Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-0659-3778

Date of Award

1-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Leah Daigle

Second Advisor

Christina DeJong

Third Advisor

Thaddeus Johnson

Fourth Advisor

Volkan Topalli

Abstract

Black Queer college students represent an understudied group compared to their peers who are Black and who are Queer. Theoretical frameworks of Minority Stress, Gender Minority Stress, Critical Race, and intersectionality theories posit that their racial and Queer intersectional identities place them at a unique crossroads, experiencing double marginalization. As a result, this marginalization increases their likelihood of being victimized and developing subsequent poor health outcomes. Using a quantitative approach with the national Spring 2021 ACHA-NCHA III data, this dissertation examines if Black Queer college students are more likely to experience victimization and adverse health outcomes than their peers. Overall, the findings indicated that Black Queer college students were more likely than their peers to be physically victimized. In addition, Black Queer students were more likely to experience microaggressions and discrimination than their peers. Black Queer students were also more likely to have negative mental and sexual health outcomes compared to their peers. When the effect of victimization and being Black and Queer was considered, it was found that Black Queer students who experienced victimization also were more likely than their peers to have worse physical health outcomes and attempt suicide. These results were evident even when considering additional factors that may have been related to victimization. These findings suggest a need for targeted policy and interventions involving post-secondary administrators and support staff to implement resources that address the vulnerability of Black Queer college students and seek to reduce their likelihood of victimization. Future research should also delve into other potential reasons for the victimization of this group.

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