Year of Publication
2021
Competition Category
Social Sciences
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School
English
Abstract
This paper takes a look at the culture surrounding the LGBTQ community at the University of Kentucky and the university’s efforts to make the campus more safe and inclusive for LGBTQ students. The resources offered by the Office of LGBTQ* Resources are analyzed as well as the current infrastructure in place to determine whether or not the University of Kentucky is doing enough. Various solutions are provided including the addition of a course in the UK Core, the inclusion of an event centered on diversity during freshman orientations, and the construction of gender-neutral bathrooms for transgender and gender-nonconforming students. Interviews with students and faculty of the University of Kentucky were conducted in order to determine the best courses of action. It is concluded that while efforts have been made, the university has still not met the needs and demands of its LGBTQ students, and more needs to be done in the future.
Recommended Citation
Barton, Colton, "Are We Doing Enough?: A Look at Current Issues Affecting LGBTQ Students at the University of Kentucky" (2021). Oswald Research and Creativity Competition. 37.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/oswald/37
Notes
Colton Barton won the second place in the Social Sciences category. He is enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences and in the Lewis Honors College. His majors are English and Gender & Women’s Studies.
Dr. Zada Komara was the faculty mentor.