Abstract
The development of sound, reliable, valid, and meaningful questions that assess sexual orientation and gender identity have been the topic of discussion among many organizations, institutes, and governmental agencies. For the college-aged population, good questions on college surveys are not only necessary for accurately measuring the size of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and otherwise not-heterosexual, not-cisgender) population, but are also an important first step in informing college-wide policies, initiatives, and human services related to student health and wellness. Using data from a large, ongoing longitudinal study of the behavioral and emotional health of college students at a public university in the mid-Atlantic states, this paper examines the impact of expanding the sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions to be more accurate, inclusive, and diverse. With a specific focus on the concept of flourishing (Keyes, 2008), this project highlights how LGB students significantly differ from TQIA+ students in their overall wellbeing and have very specific needs from college services that are not traditionally covered by “lesbian, gay and bisexual” programming and initiatives. Based on these findings, we discuss best practices for SOGI data collection of college students, as well as suggestions for more innovative and comprehensive services for sexual and gender expansive students.
Presenters
B. Ethan M. CostonAssistant Professor, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States Ris Rodina
Student, Master of Public Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Physiology, Kinesiology and Psychology of Wellness in its Social Context
KEYWORDS
LGBT, LGBTQ, SOGI, Sexuality, Gender, Surveys, Survey Methodologies, Measurement, Flourishing
Digital Media
This presenter hasn’t added media.
Request media and follow this presentation.
