The Category Is…Transformational Inclusion: A Conceptual Framework for (Re)imagining the Inclusion of Black Queer and Trans* Students Attending HBCUs

Abstract

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) possess a long-standing history of asserting their voices in the fight against numerous injustices within the American, international, and black context. Despite HBCUs' engagement in these affairs, much more advocacy and action at HBCUs are needed to promote the inclusion of their black queer and trans* students. Evidence from studies centered on the experiences of black queer students at HBCUs suggests the need for HBCUs to develop transformational policies and practices. Thus, creating transformational policies and practices could potentially promote the full, uninhibited participation of black queer and trans* students. To that end, this conceptual chapter employs Abes (2009) theoretical borderlands concept to (re)imagine the inclusion of black queer and trans* students at HBCUs. Namely, the transformational tapestry model (Rankin & Reason, 2008), a quare theory framework (QTF; Ferguson, 2004; Johnson, 2005; Johnson & Henderson, 2005), and traditional heterogendered institutions concept (Preston & Hoffman, 2015) are presented in this chapter as a vehicle for (re)imaging this transformational inclusion. By bridging these theoretical frameworks together, I seek to illuminate how HBCU campuses can systematically address queer and trans* student inclusion, protections, and empowerment on these campuses. At the conclusion of this chapter, I offer ways in which this conceptual framework can assist in increasing the enrollment, retention, persistence, engagement, and graduation of black queer and trans* students at HBCUs.