Understanding the Experience of GLBT Students at IU

1. Understanding the Experience of GLBT Students at IU By Brad Stepp, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist Counseling & Psychological Services IU Health Center

2. Basic Terms • Gender: the social construction of masculinity and femininity in a specific culture. • Gender Identity: how someone understands themselves or feels inside. • Gender Expression: external social cues that can be read as male or female or something else.

3. Basic Terms continued • Sex (aka Biological Sex): either of the two major forms of individuals that occur in many species and that are distinguished respectively as “female” or “male.” • Sexual Identity (Sexual Orientation): the sexual, affectional, emotional, and/or romantic interest toward a gender and/or genders.

4. Challenges faced by GLBT students • Persons who define as being a member of the GLBT communities face stigma. • As a result, GLBT people may face unique risks to their mental health and well-being.

5. Challenges faced by the GLBT communities • Most research suggests that GLBT people are likely to be at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (Omoto, A.M, Kurtzman, H.S., Eds. 2006). • One study found that GLBT groups are about 2.5 times more likely than heterosexual men and women to have had a mental health disorder (Cochran, S.D., Sullivan, J.G., & Mays, V.M., 2003).

6. Why are GLBT students at a greater risk? • Societal stigma, prejudice, and discrimination from… • Society • Family members • Peers/classmates • Co-workers

7. Special Considerations • Homophobia & Heterosexism • Sometimes, GLBT people turn society’s negative view about them inward, or internalize it (anger/hatred toward self). • This can affect psychological well-being and can have consequences for healthy development, particularly among youth.

8. GLBT students on campus • Many GLBT students may chose to “come out” during their college experience. • For most, college is a time for learning more about oneself. • GLBT students may feel more comfortable coming out during college if the campus climate is one that is supportive of GLBT issues.

9. What does it mean to come out? • “Coming out” is the process in which a person first acknowledges, accepts, and appreciates his or her sexual orientation or gender identity and begins to share that with others. • Coming out is a continuous process and can oftentimes be risky or difficult.

10. Why Come Out? • Coming out to oneself can provide a sense of freedom and relief. • A person can find out more about who they really are and begin to reshape their life. • Coming out is more of a common experience than one might think.

11. National Coming Out Day • Every Oct. 11th is National Coming Out Day, an internationally-observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. • Many people choose this day to come out to people around them. • Those already out use this day as a time of celebration and activism.

12. The Importance of Support • When someone decides to come out, it is important for them to get support and to start building a community. • The LGBT Resource Center, student groups, and Counseling and Psychological Services are a great place to start.

13. Tips for coming out • Keep in mind that coming out is a lifelong process. • “Outing” someone else or having yourself “outed” to others unexpectedly either intentionally or not can be very painful. • One should think about how, when and where they choose to come out to someone (Coming Out Plan).

14. Tips continued • As a person comes out to friends and family, people might not all react in the same way. • As they decide whether or not to come out to a larger group (spiritual, social, local), they should think about the climate and cost. • Many GLBT people have multiple social identities that experience oppression in our society (i.e. a person of color, a woman, transgender, disabled, etc.)

15. What do I do if/when someone comes out to me? • If someone chooses you as one of the first people to come out to then they must feel close to you and trust you to a significant degree. • It is difficult to know what to say and do to be a supportive friend to someone who has come out to you.   

16. Things to do… • Thank the student for having the courage to tell you. Validate them. • Respect their confidentiality. • Tell them you still value them. The main fear for people coming out is rejection. • Ask any questions you may have, but understand that the student may not have all the answers.

17. Things to avoid… • Don’t judge the student. • Create a welcoming context for further dialogue. • Don’t be too serious.

18. What else can I do? • Become a GLBT ally. • Be a listener. • Be open-minded. • Be willing to talk. • Get involved in GLBT organizations. • Be inclusive of GLBT students.

19. Being an ally • Don't assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. • Homophobic comments and jokes are harmful (“That’s so gay”). • Confront your OWN prejudices and homophobia/heterosexism (we ALL have them), even if it is uncomfortable to do so. • Report GLBT harassment/bullying ASAP

20. Being an ally • Defend GLBT students against harassment/bullying/discrimination. • Recognize that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect. • If you see/hear GLBT people being mistreated, ask for help!

21. Internet Resources • The Human Rights Campaign www.hrc.org • Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation www.glaad.org • GLBT Student Pride www.glbtstudentpride.com • The Advocate www.advocate.com/resources.asp • Parents, Families, and Friends of LGBTQ people www.pflag.org

22. Campus Resources • IU GLBT Support Services Office www.indiana.edu/~glbt/ • IU Counseling & Psych Services healthcenter.indiana.edu/ departments/caps.html • Email me at: gstepp@indiana.edu