This document discusses serving LGBT students in higher education. It begins with an introduction to common LGBT terminology and emerging terms. It then discusses the push for diversity in higher education and shifting perceptions and demographics that have led to more support for LGBT students. However, LGBT students still face harsh realities like higher depression and suicide rates. The document provides cardinal rules and best practices for serving LGBT students, such as creating safe spaces and inclusive curriculum. It also discusses assessing campus climate and specific support for LGBT students at Penn State University and Penn State Shenango.

1. The Rainbow
Connection
Serving LGBT Students
in Higher Education
Matthew P. Ciszek
April 22, 2013
Penn State Shenango
Faculty Lecture Series
Source: Baranclesdublingalway on Flickr

2. INTRODUCTION
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3. The Alphabet Soup
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4. The “Standard” Terms
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Source: ericwagner on Flickr

6. Emerging Terminology
Queer
Genderqueer
Intersex
Pansexual
Heterosexist/heterosexism
Cisgender/Cisist/cisism
Heteronormative/Cisnormative

7. LGBT COMMUNITY AND HIGHER
EDUCATION
Source: wallyg on Flickr

8. Push for Diversity
Diversity has become a goal of higher ed
in past 40 years
Diverse points of view enrich the
educational experience
Furthering social justice and
socioeconomic equality
Centrality in mission statements,
strategic plans, and educational priorities
Source: OregonDOT on Flickr

9. State of Diversity in IHEs
Support for “historically
underrepresented” groups
These groups include racial minorities,
ethnic minorities, and women
Only beginning to consider the how to
support and represent other groups
Source: nathangibbs on Flickr

10. Shifting Perceptions
Multiculturalism on Campus (2011):
Diversity and multicultural climate is the
responsibility of whole institution
“One’s cultural identity is more than ethnicity
or race”
“Gender, age, religion, geographic identity,
and sexual orientation are equally part of the
makeup of a multicultural individual”
Source: zamber on Flickr

11. Changing Demographics
Typical age at which LGBT people come
out is dropping
Increase in support groups and services
geared toward LGBT teens
Younger generations more accepting of
LGBT people and supportive of LGBT
rights
Source: zooboing on Flickr

12. Cultural Shifts
Wider acceptance of LGBT community in
society
IHEs recognizing LGBT students in the
admissions process
LGBT students coming to college expecting
support/services
Recognition that LGBT narrative adds to well-
rounded curriculum

13. Harsh Realities
LGBT teens face higher rates of depression
and suicide
LGBT teens less likely to go to college than
straight peers
Although support exists, many LGBT students
unaware of or hesitant to use it
Heteronormative narrative dominates, and
heterosexist attitudes abound
Source: mykalburns on Flickr

14. SERVING LGBT STUDENTS
Source: truebritl on Flickr

15. Cardinal Rules
1. Make no assumptions.
2. Know your students.
3. Develop relationships.
4. Engage with “non-normative” groups.
5. Develop programs/services widely.
6. Improve terminology and discourse.
7. Embrace change!
Source: stevensnodgrass on Flickr

16. Best Practices
Creation of “safe spaces” in the classroom where
LGBT students can have open discussion
Inclusion of LGBT themes in curriculum or
classroom instruction
Training faculty/staff on sensitivity and awareness
of LGBT issues
Partnering with campus LGBT groups and
resource centers
Developing a minor in LGBT/Queer Studies
Source: fireflythegreat on Flickr

17. Campus Climate
Campus Pride, Inc. advocates for more
inclusive educational experiences that are
“welcoming and respectful of LGBT and Ally
people”
Campus Climate Index gives ratings for IHEs on
“friendliness” toward LGBT/allies
Campus Pride provides resources and research
for faculty and student affairs staff
Source: johhlegear on Flickr

18. Penn State University
Commission on LGBT Equity
LGBTA Student Resource Center
LGBT Support Network
“Straight Talks”, Workshops, and Other
Programming
Sexuality and Gender Studies Minor
Source: pennstatelive on Flickr

19. University Libraries
LGBT Resource Guide
LGBT Databases and Collections
Selector for LGBT Materials
University Libraries Diversity Committee
LGBT Collections/Services at Campuses

20. Penn State Shenango
Rainbow Lions/Shenango GSA
Diversity-related Courses
ENGL 245: Introduction to Gay and Lesbian
Studies
LGBT Support Network
LGBT-related Programming/Services

21. QUESTIONS?
Source: jamison on Flickr

22. THANK YOU!
Matthew P. Ciszek
Head Librarian
Penn State Shenango
mpc16@psu.edu