“I Don’t Always See a Future for Me Here”: Oppressive Political Pressures on LGBTQ+ College Students’ Well-Being

Authors

• Jodi Linley, University of IowaFollow
• Olivia M. Copeland, University of KansasFollow
• Kathleen J. Buell, University of IowaFollow
• Cindy Ann Kilgo, Indiana UniversityFollow
• Megan Pendleton, Colorado State UniversityFollow
• Alex C. Lange, Colorado State UniversityFollow
• N F. Tennessen, University of IowaFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1758-9520

Abstract

In recent decades, colleges have broadly supported LGBTQ+ students. Now, institutions have shuttered LGBTQ+ initiatives in response to political pressures, with little consideration for the effects on students. This study answers the question, what current policy factors do LGBTQ+ college students describe as affecting their well-being, and in what ways? We analyzed 426 responses from a multi-institution study of LGBTQ+ students. By and large, students feel anxious and fearful as they navigate the current climate. Our analysis illustrated numerous factors, from the President and his administration to states and general emboldened violence, and the real and potential consequences of those factors. Implications point to reallocation of funds to strengthen mental health services, establish emergency aid programs, and support student organizing.

Methodological Approach

Qualitative

DOI

https://doi.org/10.60808/k2wm-dx23

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Linley, J., Copeland, O. M., Buell, K. J., Kilgo, C. A., Pendleton, M., Lange, A. C., & Tennessen, N. F. (2026). “I Don’t Always See a Future for Me Here”: Oppressive Political Pressures on LGBTQ+ College Students’ Well-Being. Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.60808/k2wm-dx23

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