Experiences of University Students Having LGBT Identities in Turkey


Creative Commons License

Gökçe İ., Şahin Fırat N.

International Journal on New Trends in Education and Their Implications, cilt.14, sa.2, ss.66-80, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

This study aims to explore the educational, social and individual experiences and expectations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students at various universities in Turkey. The study evaluated whether LGBT students try to conceal their identities; have difficulties making friends without prejudices; suffer negative reactions from friends and are exposed to bullying. Additionally, the effects of these problems on them and their actions to solve those problems have been examined within the scope of sub-problems of the study. A qualitative research design is used in the study, in which the data were gathered through a semi-structured interview format from 23 LGBT students. Participants in the study were recruited through the snowball sampling method. In this method, one or a few participants are initial ones, and they are asked to recommend some other participants to join the study (Parker et al, 2019). The results showed that even in the 21st century, LGBT students experience serious problems, and are looking forward to practical solutions and responses being made to address their expectations.