The Impact of Membership in a Support Group for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Students

Many young people are enrolled in colleges and universities during the time they explore their sexual orientation. Although most gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth find ways of achieving positive and healthy identities as adults, many struggle and experience isolation and loneliness. A student organization which provides support for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students may help students through difficult times and facilitate the development of a positive identity. In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 gay, lesbian, and bisexual students at a small, church-affiliated university to explore how their membership in a support group affected them. Benefits from group membership include meeting and being with others like themselves; having mentor relationships with other gays, lesbians, and bisexuals; and learning about issues related to homosexuality, all of which can have a positive impact on identity formation.