Abstract
In the last decade, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students have become very visible at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), but this visibility is not reflected in some colleges’ student programs and activities. Only a few notable HBCUs, such as Howard University and Spelman College, have made a concerted effort. Acknowledging that the LGBT community is significant and exists, and fostering such support, comes up against a steep wall of religious tradition and doctrines, and conservative administrations. It is imperative that HBCUs address LGBT issues and create and support a safe space for students to articulate their identity. Meanwhile, many LGBT students on these campuses find voice and understanding in Black scholars and writers such as Audre Lorde’s Zami: A New Spelling of My Name and Charles Michael Smith’s Fighting Words: Personal Essays by Black Gay Men.
Highlights
In the past, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) relied on their history and tradition to attract the best African American students
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students have become very visible at HBCUs, but this visibility is not reflected in some colleges’ student programs and activities
Only a few HBCUs are on the LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index, and of the 106 federally designated HBCUs, only 21 or 22% hosted LGBT student organizations
Summary
HBCUs have been slow to meet and respond to the needs of the LGBT community on their campuses. Some have attempted to take bold steps to normalize their campus environment by integrating the LGBT community within the larger community of the university as a whole. According to the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School’s study (Gasman, 2013), “The Changing Face of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” HBCUs are beginning to change their attitude toward LGBT students. Howard University has had an on-campus support organization for LGBT students since the 1980s. Spellman College served as an example for HBCUs when it sponsored a national conference in 2011 on HBCUs and LGBT issues. HBCUs are beginning to recognize and validate other sexualities and identities
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