The inclusion of LGBTQ students in higher education contexts: Current issues and new horizons for research

Introduction. A number of legislative changes has taken place in the last years (e.g., Linee guida sulle modalità di funzionamento dei “Comitati Unici di Garanzia per le pari opportunità, la valorizzazione del benessere di chi lavora e contro le discriminazioni; Act 183 of 2010), providing finally legitimacy to many issues that were previously not part of equalities agenda in Italy, such as the inclusion of LGBTQ students in higher education contexts. While being an emerging concern in our country, issues around discrimination against LGBTQ people within UK and US universities have received considerable attention in the literature of the last two decades. The aim of this contribution is to provide a synthesis of the available international literature in order to identify the aspects that are considered to be pertinent to LGBTQ students inclusivity. Method. Studies focusing on campus climate for LGBTQ people were selected by searching on PsycARTICLES, PsycInfo, Web of Science. Three main areas were identified: a) perceptions and experiences of LGBTQ people, b) perceptions about LGBTQ people and their experiences, and c) the status of policies and programs designed to improve the academic, living and work experiences of LGBTQ people on campus. Results. Sexual-minority students on college or university campuses encounter unique challenges because of how they are perceived and treated as a result of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These negative experiences have a negative impact on their physical and mental health, as well as on their academic success. Conclusion. Universities have a legal responsibility to promote equality opportunities for all students. We highlight the need of developing evidence-based tools that can be used in Italian higher education contexts to assess the degree to which they could be considered “inclusive” environments and how to eventually adapt their programs and policies to improve LGBTQ students inclusivity.