Exploring Their Stories: A Phenomenological Study of the Social and Cultural Experiences of Gay and Lesbian Students Attending an HBC

Abstract Research that exclusively addresses the lived social and cultural experiences of gay and lesbian students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) remains scarce. HBCUs are perceived as unwelcoming towards gay and lesbian students and are considerably behind PWI's with regards to providing supportive and affirming spaces for queer students (Lenning, 2017). The perceived lack of support for LGBT students at HBCUs may stem from 'institutional homophobia' or the dismissal of the legitimacy of gay and lesbian students (Patton, 2011). According to Palmer and Young (2012), HBCUs are particularly effective at educating Black students because of their high levels of support from faculty and staff, mentorship relationships, and the overall campus climate of support and caring for students. However, not all students attending HBCUs receive equal levels of support. Although studies of the experiences of LGBT students at HBCU campuses are limited, they do reveal that LGBT students face unique challenges related to the culture and campus climate of HBCUs, and moreover they struggle to find safe spaces that affirm their sexual orientation or gender identity (Lenning, 2017). Seven students attending an HBCU were interviewed for this study and met the following criteria: (a) a current enrolled undergraduate student at the HBCU being studied (b) self-identify and fully disclose as gay or lesbian. The researcher conducted semi-structured individual interviews in person, and a semi-structured focus group with participants. Each interview was audio recorded to gain insight into the lived experiences of gay and lesbian students attending an HBCU, as perceived by the students. Data analysis procedures followed a modified version of Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method (1978) and a modified version of steps included in Moustakas's (1994) modified Van Kaam method of analysis of phenomenological data. The theoretical framework used to guide this study was queer theory. Through the use of this framework the researcher captured the lived cultural and social experiences of gay and lesbian students attending an HBCU whom experienced discrimination, marginalization, and homophobia. Queer theory also created a platform for gay or lesbian students to share their stories and their voices to be heard which allowed the researcher to gain a better understanding of their overall lived experience at their HBCU. Consequently, the information revealed by current undergraduate gay and lesbian students at an HBCU may assist HBCU leaders and senior administrators who aspire to create an HBCU campus culture that is affirming and welcoming to LGBTQ student identities.