ABSTRACT
Most of our colleges and universities are strongholds of homophobic discrimination and heterosexism which impact directly on lesbian and gay students, staff, and faculty, upon those exploring their orientation, and upon the entire campus community. The negative effects of external violence and of internalized homophobia include physical, sexual and emotional injury/damage, self-doubt, isolation, engaging in heterosexual attempts in order to survive, identifying with the aggressors and allowing further abuse, inability to function socially or academically, self-hatred, and engaging in serious self-destructive behaviors. Colleges and universities can establish policies and procedures to combat homophobia and heterosexism across the entire community and can develop a safe, supportive environment for all students, including those who are not heterosexual. Strong administrative support is needed to ensure the required strenuous, continuing efforts.
