Identity Centers: Perceptions and Affiliations

Abstract

Although colleges and universities have taken great strides towards more progressive and safer campuses, many students still face social isolation, harassment, and violence as a result of their gender or sexual orientation. Fortunately, many campuses provide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, (LGBT) and female students with resources that greatly improve their experiences. However, past research has suggested that campus-based identity centers are still being underutilized and face five key problems: visibility, administration support, attitudes towards feminism or LGBT issues, participation, and differential leadership development. The present study examined these factors through the use of a anonymous questionnaire and the recruiting of individuals from populations that do and do not affiliate with campus-based identity centers. Findings will allow scholars to better understand both student’s perceived needs and motivations and the factors that promote or inhibit the engagement of female students and LGBT students with college-based LGBT and women’s centers.