Intersectionality and discrimination: Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Asian international students in the U.S. education system

Abstract

The current United States education system has been negatively influenced by white supremacy and systematic racism. Alongside racial discrimination, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQ+) students are constantly experiencing discrimination resulting from their LGBTQ+ affiliation. By examining the relationship between intersectionality and sexual and cultural discrimination, this research article focuses on the type of discrimination that LGBTQ+ Asian international students is facing from a multicultural perspective. The result shows that students who come from an internalized homophobic cultural norm often encounter a more difficult time expressing their sexual orientation to their environment compared to Native U.S. citizens. Due to cultural conflict, students from such cultures will lack family support from their home country, and thus need extra attention and support from their learning peers and teaching faculties to accomplish their academic goals. The goal of this research is to indicate the significance of intersectionality in the U.S. educational system and showcase the challenges that Asian international students are facing based on their racial, cultural and gender identities.