Illinois State University ISU ReD: Research and eData Theses and Dissertations 6-5-2013 The Essential Value of LGBT Resource Centers Matthew Raymond Damschroder Illinois State University,
[email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd Part of the Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons Recommended Citation Damschroder, Matthew Raymond, "The Essential Value of LGBT Resource Centers" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 446. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/446 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by ISU ReD: Research and eData. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ISU ReD: Research and eData. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. THE ESSENTIAL VALUE OF LGBT RESOURCE CENTERS Matthew R. Damschroder 464 Pages Through the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ students on three campuses, this study provides evidence of the essential value of LGBT Centers as they advocate for and empower LGBTQ+ students. Grounded in theories of college student development, identity development, and Queer theory, the qualitative study draws on 35 semi- structured interviews with students and staff involved with LGBT Centers on three campuses that broadly reflect the diversity of higher education in the United States. In particular, the study answers the following questions: What are historical and current contexts of LGBT Centers? What is the nature of campus climate contexts for LGBTQ+ students? Who are the Centers for and what purposes do they serve? What are the policies, programs, services and daily practices around advocacy and identity affirmation? What skills and strategies are taught through Center interaction that help LGBTQ+ students mitigate microaggressions, obstacles and barriers related to identity? The study explores campus climate for LGBTQ+ students, and campus spaces that reflect inclusionary and exclusionary practices.