Date of Award
12-1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Education
First Advisor
Amy Wells Dolan
Second Advisor
Patrick Perry
Third Advisor
Kerry Melear
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
While LGBTQ+ visibility on college campuses has increased, LGBTQ+ students still report negative experiences, particularly in residential environments where harassment and unwelcoming attitudes are common (Kortegast, 2017; Pryor, Ta, & Hart, 2016). Previous studies have shown that LGBTQ+ individuals often conceal their identities in residence halls due to discomfort, further diminishing their feelings of safety and connection to the campus community (Blakmon, O’Hara, & Viars, 2020; Pryor, Ta, & Hart, 2016). Despite efforts to implement inclusive policies, little research has explored the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in male-assigned residence halls, especially in states like Mississippi with gender-segregated housing requirements (Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, n.d.). Further research is needed to better understand these students’ experiences and inform more inclusive practices.
This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals residing in male-assigned residence halls at a public university in Mississippi. The findings revealed three central themes: Belonging with Boundaries, highlighting how students sought connection while managing safety and privacy concerns; Masking Masculinity, demonstrating how participants modified their self-expression to navigate hypermasculine environments; and Symbolism to Sustained Support, showing the importance of visible and consistent institutional signals of inclusion. These results illustrate how masculinity and hall culture shape LGBTQ+ students’ residential experiences and point to the need for housing professionals to adopt more intentional, supportive practices. The study contributes to the limited literature on LGBTQ+ students in male-assigned housing and offers insight for developing more inclusive residential policies and environments.
Recommended Citation
Reda, Bri, "The Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ Individuals Living in Male Residential Spaces in The South" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3528.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3528