Getting Ready and Getting Unready: How Queer College Women Navigate Their Casual Sexual Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore how queer women, or people that identify with the label ‘woman’, navigate their casual sexual experiences while attending college or university. Previous studies acknowledge that, while college campuses are arenas for sexual experimentation and identity development for many young adults, students across gender and sexual identities engage with these experiences in both similar and unique ways. Data for this study came from twelve semi-structured interviews with undergraduate and graduate college-attending queer students. These data were analyzed using thematic analysis with a queer theory perspective to broaden the understanding of how sex takes place on campus. By considering experiences beyond the traditional gender binary and heteronormative assumptions, this research suggests more inclusive sexual health and safety practices and recommendations to ensure effective public health and safety for all college students.