Intersectionality of Race and Sexuality: Inclusive School Environments and the Impact on Black LGBTQ Student Mental Health and Academic Attitude

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning [LGBTQ] students have negative school experiences around their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression that contributes to poorer mental health and academic outcomes. Black LGBTQ students are at a greater risk of adverse mental health and academic outcomes due to the increased likelihood of negative school interactions around their two minority identities. School environments that are inclusive and supportive of minority student identities can improve the mental health and academic attitude of minority students because school experiences around identities are more positive and accepting. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact access to an inclusive school environment had on the mental health and academic attitude of minority students. This research implemented a non-experimental quantitative approach to collect data analyzing the impact access to LGBTQ inclusive curriculum or a gay-straight alliance had on the suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and academic attitude of Black LGBTQ students. Data was collected from 137 LGBTQ persons using an electronic questionnaire in a quantitative approach. Frequencies in participant access to an inclusive school environment, the types of school experiences had around minority identity, and the influence of school experiences was found to impact mental health and academic attitude. Data frequencies were further analyzed using chi-square tests to determine a statistical relationship of the two research questions answering the impact of access to an inclusive school environment had on the mental health and academic attitude of Black LGBTQ students. This research brings awareness to Black LGBTQ students and LGBTQ student experiences in school around minority identity in an effort to encourage schools to support, include and represent all students.