Becoming men : how gay and bisexual college males navigate masculinity on campus

Abstract

This study is a qualitative examination of the development of masculine gender identities in gay and bisexual male students enrolled at a state institution in the Midwest. Seven male students volunteered to participate in the study. Results showed participants' ability to adapt gender expressions based on environment, the positive effects of coming out, and the importance of a positive campus climate toward sexual minorities. Recommendations include a call for offices and services directed at LGBT students to encourage students' gender identity development, particularly in helping male students to understand how sexism and heterosexism work to oppress them as men as well as for greater collaboration among professionals to develop students' identities holistically.