Poster Session #2: South UC Ballroom
High School Experience for Sexual and Gender Minorities in Montana
Presentation Type
Poster
Abstract / Artist's Statement
High School Experience for Sexual and Gender Minorities in Montana seeks to gain insight on the experiences of LGBT students across the state of Montana. Current literature has shown that sexual and gender minorities experience a disproportionate amount of bullying in schools, as well as experience a more negative school climate. Literature also suggests that because of this negative school climate, sexual and gender minority students have a lower rate of academic success. However, no current literature is specific to the sexual and gender minority students in the state of Montana. This study serves to fill the gap in current literature by surveying sexual and gender minority students at the University of Montana, between the ages of 18-25, who went to a high school in the Montana public school system. Inspired by the work done by the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), This original survey gains to seek insight in three different areas; 1.) Demographic information about participants, 2.) Information about sexual identity and gender expression, 3.) Information pertaining to participant’s high school experience in relation to their sexual/gender minority status, including relations between peers, staff, and activities in the educational setting. This study will be quantitative with an opportunity for participants to expand on their answers in a qualitative fashion in order to gain personal narrative and perspective from participants. 6 Surveys were completed by students who fit the criterion. With such a small sample size, no statistically significant information was gathered. However, trends in the participants’ answers were congruent with GLSEN’s National data in showing an increased amount of bullying and lack of resources for students in this rural state. The data also showed a need for continued research in the area of sexual and gender minorities' school experiences in Montana.
Category
Social Sciences
High School Experience for Sexual and Gender Minorities in Montana
South UC Ballroom
High School Experience for Sexual and Gender Minorities in Montana seeks to gain insight on the experiences of LGBT students across the state of Montana. Current literature has shown that sexual and gender minorities experience a disproportionate amount of bullying in schools, as well as experience a more negative school climate. Literature also suggests that because of this negative school climate, sexual and gender minority students have a lower rate of academic success. However, no current literature is specific to the sexual and gender minority students in the state of Montana. This study serves to fill the gap in current literature by surveying sexual and gender minority students at the University of Montana, between the ages of 18-25, who went to a high school in the Montana public school system. Inspired by the work done by the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), This original survey gains to seek insight in three different areas; 1.) Demographic information about participants, 2.) Information about sexual identity and gender expression, 3.) Information pertaining to participant’s high school experience in relation to their sexual/gender minority status, including relations between peers, staff, and activities in the educational setting. This study will be quantitative with an opportunity for participants to expand on their answers in a qualitative fashion in order to gain personal narrative and perspective from participants. 6 Surveys were completed by students who fit the criterion. With such a small sample size, no statistically significant information was gathered. However, trends in the participants’ answers were congruent with GLSEN’s National data in showing an increased amount of bullying and lack of resources for students in this rural state. The data also showed a need for continued research in the area of sexual and gender minorities' school experiences in Montana.