Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation: Research, Policy, and Personal Perspectives

Although many issues must be addressed in understanding and responding to the needs of LGBT students, faculty, and staff, no road maps provide clear directions for how to proceed. This volume describes current issues, research, and policies, and seeks to assist institutions of higher education in their search for ways to support, and foster the success of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender college students, and to nurture LGBT faculty and staff. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, faculty, and staff have always been a vital part of the history of American universities. Homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism in the academy have, however, led to discrimination, harassment, and violence, as well as to more subtle incidents of exclusion, marginalization, and silence. Academic environments inhospitable to LGBT students, faculty, and staff also have stilted scholarship, teaching, and outreach in the pursuit of knowledge about LGBT lives. This is the 111th issue of the quarterly report series New Directions for Student Services.