ABSTRACT
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) community represents a segment of society that has historically been marginalized and stigmatized. In higher education, LGBTQ student needs are at times overlooked or go unaddressed, which further reinforces their marginalization. This chapter explores the concept of intersectionality and how it can shed light on first-generation LGBTQ students’ experiences and meaning-making. There is a connection between social capital and academic integration. LGBTQ students are often referred to as the “invisible minority” and their issues are nothing new to colleges and universities around the United States. Much like first-generation status, race and socioeconomic status both play an important role in LGBTQ student attrition.
