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

Jodi Linley; Olivia M Copeland; Kathleen J Buell; Cindy Ann Kilgo; Megan Pendleton; Alex C Lange; N F Tennessen

doi:10.60808/k2wm-dx23

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

Journal article

Open access

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

Jodi Linley, Olivia M Copeland, Kathleen J Buell, Cindy Ann Kilgo, Megan Pendleton, Alex C Lange and N F Tennessen

Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education, Vol.3(3), 3

01/01/2026

DOI: 10.60808/k2wm-dx23

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https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/jqtsie/vol3/iss3/3/View

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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.

Education

and Transgender Studies

Bisexual

ecological systems

Gay

Gender and Sexuality

Lesbian

LGBTQ + students

political climate

student success

well-being

Details

Title: Subtitle: “I Don’t Always See a Future for Me Here”: Oppressive Political Pressures on LGBTQ+ College Students’ Well-Being
Creators: Jodi Linley
Olivia M Copeland
Kathleen J Buell
Cindy Ann Kilgo
Megan Pendleton
Alex C Lange
N F Tennessen
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of Queer and Trans Studies in Education, Vol.3(3), 3
DOI: 10.60808/k2wm-dx23
ISSN: 2837-9659
Publisher: VCU Scholars Compass
Language: English
Date published: 01/01/2026
Academic Unit: Educational Policy and Leadership Studies
Record Identifier: 9985176652202771

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