How Does it Feel to be a Problem? : Race, Sexuality and the Black College

Abstract

This project examines the climate of the Historically Black College as it pertains to acceptance of sexual minorities. Many studies have tested for attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups at Predominantly White Universities (PWUs), but have failed to inlcude Black higher education in the discussion. This study fills the scholarly gap addressing students' attitudes towards lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) persons at the site of the Historically Black College. The objective of this project is to examine why attitudes towards LGB groups might be different on the campus of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in comparison to Predominantly White Universities. In addition, this study aims to open an academic segue to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the greater scholarly dialogue regarding sexual minorities and higher education.