SJSU International Student and Scholars Faculty Training

Supporting LGBTQ+ International Students Kyoung Mi Choi & Robert Marx (she/her) (he/him) February 21, 2020

Objectives • By the end of this presentation, we will be able to: – Understand basic terminology that describes a variety of experiences and identities – Explain the experiences of our queer students across contexts in nuanced, multifaceted ways – Describe the necessary actions for creating positive, affirming, and queer spaces for all youth

The Letters‌

http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-33036-is_it_ok_to_say_que

Key Terms

6 Sexual Orientation Myths Myth 1. Homosexuality is a mental illness.

Myth 2. Early Sexual experiences are indicative of one's sexual orientation as an adult.

Myth 3. We know what causes sexual orientation.

Myth 4. Gay men and lesbian women have many more sexual partners than heterosexuals.

Myth 5. You can spot a gay man or lesbian woman by the way they act and dress.

Myth 6. Gay people are not good parents as they introduce their children to their “lifestyle;� their children will grow up to be gay.

International Lens When working with queer students, it’s important to consider:

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What are the laws like in their home country?

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What are the norms around gender and sexuality in their home country?

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What kinds of culture clashes or new ideas might they be exposed to on campus?

Source: INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, IIE and OPENING MINDS TO THE WORLD https://www.iie.org/en/Research-and-Insights/Open-Doors/Fact-Sheets-and-Infographics/Infographics

Most Common Issues 1) Fear of Consequences after Returning Home 2) Unfamiliarity with LGBTQI +Terminology 3) Diversity within International Groups 4) Lack of Sense of Belonging and Community 5) Invisibility and Silence 6) Saving Face (Help Seeking Behaviors) 7) DifďŹ culties in Developing Intimate Relationships 8) Lack of Knowledge of Resources and Own Needs 9) Legal Issues (Visas, Same-Sex Partners) 10) Internalized Homophobia*, Discrimination, Isolation, and Violence

Culturally Sensitive Approaches Taking diverse roles – educator, advisor, mentor, advocate, ally, etc.

Proactively reach out to LGBT international individuals – support groups, events (international festival), print materials, visual signs (various languages), institution webpages, forums, international safe zone workshops or training sessions.

Join international and national professional organizations and associations (NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest Group, ACPA, PFLG, Human Right Campaign (HRC) and be active/visible.

Create more inclusive international resource handbook that include descriptions of the LBGT communities with on and off campus resources and campus policies including nondiscrimination statements.