Education Commons^™

Placing Student Success And Well-Being At The Center Of The Educational Process: How The Magic City Acceptance Academy Promotes An Ethical And Caring School Culture, D. Keith Gurley, Dwayne White, Matthew Fifolt Dr.

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education

Schools and school leaders are well-positioned to create school cultures that are supportive of all students, including students who identify as LGBTQ and those who are perceived as other due to status of race, class, or ability. The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to explore how faculty and staff at the Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA) promote an ethical and caring school culture. To guide our thinking and interpretation of research findings, our team relied on two conceptual frameworks, including queer theory and the ethical educational leadership framework ethic of care. Based on inductive coding of focus …

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 …

Advocating For Adolescent Sexual Minorities, Madeline Hawkins

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

Sexual minority (gay, lesbian, and bisexual) adolescents experience bullying and mental health issues at higher rates than their heterosexual counterparts. It is important that teachers find ways to protect, support, and advocate for these students to prevent them from struggling academically and socially. Through the use of inclusive curricula, gay-straight alliances, and informal mentoring, educators can foster an environment of inclusion and respect for sexual minority students.

Exploring Black Queer Doctoral Student Experiences With Utilizing Campus Services, Mitchell Everett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized narrative inquiry to examine the experiences of Black Queer Doctoral Students (BQDS) with campus services and their ability to ameliorate minority stress and establish community with other students minoritized by their sexual or gender identity. I used the minority stress model and intersectionality as frameworks to understand how students minoritized by their race and sexual identities experienced campus services. The minority stress model provided an explanation of the stress BQDS may experience due their minority identity (Meyer, 2003, 2013). Connecting to community is also an ameliorating factor in reducing minority stress. In addition, structural intersectionality addressed the …

Queer Perspectives On Mentorship In Higher Education: A Phenomenological Study, Anthony T. Fucci

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This qualitative study explored the way in which LGBTQ+ college students experienced mentorship. Despite improvements in LGBTQ+ rights over the last 50+ years, recent scholarship has shown that queer students still face unique challenges, including discrimination and harassment based on their queer identity. Mentorship has been found to be an effective resource for assisting marginalized student populations transition successfully into college. The purpose of this study was to investigate how LGBTQ+ students experienced mentorship in order to better understand how these relationships may (or may not) contribute to their experience on college campuses. A phenomenological research design and queer theory …

Mitigating Student Anxiety In The Secondary Classroom: A Culturally Sustaining Approach, Erin Hawley Cronin

Theses and Dissertations

This study emerged in response to broader trends of increasing anxiety among schoolchildren and my own observations as a teacher. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for youth (Curtin et al., 2022), and anxiety is a known factor in most deaths by suicide (Nepon et al., 2010). Teachers are often the first point of contact for anxious students, but a shortage of counselors in U.S. schools and other systemic barriers prevent widespread access to counseling services (Cratty, 2019). Moreover, identity-based anxieties are often misattributed to aggression or attention-seeking, and punished in school settings, instead of recognized and supported …

Religion/Spirituality, Stress, And Resilience Among Sexual And Gender Minorities: The Religious/Spiritual Stress And Resilience Model, G. Tyler Lefevor, Chana Etengoff, Edward B. Davis, Samuel J. Skidmore, Eric M. Rodriguez, James S. Mcgraw, Sharon S. Rostosky

Psychology Faculty Publications

Although many sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) consider themselves religious or spiritual, the impact of this religiousness or spirituality (RS) on their health is poorly understood. We introduce the religious/spiritual stress and resilience model (RSSR) to provide a robust framework for understanding the variegated ways that RS influences the health of SGMs. The RSSR bridges existing theorizing on minority stress, structural stigma, and RS-health pathways to articulate the circumstances under which SGMs likely experience RS as health promoting or health damaging. The RSSR makes five key propositions: (a) Minority stress and resilience processes influence health; (b) RS influences general resilience …

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 …

Supporting Lgbtq+ Ela Students Through Action Research, Nicole Mustaccio

Theses and Dissertations

English Language Arts curriculums traditionally include canonical authors such as Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, and William Shakespeare. However, educators may not discuss the writers’ nonnormative sexuality. Moreover, educators may avoid teaching literature from a queer perspective, whether due to discomfort with LGBTQ+ terminology or because of a lack of professional development opportunities related to queer authors and queer theory.

