3 Questions LGBT Students Wish Their Teachers Would Ask

Going back to school can be an exciting time, but when you're queer and not out of the closet, it can cause a lot of anxiety. You may feel like you have to conform to certain standards of gender, or dress a certain way. The Chronicle of Higher Education released a video today that asked LGBT students what they wish their professors would ask them. 

Watch the video here: 

Ask Me – What LGBTQ College Students Want Their Teachers to know from Chronicle of Higher Education on Vimeo.

Here are 3 questions these LGBT students wish their teachers would ask:

1. How do you identify?

A trans student in the video describes the fear of being misgendered or getting called by their legal name. They would like it if their teachers asked them what their preferred pronouns are because it would make things less awkward in the classroom. 

2. Are you aware of LGBT-friendly campus programs?

One student said that she wished HBCU's had more support for LGBTQ students. Another student said that schools need more resources and staff members who can lead LGBT-friendly programs on campus. 

3. What are you excited to learn about?

Each student said they wanted a safe environment. When you're "open," then it "brings you out," said one student. Another student said that there was an instance when she was expected to wear a dress for a speech day, but she was allowed to wear slacks and a bow-tie, and that experience made her feel safe.