found that more positive feelings associated with one’s queer identity was associated with increased comfort …

The Experiences Of Lgbtq Faculty And Staff At A Diocesan Catholic University, Mark Fabbi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

As the world continues to become more accepting of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, is this experience similar on a diocesan Catholic campus in the United States? A diocesan Catholic institution is often referred to as an arm of the Catholic Church, often holding a view against same sex marriage and the LGBTQ community. However, the tide may be changing, with a more accepting Catholic church on the horizon. Dillon’s theory (2011) explains how sexual identity manifests itself and identifies it as a global process. In Dillon’s theory, there are two factors to individual identity development: social …

Watch Your Language! A Foundational Course Exploring Language Of Gender And Sexuality, Raeann Risko

Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies Summer Fellows

How do language and word choice influence the way people think about gender and sexuality? This question is addressed through a syllabus for an entry level college course, which includes suggested readings and activities along with explanations and advice for instructors. This course provides a foundation for understanding the power of language and the impact that the vocabulary used to describe people in relation to their gender and sexuality has. The purpose of the course is to offer an interactive guide for students to consider the many different ways that words may be used or misused, understood or misunderstood. This …

Advancing Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Older Adult Health Care, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Flyer advertising registration opportunities for the 16th Annual University of Maine Center on Aging Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium scheduled for October 25, 2021.

Umaine Office For Diversity And Inclusion It's Pride Month, Y'All! Email, University Of Maine Office For Diversity And Inclusion

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Email from the UMaine Office for Diversity and Inclusion with various details of the Office's work and events related Pride Month.

Modernizing Discrimination Law: The Adoption Of An Intersectional Lens, Marisa K. Sanchez

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Abstract forthcoming.

Umaine Office For Diversity And Inclusion Happy Pride Week, Umaine! Email, University Of Maine Office For Diversity And Inclusion

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Email from the UMaine Office for Diversity and Inclusion with various details of the Office's work and wishing University of Maine community members a happy pride week.

Narratives From Appalachia: The Current Stories Of Lgbtq Community College Students, Todd A. Cimino-Johnson

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

LGBTQ students are ubiquitous on community college campuses across the United States. The exact number of LGBTQ students is unknown and often their needs are ignored. LGBTQ students face harassment and discrimination at higher rates than other minority groups. This study was conducted to gather the current narratives of LGBTQ students attending community colleges in the Appalachian Region. This study aimed to determine what LGBTQ students are experiencing on community college campuses across Appalachia. Fifteen students took part in a one-on-one semi-structured interview for this qualitative study. All students were currently enrolled in a program of study when the interviews …

Umaine Office For Diversity And Inclusion Women's History Month Wrap-Up And Welcome Spring! Email, University Of Maine Office For Diversity And Inclusion

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Email from the UMaine Office for Diversity and Inclusion with various details of the Office's work and details of events related to Women's History Month.

Umaine Office For Diversity And Inclusion Happy International Women's Day! Email, University Of Maine Office For Diversity And Inclusion

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Email from the UMaine Office for Diversity and Inclusion with various details of the Office's work and wishing University of Maine community members a happy International Women's Day.

Umaine Office For Diversity And Inclusion Happy Women's History Month! Email, University Of Maine Office For Diversity And Inclusion

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Email from the UMaine Office for Diversity and Inclusion with various details of the Office's work and wishing University of Maine community members a happy women's history week.

Examining Experience, Role, And Lgbtq Identity In Department Chairs, Ashton B. Clouse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

LGBTQ rights have progressed tremendously in recent times, not long ago LGBTQ individuals could be arrested simply for being themselves. Though many rights have been won, the fight for equity continues. This is especially true in the field of education, many think of higher education as a pathway to equity, but in reality it can serve to solidify societal inequities. Campus climate studies of LGBTQ faculty members in higher education show that climate is most impactful at the departmental level (Nichols & Scott, 2005), others highlight the importance of department chairs in fostering climate within their departments (Bystydzienski et al., …

Wilde Stein Queer Straight Alliance, Wilde Stein: Queer Straight Alliance

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Facebook banner from the Wilde Stein Facebook page.

Making Meaning In The Margins: Identities, Belonging, And Social Justice Commitments In A Cross-Race Intergroup Dialogue For Queer And Trans College Students, Nina M. Tissi-Gassoway

Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative research study used constructivist grounded theory methods to explore the lived experiences of 11 queer and trans undergraduate college students of various racial and ethnic backgrounds in a cross-race intergroup dialogue (IGD) course. Using document analysis of course assignments and post-dialogue semi-structured interviews allowed for rich inquiry into how these queer and trans students made meaning of their intersecting identities, sense of belonging, cross-race relationships, and social justice commitments. This study contributes new knowledge about the meaning-making processes of queer and trans college students of various racial and ethnic backgrounds and the role that IGD plays in supporting …

Wilde Stein Club Poster, Wilde Stein: Queer Straight Alliance

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Social media post by the Wilde Stein Queer Straight Alliance, promoting a membership meeting for new students.

Orono House Of Pizza Promotional Sticker, Orono House Of Pizza

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

An Orono House of Pizza promotional rainbow sticker in rainbow pride colors stuck on a lamp post outside Fogler Library at the University of Maine. The lettering reads: "Ohop. All my homies are pepperonis." Popular with university students, the Orono House of Pizza, located at 154 Park Street in Orono offers pick up, delivery, and in-house seating.

