International Safe Zone
Learning more about the intersectionality and complexity of international LGBTQ+ and providing a virtual safe place to learn and explore their sexual and affectional identity.
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The Invisibility of International LGBTQ+ Students on U.S. Campuses
International LGBTQ+ students face issues with internalized homophobia, fear of persecution upon repatriation, coming out decisions and finding a supportive social and cultural community, in addition to the commonly identified challenges among international students. This would be particularly true for international students from countries where non-heterosexual identities are less accepted or even persecuted. The death penalty can be imposed for same-sex intimacy in 11 of them, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan. Hate crimes (e.g., killing, torturing, incarceration) targeting LGBT individuals are still prevalent in many international communities.
A Phenomenological Approach to Understanding Sexual Minority College Students in South Korea
We used a phenomenological approach to explore 12 sexual minority Korean college students’ coming out experiences. Emergent themes from in-depth interviews included (a) expression of universal needs, (b) awareness of sociocultural violence, (c) coping strategies, and (d) cocreating an inclusive culture. These four themes characterize interactions of sociocultural factors, such as gender norms, sexual prejudice, and education with sexual identity development. Findings provide an understanding of the importance of developing effective and empowering strategies for counseling.
What I Learned When I Came Out to My Asian Mother
“ We all have a story to share, and I believe knowing someone’s story creates connection. That’s why coming out connects us, not threatens us.”
There was a time when coming out was the worst thing I could imagine doing to my Asian family. I was terrified to bring shame, guilt, and dishonor to them, to burden them with my truth. Even the thought of telling my family who I was made me feel very selfish. I told myself that I was silent about my sexual orientation to protect the family from judgment and discrimination. So instead of sharing my confusion and the struggles of exploring my sexual orientation, I distanced myself from the people, places, and things I loved…