Congratulations to Counselor Education department faculty Kyoung Mi Choi, who recently published “The Invisibility of International LGBTQ+ Students on U.S. Campuses” on Visible Magazine.

“Based on my personal and professional experiences, I offer the following suggestions for faculty and staff to support international LGBTQ+ students on campuses:

Become familiar with common issues of international LGBTQ+ individuals, including fear of consequences after returning home, unfamiliarity with LGBTQ+ terminology, difficulties in developing intimate relationships, lack of knowledge of resources, and legal issues.

Be knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ movements and advocacy activities around the globe. Create trust and build allyship with international students and gently invite them to discuss complex and sensitive topics by asking questions like, “What are the norms around gender and sexuality in your home country?” or “What kinds of culture clashes or new ideas might they be exposed to on campus?”

Lastly, be an advocate for international LGBTQ+ students. Develop comprehensive cultural competency training that increases the awareness of the unique needs of international LGBTQ+ students and make inclusive campus policies to protect those students legally and culturally while studying in U.S. higher education.”