Content area
Abstract
The foundation of this study examined the ways in which queer women resist the homophobic and heterosexist culture in higher education. Queer is defined as fluidity in sexuality and gender. This study examined the life histories of five queer women who attended an institution of higher education in the South in order to describe their self-identity with regard to sexuality and gender and to describe their experiences with homophobia and heterosexism on campus.
The data collection for this study was collected through a series of one-on-one interviews as well as participant observation. Analysis of the data revealed several themes. The stories of these participants revealed their self-identity in terms of 'coming out' to intersections with race, class, family, religion, and regionality. The study also revealed instances of homophobia and heterosexism on campus.
The concluding chapter of this study reviews implications for policy and practice in higher education institutions with regard to their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ students.
