Behind the desk: the experiences of LGBT higher ed. administrators

This study addressed the following questions: 1. What are the professional experiences of LGBT people working as administrators in higher education? 2. What changes in university/college climate and/or culture, if any, have occurred during their career spans regarding LGBT people working as administrators in higher education? Emergent themes included the existence of disparate microclimates towards queer administrators within the different University departments and levels. The second major theme was the use of passing and covering by some LGBT administrators as a means for professional survival. The personal stories and archival data in this study make it clear that the creation of inclusive policies that promote equality for all employees is an important step for creating a welcoming climate that encourages diversity within any organization. However, policies must only be the first step. Equally important, departmental microclimates must be considered when measuring policy efficacy and institutional climates towards LGBT communities.Ed.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Maria E. “Lynn” Astorg