Lived Experiences of Gay and Lesbian Adolescents on their Way to Achieving Self-actualization: Basis for the Development of U-Bahaghari: A University-Based LGBT Advocacy Program

Abstract

As part of the marginalized and minority group, members of the LGBTQ++ community have a lot of different experiences compared to heterosexual males and females. Being in the stage of identity formation, adolescent gays and lesbians have conflicting and complicated experiences. Their motivation to achieve self-actualization is affected by societal expectations and peer influences. This study aimed to explore how adolescent gays and lesbians try to achieve self-actualization and how the school environment could assist them since they spend most of their time inside the walls of educational institutions. This is done by using thematic analysis. The results indicate that self-worth, gender, coming-out, and motivation are the dominant themes related to the self-actualization of gay and lesbian adolescents. The results also indicated that an inclusive campus climate could promote self-actualization. The role of peers, family members, and the school community is very important in the process. A program that includes a proposed school policy for members of the LGBTQ++ community had been developed in response to the results of the current study. It is recommended that schools should take into consideration the LGBTQ++ students in formulating policies for the entire student body. Schools should also promote the creation of groups and facilitation of activities for LGBTQ++ students.