2025 Theses Doctoral

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Black Queer Students: Guidance for School Leaders to Foster Equitable Spaces

Sullivan, Karissa

This research investigated the nuances between race and Queerness and its effects on the lived experience of Queer Black students, notably how leaders can support these students. The complexity of multiple minoritized identities affects students’ beliefs and attitudes and adversely affects their social development. This study employed a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach. Six participants who were Black Queer alumni of New York State K-12 public schools shared their lived experiences through one-on-one interviews and a focus group.

This study displayed that Black Queer students had feelings of isolation due to their dual minoritized identity. Students succumbed to many challenges and barriers. The study’s findings were organized into four key themes: navigating identity, challenges and obstacles, school climate and institutional efforts, and coping strategies/support systems, each highlighting the complex experiences of Black Queer students in public schools.

Using a conceptual framework that centered on Intersectionality as an understanding of identity and Culturally Responsive School Leadership as a means for inclusivity, the analysis explored participants’ struggles with racism, homophobia, transphobia, mental health, performative allyship, and lack of institutional support while also identifying resilience strategies and the need for genuine inclusion policies. It is evident through this study that schools must move beyond performative allyship by implementing anti-bullying policies such as DASA and GENDA with fidelity, prioritizing the safety of Black Queer students. To create genuinely equitable spaces, school leaders must address systemic disparities—including disproportionate discipline and academic barriers— through equity audits and professional development that center on Black and LGBTQ+ student needs and an overall shift towards inclusive policies and practices