Understanding the Experiences of Southeast Asian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual College Students

This study focuses on the experiences of Southeast Asian (SEA) lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) college students through the theoretical framework of intersectionality. Research shows that many SEA students live below the poverty line, have higher high school dropout rates, and are underrepresented on college campuses. For students identifying with multiple identities such as being SEA and LGB, they have added complexities to how they make sense, meaning, and navigate in educational spaces that lack representation and inclusiveness. Through the participant stories, this study helps educational practitioners understand the struggles of SEA LGB college students. The qualitative narrative inquiry study uncovers the misconception that all Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) excel in academics and thrive economically. When disaggregating AAPI data, it shows that SEA subgroups are living in poverty and do not graduate high school at the same rate of their AAPI counterparts.