Downtown Orono Pride, 2020, Madison Riley

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Photographs taken by University of Maine student Madison Riley documenting the "Pride Zoo" in downtown Orono, Maine, celebrating diversity in a time of quarantine, June 2020. Labels near each sculpture provide explanatory text about the history and meaning of the various Pride color schemes. Each display invited members of the public to take pictures with the sculptures or the Pride Progress flag display along the bridge, before posting it on social media with the hashtag, #OronoPride2020.

Free Ain’T Really Free: A Critical Ethnographical Exploration Of The Experiences Of Queer People Of Color In Postsecondary Education, Antoinette Ebony Jones

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Queer people of color (QPOC), who participate in higher education experience understand the intersectional nature of racial and sexual identity development. This study explores the experiences of thirteen self-identified QPOC who participate in higher education using the Portraiture methodology. It highlights the voices of QPOC as they navigate the processes of coming out while accenting their understanding of their intersecting racial and sexual identities. This study offers a model of racial and sexual identity development based on the narratives of the participants in this study. It highlights their strengths and adaptability as they negotiate and ascribe meaning to their lives …

Fictive Kin Relationships And Advising: The Roles Of Chosen Family As An Advisory Framework For Higher Education, Zachary Burden

West Chester University Master’s Theses

The structure of a chosen family centers love, commitment, empathy, and accountability into relationships outside of a person's biolegal family. This project asks, if student affairs professionals framed their advising and mentoring work with a platonic and familial sense of love and commitment, would it offer their students a new sense of openness, trust, and community? Using theories of love in education and building a teaching community by bell hooks (2003; 2018), Paulo Freire's (1970) banking model of education, and experiential learning by John Dewey (1997), I examine these chosen family relationships and their application into higher education advising. In …

Queer Students’ Perceptions Of Inclusion At Abc Community College: A Phenomenology, Francis Canedo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of Queer students at ABC Community College. Using phenomenology as its guiding framework, transcribed interviews were analyzed in order to seek the phenomenon of the experience. Examination of the literature suggested that Queer students’ experiences of discrimination could have a negative impact on academic achievement and that inclusive and affirming spaces have the opposite effect.

Further, Queer students search for affirming spaces from their faculty and peers, and the engagement these spaces provide may be good prognosticator academic achievement. When students are provided with inclusive spaces, they may be more likely to come …

Encouraging Self-Esteem, Wilde Stein: Queer Straight Alliance

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Signs, hand painted by members of the Wilde Stein Club, promoting messages of self-esteem including, "You are worth it. You are valid;" "You are Worthy;" and "You ARE Enough."

Do Lgbtqia Rowan Students Matter? Marginality And Mattering In Rowan University's Lgbtqia Undergraduate Population, Liz Ditzel

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores feelings of marginality and mattering as defined by Schlossberg (1989) in LGBTQIA undergraduate students at Rowan University. The study used a modified version of the College Mattering Inventory (Tovar, Simon, and Lee, distributed via email to students utilizing the university's LGBTQIA Center. The study provided an opportunity for LGBTQIA undergraduate students to give feedback regarding their experiences at Rowan. A total of 39 students responded to the survey.

The study found that LGBTQIA undergraduate students at Rowan University are experiencing feelings of mattering and marginality simultaneously. These students feel that they matter as students, and that they …

Transgender Day Of Remembrance, Wilde Stein: Queer Straight Alliance

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Social media post by the Wilde Stein Queer Straight Alliance, promoting the observance of the International Transgender Day of Remembrance recognizing the lives of transgender people lost as a result of being targeted by hate crimes. The image reads: "Transgender Day of Remembrance. Date Change! Friday, November 30th, 8pm. Today we honor and remember everyone that has lost their lives due to hate crimes. Help spread the word that hate is not welcome here and that everyone, regardless of their identity is welcome in our community."

Gay Thanksgiving Poster, Wilde Stein: Queer Straight Alliance

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

A promotional flyer posted on the Wilde Stein Facebook page to advertise the annual "Gay Thanksgiving" celebration at the Memorial Union.

Coming Out Week, October 15-19, 2018, Wilde Stein: Queer Straight Alliance

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

A promotional flyer posted on the Wilde Stein Facebook page to advertise events scheduled as part of UMaine's annual Coming Out Week observance. Event sponsors include Wilde-Stein, University of Maine Student Government, University of Maine Office of LGBTQ Services, UMaine Student Life, and the UMaine Residence Hall Association.

Wilde Stein Monthly "Zine", Wilde Stein: Queer Straight Alliance

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

A promotional flyer posted on the Wilde Stein Facebook page to recruit contributors to a monthly publications issued by the group.

Students And Sexual Orientation: A Study Of Students And Their Development At Higher Educational Institutions, Diamond Bolden

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to explore and assess student sexual identity development on college students, in particular sophomore, junior, and senior students at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ in the spring 2018 semester. The study also investigated the impact of demographic factors and other variables such as gender, ethnicity, and social life. The instrument used to assess students' anxiety levels and attitudes toward sexual orientation was adapted from two surveys used in previous studies, one about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) and gender development, as well as student anxiety. It was assessed with survey questions created …