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“Why Do I Need to Worry Every Minute?”: Jewish LGBQ College Students and their Experiences at Midwestern Universities
Kirschner, Ira Lev
Kirschner, Ira Lev
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Abstract
This study examined the identity disclosure and campus experiences of current LGBQ Jewish undergraduate students studying at four different midwestern universities. This research was important as it studied the experiences of college students who hold two minoritized identities, which are often difficult to reconcile regardless of external acceptance, and yet are also influenced by external acceptance. The research aimed to shed light on the experiences of this overlooked student group to strengthen or improve their campus experiences.The research method used qualitative interviews. Interviews were conducted virtually for 12 Jewish LGBQ undergraduate students who were current students at four midwestern universities of comparable size, population, and characteristics. Following analysis, the research was able to present meaningful positive and negative experiences of LGBQ Jewish college students in this study. The study participants shared their dilemmas regarding identity disclosure on campus, which sometimes forced them to choose between prioritizing their safety or their pride. The participants also shared affirming and non-affirming experiences in identity spaces on campus and among their social communities, which influenced their feelings of rejection or belonging. Finally, the study participants reflected on their culminative identity experiences on campus, and the most significant ways that they have felt embraced or excluded on campus.The implications of this study were that students in the Midwest, including minoritized students, may need additional education on minoritized identities. Christian and heterosexual privilege exists on campus, and should be curbed in order to support students who do not benefit from that privilege. There are various levels of acceptance and affirmation, and what was celebrated in the past may no longer be enough today. Finally, there is a problem of antisemitism masquerading as antizionism on campuses, especially in liberal and LGBTQ spaces.
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Date
2023-01-01
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University of Kansas
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This item contains archived web content.
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990724_1.pdf
Adobe PDF, 1.13 MB
- Embargoed until 2173-05-31
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Keywords
Higher education administration, Judaic studies, LGBTQ studies, Education, Identity, Jewish, LGBTQ, Student, Universities