There are 105 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education. HBCUs are institutions chartered prior to 1964 with the principal mission to educate and advance African Americans and the communities surrounding HBCUs. African American students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) have increasingly become a topic of discussion among administrators at HBCUs, as these institutions address diversity and inclusivity. Observers note, however, that regarding formalized attention to the needs of LGBTQ students who attend HBCUs, the development of major campaigns, centers, and programs has been lacking.

The explanations for the lack of widespread and visible institutionalized extracurricular programming, curriculum development, and programs of advocacy and visibility for LGBTQ students at HBCUs ...