Victimization Experienced by LGBTQIA+ Students in Academic Institutions: A Qualitative Exploration in India

ABSTRACT Victimization is a common experience encountered by sexual and gender minorities across domains of life, including academic institutions. The present study aims to explore the forms and consequences of victimization experienced by LGBTQIA+ students, along with the coping strategies adopted by them to deal with such experiences. To address these research objectives, the present study adopts a qualitative approach. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews are conducted with thirty‐three college students (age 19–32 years, M = 24.24 years) belonging to diverse gender identities and sexual orientation, predominantly from middle and upper socioeconomic backgrounds. The qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis (a hybrid of inductive and theoretical thematic analysis) method. The analysis led to the generation of the following themes: bullying, interpersonal and environmental microaggression, queer battle fatigue, avoidance/approach coping, disclosure dilemma, and campus climate. The result shows that LGBTQIA+ students experience diverse forms of victimization at both, the school and college/university levels. However, bullying is more common in schools whereas microaggression is more prevalent at the college/university level. Victimization leads to negative mental health and inhibited/partial disclosures. Additionally, the experiences of victimization are aggravated through negative campus climate and unhealthy coping. The implications of the research are discussed.