How does heterosexism impact LGBTIQ students?

Impacts on LGBTIQ students may include:

• making LGBTIQ students feel as though their identities, sexualities and gender identities are invisible or non-existent;

• making LGBTIQ students feel as though they are unlikely to succeed in a career in their chosen field due to the lack of LGBTIQ representation. This can limit a student’s potential and ambition;

• reinforcing students’ feelings of guilt, isolation and difference which can have detrimental effects on their mental health and social well-being;

• reinforcing fear of negative reactions to, or lack of understanding about, theisexuality or gender identity; and/or

• increasing fear of rejection and discrimination by family, friends, service providers and authority figures.

Heterosexism can also negatively impact on non-LGBTIQ identifying students by signaling to them that:

• heterosexism is acceptable and is less significant than other forms of oppressions;

• LGBTIQ experiences are irrelevant or unimportant;

• heterosexuality is the normal standard which students should uphold;

• Incidences of homo/bi/trans-phobia are acceptable responses to LGBTIQ communities and experiences; and/or

• LGBTIQ people are lesser, rightfully excluded, insignificant and invisible.

By being aware of heterosexism, you can begin to help LGBTIQ students by:

• validating their existence and experiences;

• reinforcing their value and self-worth;

• providing space for their voices; and

• encouraging them to see themselves in the content you are discussing.

In being aware of heterosexism in the tertiary environment, you can help all students by:

• exposing them to more inclusive and accurate accounts of history and human experience;

• helping them have a better understanding of LGBTIQ people and their contributions to society;

• encouraging them to question stereotypes about LGBTIQ people; and

• promoting acceptance of and respect for all people.