LGBTQ+ college students with disabilities: demographic profile and perceptions of well-being

Abstract

Few scholars have examined the experiences of LGBTQ+ college students with disabilities, but the available evidence indicating poor mental and physical health, underutilization of disability accommodations, and frequent marginalization presents cause for concern. In this descriptive study, we analyze survey data from 140 LGBTQ + college students with disabilities in the United States and provide demographics as well as exploration of indicators of well-being, including campus climate. Findings detail how students use multiple terms to describe their sexual and gender identities, report low use of accommodations, assess their physical health positively but also report concerning mental health symptoms, and experience more environmental than interpersonal microaggressions. Implications for educators, researchers, and advocates for LGBTQ + students with disabilities will be discussed.