In response to this problem of practice, I conducted this action research study to change the heteronormative culture at my high school. By providing professional development to fellow English Language Arts teachers, I sought to encourage the inclusion of LGBTQ+ authors …

Inclusion Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity (Sogi) Cultural Competence In Higher Education Healthcare Programs: A Scoping Review, Kristin Willey, Jennifer K. Fortuna, Jessica Guerra, Amanda Gross, Samantha Turner, Tara Grant, Betsy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Lack of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) cultural competence in healthcare providers contributes to poor health outcomes in individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+). However, SOGI is often overlooked in healthcare education. Existing research shows educational programs in the nursing, medical, and pharmacy professions are incorporating cultural competence training into the curricula. Few studies have explored how SOGI cultural competence is incorporated into occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) curricula. Clear guidelines for training on SOGI cultural competence are lacking in these professions. It is …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Policies And Practices Of Lgbtq-Inclusive Curriculum In Rural Appalachian High School English Language Arts Classes, Dawn J. Viles

Ed.D. Dissertations

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer students were a vulnerable population in rural Appalachian high schools. Minority high school students, specifically those who identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, who saw themselves reflected in practices and curriculum increased their academic performance, felt safe, and developed stronger empathy for others. Traditionally, English Language Arts teachers had power to select literary works and supplemental materials they deemed important for their students; however, local, district, and state stakeholders and policymakers influenced curricular choices in English Language Arts classrooms more directly than had occurred in the past. Further marginalizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer …

What’S Your Intention? Examining Elementary School Leaders' Attitudes And Intentions Towards Lgbtq Inclusivity, Nekesha Bynum

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine New York based elementary school principals' attitudes towards transgenderism, gender nonconformity and the use of an LGBTQ inclusive curriculum with K-5 students. Grounded in the theory of Reasoned Action Approach, RAA, the study aimed to investigate the extent to which these attitudes influenced school leaders’ intentions to implement an LGBTQ inclusive curriculum. Utilizing a mixed methods design, principals were surveyed and invited to participate in semi structured interviews. Findings revealed perceived behavioral control, attitude towards transgenderism and attitude towards the use of an LGBTQ inclusive curriculum predicted intention to use an LGBTQ …

Experiences Of Lgbtq Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Implementation Of The Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Jonathan Carter Lee

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The hearts and minds among U.S. legislators need to change about homelessness. While homelessness is certainly a big current issue that many Americans feel that needs to be addressed by our elected leaders, in reality, there are still many debates in Congress about who should be included to receive such funding. Among them, there is bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for homeless veterans. However, when it comes to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness, the bills are introduced by the most progressive left and is quickly defeated. A large body of existing literature exist about LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. However, few …

Cultural Diversity In Education: Examining The Challenges And Issues Of Lgbtq Students Enrolled In A Tertiary Education Institution In The Bahamas, Terry Laverne Rolle

Theses and Dissertations

This research study examined the challenges and issues faced by LGBTQ students attending a tertiary education institution in The Bahamas. Utilizing a phenomenological analytical process, seven individuals gave information regarding their lived experiences in a tertiary institution in The Bahamas. Data for this research study were collected through two 60-minute in-depth interview sessions. This qualitative study was guided by the theoretical frameworks of the planned approach to change and the theory of resilience, both of which were used to inform the elements of the research. Many research studies have been conducted in regard to the experiences faced by LGBTQ students …

“I Just Wanted Support”: Examining How Lds Clergy May Effectively Minister To Sexual And Gender Minority Congregants, Samuel J. Skidmore, G. Tyler Lefevor, Adlyn M. Perez-Figueroa, Kristen A. Gonzalez

