An exploration of the influence of identity formation on sexual minority student leadership experiences

Date of Publication

4-14-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences major in Organizational and Social Systems Development

Subject Categories

Gender and Sexuality

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Thesis Advisor

Jerome V. Cleofas

Defense Panel Chair

Bubbles Beverly N. Asor

Defense Panel Member

Michael Eduard L. Labayandoy

Abstract/Summary

Sexual Minority College Youth leadership is shaped by different factors of identity formation and sexual socialization as these influence how they navigate through their leadership roles. This study explores how socialization experiences within family, school, and media affect identity development, and the ways the leaders engage in various institutions. Moreover, it aims to understand how all of these factors become foundational experiences that help make sense of sexual minority college youth’s identities. The paper looks into how unique experiences lay the groundwork for sexual minority individuals understand how they perceive their leadership motivations. Sexual minority individuals from ages 18 to 24 years old are the target demographics of the research. Through purposive and snowball sampling methods, 13 participants were interviewed to provide in-depth insights into their leadership journeys. The results gathered from the informants revealed relevant themes of acceptance, association of sexual identity, motivation, and many others, showing that despite challenges, stereotypes, and institutional barriers, leadership is able to create a sense of empowerment in them. The findings of the study puts emphasis on how their perspective of leadership are shaped by individual experiences with different forms of sexual socialization. These experiences influence whether sexual minority student leaders see their leadership as deeply tied to their sexual identity or as something distinct from it. Some refer to their identity as the basis of their leadership, shaping their advocacy and decision-making, while others see it as just one aspect of who they are, rather than a defining factor. This distinction ultimately affects how they experience and interpret their own sense of leadership.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Sexual minority college students; Identity (Psychology) in adolescence; Leadership; Sexual minorities

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Embargo Period

4-23-2025

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