Pentaris, Panagiotis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5593-8555, Dudley, Alan, Evans, David, Hockham, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9362-1137, Yau, Carmen, Matthews, Kasandra Renee and Hassan, Rania (2024) An exploration of lived experiences of sexually and gender diverse staff members in higher education: a case study. Journal of Homosexuality. ISSN 0091-8369 (Print), 1540-3602 (Online) (doi:10.1080/00918369.2024.2370321)

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Abstract

Sexually and gender diverse staff in Higher Education
Institutions may experience a sense of belonging and accep-
tance in inclusive environments, but may also face discrimina-
tion and bias, leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion. This
paper reports on findings from 40 in-depth interviews and six
focus group discussions with LGBTQIA+ self-identified staff
members in a HEI and LGBTQIA+ allies who may identify as
LGBTQIA+ themselves. Findings reveal that first impressions
when joining a university as a staff member may have a long-
lasting effect, while both positive and negative experiences are
present. Further, a pattern is developed among gay men who
may be placing more emphasis on their relationship with line
managers, which can be supportive but at times toxic, unsup-
portive and inattentive. In addition to this, the findings highlight
discrimination faced by staff, its impact on their wellbeing, and
the significance of visibility and representation. This paper con-
cludes that lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ staff members in
Higher Education continue to be mixed with a high percentage
of staff experiencing discrimination, primarily in the form of
microaggressions, but institutions need to be more pro-active
to foster safe spaces for all with more inclusive policies and
practices.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	LGBTQIA+, gender, sexuality, higher education, case study
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Inequalities Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Stage and Screen
Last Modified:	15 Aug 2024 08:36
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/47671

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