LGBTQIA inclusivity in universities: the heteronormative framework and the impact of ally groups

Abstract

The LGBTQIA community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual, and asexual) has long been treated as outside the dominant notions of sexuality – with the mainstreamed, misplaced notion that “normal” is synonymous with “heterosexual” predominating in modern discourse, including in spaces that we would consider “safe” or more inclusive, such as at colleges, which form the focus of our study herein (Sumara & Davis, 202; Marchia & Sommer, 2017). Whilst theoretical definitions of heteronormativity abound – and are discussed in the literature review section – our primary focus was on internalising this concept, cognisant of our own privilege and subconscious conformance to the heteronormative framework, and exploring the same within college campuses across India. In a related matter, we observed that, on our campus, the existence of an ally group – namely, IIM-Ally, covered later in detail – has, anecdotally, shifted perceptions of students through the holding of public sessions, club events, and dissemination of messages of equality via email and other forms of communication. To study the same, we contacted multiple coordinators and members of ally groups on campuses across the country in order to understand, irrespective of whether they identified as members of the community or not, why they felt an ally group was necessary, to what extent it acted as and provided a “safe space” to members of the community, and whether it helped change perceptions on campus.