Psychology Faculty Publications

This study explored why members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) who identify as sexual or gender minorities (SGM) speak with clergy regarding their SGM identities, as well as what LDS SGMs find helpful and unhelpful in these conversations. A sample of 25 current or former LDS SGMs participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants reported six overarching reasons for talking with clergy, including church procedures, seeking guidance, seeking emotional comfort, seeking repentance, seeking openness, and other people’s initiation. Participants reported several ways clergy were helpful, including empathic listening, openness, and affirmative …

Courage Under Fire: Culturally Responsive Teaching In A Divisive Time, Colin Perucco

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone addresses the question: How can educators create culturally responsive and sustaining classrooms and curriculum that best reflect students while navigating the rapidly changing public perception of cultural relevance in the classroom? Based on one educator’s experience with a public reaction to culturally responsive practices in their classroom, the project seeks to examine the work being done in classrooms to help students examine and honor the culture they experience every day through education. Included in the project is a literature review addressing the history and progression of culturally responsive teaching, the impacts of culturally responsive pedagogies in the classroom, …

Supporting Transgender And Nonbinary Middle School Students Through Inclusive Policies And Practices, Victoria Velding

Culminating Experience Projects

The United States is experiencing a youth mental health crisis. Research suggests rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation have reached concerning levels in transgender and nonbinary youth. School can be a hostile place for marginalized youth. Transgender and nonbinary youth are especially susceptible to harassment and victimization, making school a particularly hostile place. When schools offer support and LGBTQ resources, school experiences can be improved for transgender and nonbinary youth. Unfortunately, school-wide supports and resources for LGBTQ students are less common in middle schools than high schools, leaving many students struggling at a critical developmental stage in their lives. …

Lgbtq+ And Dental Education: Analyzing The Present And Recommendations For The Future, Diana V. Macri, Colin Haley Dds, Herminio Perez Dmd, Scott Schwartz Dds

Publications and Research

LGBTQ+ populations constitute increasing proportions of children, adolescents, and adults in the United States. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, this group suffers from health inequities, including oral health. The report “Oral Health: Advances and Challenges” identified the LGBTQ+ community as an underserved population which faces significant barriers in accessing oral health care. Coverage of LGBTQ+ topics in formal education settings in both dental schools and dental hygiene programs is scarce, which contributes to inequities within this group. Increasing curriculum content related to LGBTQ+ populations is of utmost importance to promote optimal patient-provider interactions while improving oral health outcomes. Ensuring equity …

The 2020-2021 Whippoorwill Award: Redefining And Reconsidering What Counts As Rural Ya Literature, Kate E. Kedley, Devon Brenner, Chea L. Parton, Karen Eppley, Nick Kleese, Jennifer Sanders, Stephanie Short

The Rural Educator

No abstract provided.

Sexual Complexity: A Comparison Between Men And Women In A Sexual Minority Sample Of Members Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, William S. Bradshaw, John P. Dehlin, Renee V. Galliher

Psychology Faculty Publications

We report here some of the results from an online survey of 1612 LGBTQ members and former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (CJCLDS, Mormon). The data permitted an exploration of diversity—individual similarities and differences within and between the sexes. Men and women were compared with respect to sexual identity self-labeling and behavior (i.e., identity development, disclosure, activity), orientation change efforts, marital relationships, and psychosocial health—these variables in the context of their religious lives. More women than men self-identified in the bisexual range of the sexual attraction continuum. Both men and women had engaged in extensive …

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 …

Religious Sexual Minorities, Belongingness, And Suicide Risk: Does It Matter Where Belongingness Comes From?, Samuel J. Skidmore, G. Tyler Lefevor, Rachel M. Golightly, Eric R. Larsen

Psychology Faculty Publications

Sexual minorities (SMs) experience a unique set of stressors as a result of their minority status that can lead to adverse mental health outcomes, including increased suicidal ideation (SI). A sense of belongingness—particularly in sexual minority communities—has been shown to buffer these outcomes. It is less clear, however, how belongingness in communities that hold heteronormative values may relate to SI. The present study fills this gap through an analysis of data from 602 SM members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (CJCLDS; “Mormon” church). We examine how minority stressors and religiousness are related to SI for SMs …

