Date of Award

Spring 3-30-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Tamerin Capellino, Ed.D.

Second Advisor

Carol Holmes Riley, Ed.D.

Third Advisor

Donald B. Scott, Ed.D.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ millennials that influenced their participation in the gay civil rights movement in the Bay Area of California. Another purpose of the study was to explore and describe the recommendations LGBTQ+ millennials have for the future of the national gay civil rights movement.

Methodology: A qualitative analysis of the data from a combination of both social movements and symbolic interactionism theoretical perspectives was conducted. Data for this study was generated through the synthesis and triangulation of the thematic coding of 12 interviews conducted by the researcher and artifacts collected from Bay Area LGBTQ+ events.

Findings: The findings indicated that LGBTQ+ millennials’ lived experiences are unique and their familial, social, cultural, and personal acceptance are determinants of their identity making processes. LGBTQ+ millennials are motivated to participate in the gay civil rights movement by the sacrifices of their LGBTQ+ elders and the desire to maintain equity through representation and visibility. Interviewees recommended that the national gay civil rights movement become more inclusive and move towards a “queer movement” that prioritizes equity for trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people of color.

Conclusions: The researcher concluded that where an LGBTQ+ identified person is raised, their ability to form positive relationships, and their compassion for LGBTQ+ youth has an effect on their identity making processes. LGBTQ+ millennials value the role that their social, intellectual, and political capital play in influencing the equity in LGBTQ+ legislation. They are willing to take on leadership roles in policymaking, leading the gay civil rights movement into the 21st century by establishing a more inclusive agenda that is equitable for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Recommendations: The study should be replicated with other generations in the Bay Area of California. Further research should be conducted exploring mental and medical healthcare systems and transphobia. The findings from this study could be utilized to educate LGBTQ+ activists on LGBTQ+ millennials’ desires for the mission, vision, and agenda of the queer movement.

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