UNVEILING MICROAGGRESSIONS ON CAMPUS: LGBTQ COLLEGE STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES AND RESPONSES

Abstract

Previous research has emphasized how addressing microaggressions on college campuses significantly impacts individuals' collegiate experiences, highlighting the negative effects these microaggressions have on mental health. There is a notable gap in understanding how these factors intersect specifically for LGBTQ college students. This study seeks to bridge this gap, guided by Minority Stress Theory (Meyer, 2003) and the Students with Minority Identities in Campus Contexts Model (Vaccaro, 2015), by exploring LGBTQ microaggressions and campus climate perception, investigating their influence on stress, depression, and anxiety levels among LGBTQ students. The findings suggest there is a relationship between negative campus climate perceptions and mental health issues, in addition to experiencing harmful microaggressions, which is indicative of a persistent challenge for LGBTQ students within collegiate environments. Our study aligns with existing literature, emphasizing the need for college officials to prioritize measures aimed at mitigating microaggressions to foster inclusive and supportive campus environments.