The term "queer" is used to describe people who identify themselves outside of heteronormative gender identities and sexual orientations. Queerphobia refers to the fear, hatred, discrimination, prejudice, or bigotry against non-heterosexual people, regardless of their actual behavior, appearance, attitudes, or beliefs. Institutional queerphobia occurs when a university's policies or practices oppress queer people and promote heteronormativity. This can be done through dress codes, academic curriculum, hiring processes, research funding, and more.
Institutional queerphobia perpetuates the idea that being LGBTQ+ is wrong, immoral, sinful, sick, unnatural, deviant, abnormal, aberrant, perverted, disgusting, or criminal. It sends the message that queer people are less deserving than straight, cisgender people and should be denied access to education, employment, housing, healthcare, voting rights, and other privileges. Institutional queerphobia also perpetuates stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people as promiscuous, sexually aggressive, drug addicts, mentally ill, and criminals.
University institutions have historically been places where queer people face discrimination due to institutional structures that enforce heteronormativity.
Many universities require students to wear uniforms in order to attend classes. These rules often exclude gender non-conforming individuals who may not want to dress according to traditional binary genders. Similarly, some universities ban same-sex relationships between faculty members, creating an environment where queer people cannot live authentically.
In terms of academics, many courses use textbooks that reinforce heteronormative ideas without presenting alternative perspectives.
Course material that focuses on sexuality may omit discussion of queer identities altogether, leaving out important topics such as homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, pansexuality, asexuality, polyamory, kink, and more. This can make it difficult for queer students to feel included in their educational experience.
Queerphobic policies can limit access to research funding and publication opportunities. Queer scholars may face difficulties publishing studies that challenge the status quo or are not seen as "legitimate" because they do not adhere to mainstream norms. This can result in less diverse voices being heard and fewer opportunities for advancement in the field.
To reform institutional queerphobia, universities need to create inclusive policies that recognize and celebrate diversity. They should offer gender-neutral housing options, provide support services for LGBTQ+ students, and include queer content in academic curriculum. University administrators must also commit to hiring practices that value diversity and promote inclusion rather than relying on homogenous groups.
Universities must also take steps to address discrimination against queer staff and faculty by adopting anti-discrimination policies and providing training on issues related to queerness.
Universities need to work with researchers to ensure that all studies receive equal consideration regardless of their topic or perspective. By taking these steps, universities can create an environment where all students and employees feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
What institutional policies perpetuate queerphobia in universities, and how can they be ethically reformed?
Institutional policies that perpetuate queerphobia in universities include but are not limited to hiring practices based on heteronormative values, antiquated student code of conduct guidelines that reinforce gender binaries, discriminatory admissions processes for LGBTQ+ students, and lack of representation among faculty members who identify as part of the community.