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Special Issues for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual, and Transgender Students

Self Esteem and Identity

• Students face normal developmental tasks of developing identity with the additional stress of forging a positive gay, lesbian or bisexual identity.
• Self-esteem is affected by attempting to identify with a lifestyle that many view as disgusting, immoral, abnormal or immature.
• Many students face this struggle without the support of family or friends, fearing rejection if they "come out."
• "Passing" as heterosexual lowers self-esteem.
• LGBT students may not feel comfortable using University Counseling Services for fear that staff will not be receptive to their needs.
• LGBT students may have difficulty identifying positive LGBT role models.

Religion and Spirituality

• College is a time for questioning and exploring the role of religion in one's life.
• Many religious and spiritual traditions prohibit or sanction homosexual feelings or behavior.
• LGBT students may struggle finding a religious community where they feel accepted.
• Some LGBT students may feel that they cannot “come out” and still be a part of their religious tradition.

Relationships and Intimacy

• Gay, lesbian and bisexual students have a more difficult time identifying potential romantic partners because of fears of being "out."
• Gay, lesbian and bisexual students lack the institutional support for the development of relationships (e.g., school sponsored dances and social events, fraternity/sorority functions).
• Relationships are under more stress because they are often hidden, and the persons involved may be at different points in their identity development as gay, lesbian or bisexual.
• Resources such as domestic violence or rape crisis hotlines may be geared only to meet the needs of heterosexual students.
• LGBT students may be hesitant to reveal orientation to roommates or hallmates in dorms.

Academic Issues

• Academic progress can be affected by the stress and social isolation often experienced by gay, lesbian and bisexual students.
• LGBT students report harassment based on their orientation by professors or teaching assistants.
• LGBT students may face financial difficulties as they are “cut off” financially after coming out to family members. This may result in students dropping out of school or working part time jobs to pay for tuition and living expenses.
• LGBT students are more likely to drop out of school.
• LGBT may be hesitant to take classes in department that are seen as less accepting.

Career Issues

• Societal attitudes sometimes limit career choices for gay, lesbian and bisexual students who want to be open about their lifestyle in the workplace (e.g., school teachers).
• Geographic considerations may be more salient for gay, lesbian and bisexual students who need to locate near an established gay, lesbian or bisexual community.
• LGBT students must decide if they will be “out” while job hunting. Many students who are “out” will choose to pretend to be heterosexual in interviews and will remove involvement in LGBT organizations from resumes.

Health Issues

• LGBT students are more likely to abuse substances than their straight peers.
• LGBT students are more likely to suffer from depression and more likely to attempt suicide.
• LGBT students may find that student health centers are not knowledgeable about their health needs.

Questions, Comments? Email us at lgbt@unc.edu