Exploring How Latinx Gender And Sexually Diverse Youth In The Rio Grande Valley Experience And Confront Homophobia: A Qualitative Study Of Alumni Community Leaders/Advocates, Heraclio Flores Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Framed by queer theory, this qualitative study seeks to better understand the unique experiences of homophobia that occur amongst Latinx gender and sexually diverse youth (GDSY) in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Latinx GSDY in the Rio Grande Valley are less likely to be in schools that adopt affirming policies and are therefore more likely to experience homophobia. It is also likely that their social, emotional, physical, and academic wellbeing are impacted negatively. The study collected written journal responses from nine Latinx gender and sexually diverse alumni of RGV schools (including the researcher) that presently serve as community leaders …

Disrupting Monolithic Representations Of Lgbtq+ Youth: Moving Toward Intersectionality, Matthew S. Jeffries, Ashley S. Boyd, Janine Julianna Darragh

Research on Diversity in Youth Literature

No abstract provided.

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 …

Lesbian, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgendered, And Queer (Lgbtq) People And Adult Education: An Examination Of Literature In Adult Education 2010-2020, Lisa Baumgartner, Lauren Chaney, Humberto De Faria Santos, Steven Schmidt

Adult Education Research Conference

We discuss our review of LGBTQ issues in adult education journals between 2010 and 2020. We pose several topics for discussion based on our findings.

Invisible No More: Lgbtq History & Archiving Projects At Universities In The South, Maigen Sullivan

All ETDs from UAB

LGBTQ history within the US South is rich and diverse though it has remained mostly absent from mainstream and academic narratives around LGBTQ history generally. In recent years, there has been a growing effort to location, preserve, research and make accessible to the community the history of the Queer and Trans South. Despite stereotypes of the South as a hyper-conservative, homophobic, and transphobic region, many public history and community archiving projects have begun on public universities across the South. This qualitative constructivist grounded theory research explored the ways in which LGBTQ public history and community archiving projects on public universities …

Education And The Gender Spectrum: Addressing Gender Identity Needs In The High School Environment, Donna Eason

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of teachers and administrators in addressing the needs of transgender and nonbinary students. Because most current research focuses mostly on the experiences of students, this study specifically investigated the beliefs, behaviors, challenges, and successes of educators. By analyzing the data provided by the participants, teachers and administrators could be made aware of how best to create and maintain inclusive school environments. The qualitative methodology included interviews with teachers and administrators from a charter school and a private school and focused on their thoughts, feelings, and actions regarding interactions with students who identify as transgender …

Religiousness And Minority Stress In Conservatively Religious Sexual Minorities: Lessons From Latter-Day Saints, G. Tyler Lefevor, Samuel J. Skidmore, James S. Mcgraw, Edward B. Davis, Ty R. Mansfield

Psychology Faculty Publications

Sexual minorities who engage in conservative religions may experience both stress and support from their engagement with their faith. However, it is unclear how religion/spirituality and minority stress may simultaneously affect mental health. To address this gap, we recruited 1,083 U.S. adults reporting varied engagement with a conservative religious tradition, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon; LDS), belonging to one of four groups: (a) heterosexual, LDS; (b) sexual minority, LDS; (c) heterosexual, nonLDS; and (d) sexual minority, nonLDS. We found that LDS sexual minorities reported more religiousness/spirituality and described experiencing more minority stressors, relative to nonLDS sexual …

The Grizzly, November 11, 2021, Layla Halterman, Julia Paiano, Ashley Webster, Alena Deantonellis, Dan Icaza, Olivia Fiorella, Chase Portaro, Madison Handwerger, Cole Gannon

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

How Are You Better Today Than You Were Yesterday? • North Hall Gets Lit • Spreading Holiday Cheer at Cafe 2020 • Here to Rock the Stage: Seismic Step • "Pawsitivity" on Campus • Opinions: The Gym Controversy; Grateful for a Plateful • Welcoming Back Winter Sports! • UC Men's LAX Season...Loading