"Harassment is a term that we (LGBTQ people) live with throughout our lives. And this harassment is ofcourse often faced in settings which have a lot of people from different walks of life and therefore schools and colleges are ironically hotbeds of harassment for many of us," shares Mala Roy (name changed on request), a transwoman. Mala was alluding to her academic years of the past.
Things have not drastically changed for the better now. "Many LGBTQ students experience ridicule or bullying in high school and may face similar or worse abuse in college. According to a recent study, three out of every four LGBTQ students have been sexually harassed at least once," says Radhika Nair who works on gender issues.
Anti-LGBTQ bigotry abuse and hatred can wreak havoc on one's physical and mental health. Victimization can rob LGBTQ survivors of their sense of safety, protection, and confidence in the world.
According to Radhika the process of 'coming out' or revealing or asserting one's gender identity is especially difficult in the high school and college stage especially because most peers are uninformed (or even ill-informed) about LGBTQ issues. In her words, "Some college students come out while questioning their identities and sexuality away from the pressures of their family or culture. But most among this group have reported very adverse and unwelcome experiences. The coming out process has merited unwelcome advances, gestures and even physical (also sexual in some cases) abuse and assault particularly in higher education institutions imparting professional courses like medicine and engineering."
Consequently students who identify as LGBTQ may spend much emotional energy anticipating this decision and coping with family and friend reactions. This often stressful process will divert time, resources, and attention away from college studies.
According to some estimates (gathered from surveys conducted globally and nationally) LGBTQ students aged 13 to 21 have disproportionately high rates of low self-esteem and depression. Many report skipping school because they are afraid of being harassed, indicating heightened anxiety.
"Many young LGBTQ people believe they are different from their peers, which can lead to social anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Since studying is difficult when you're stressed, anxious, or depressed, these mental health problems may have a negative impact on your studies," says Radhika.
The probable reasons for these issues arise from the e social stigma of homosexuality, experiences of discrimination, the difference in the lifestyles of LGBTQ people and the lack of social and family support.
Radhika says that LGBTQ youth seldom grow up in communities that share a common identity. "As a result, many LGBTQ children experience mistreatment and alienation from their families. Lack of support often exacerbates LGBTQ students' depression and loneliness. Stress in the family and a lack of encouragement will naturally make obtaining a college diploma or degree more difficult," she observes.
Some LGBTQ students' families condemn or disown them after they bravely come out. "Many financial aid applications ask questions about parents' financial standing or require a parent's signature, making it difficult for these students to qualify. Students unable to find a part-time job to support themselves in college often face financial difficulties and may even become homeless," she adds.
Another issue that LGBTQ face during their college days pertains to body image. "This is particularly true in the case of women. Since they are socialized as women, bisexual and lesbian women's experiences with body image and what they expect of themselves can be complicated. They are subject to contradictory beauty stereotypes promoted by both the mainstream and queer cultures. Traditional ideals of feminine beauty can be rejected by the women in the queer community, while alternative ideas are embraced," reveals Radhika. She goes on to state, "On the other hand queer men may struggle to attain an inflated sense of male sexuality, while queer women may struggle with contradictory ideals regarding body image and femininity. Some queer men express concern that being too overweight, thin, unattractive, or old would prevent them from finding partners or forming loving relationships."
For all students, the transition from high school to college can be challenging, but LGBTQ students are especially vulnerable. LGBT students can protect their mental wellbeing during college and beyond by learning good coping strategies, forming a supportive social network, finding support and seeking professional help if necessary.
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