Giving a Voice to the Voiceless: A Qualitative Study of Reducing Marginalization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Same-Sex Attracted Students at Christian Colleges and Universities
The problem this project addresses is the sense of marginalization experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) and same-sex attracted (SSA) Christian college and university students. Data was collected via an online questionnaire and the study design mixed methods with an emphasis on the qualitative data. The study sample included eighty students/alumni from thirty-two Christian colleges/universities. Generally, respondents felt lonely, hid their sexuality, and reported a negative campus climate. Recommendations from respondents include: institutional policies must be clearer and applied consistently, improve campus climate, and form support groups for LGB and SSA students.
"This is the book to read on Christian faith and sexual identity
at Christian colleges. Giving a Voice to the Voiceless is a
book for every campus constituency from students to presidents,
administrators, alumni, faculty, parents, trustees, donors and
more!"
--Leith Anderson, President of National Association of
Evangelicals
"Christopher Yuan's wise and practical recommendations--firmly
rooted in a faithful biblical ethic for human sexuality--will help
campus leaders care for all of their students with truth and
grace."
--Philip Ryken, President, Wheaton College
"Giving a Voice to the Voiceless is an invaluable study of
the experiences of college students who struggle with same-sex
attraction…This book is a healing balm for these students and will
edify, equip, and encourage. It is a must-read book for every
college administrator."
--Rosaria Butterfield, Author; Speaker
"For anyone who wants to understand better the experiences of
students grappling with issues of sexual identity at Christian
institutions, this book should be required reading."
--D. Michael Lindsay, President, Gordon College
"Solidly biblical, relentlessly compassionate, and appropriately
practical this book will be noted far and wide."
--Joseph M. Stowell III, President, Cornerstone University
"I strongly urge college presidents, administrators, and trustees
to read, digest, and incorporate this important material."
--J. Paul Nyquist, President, Moody Bible Institute
"Fascinating. With candor and compassion, Christopher Yuan combines
personal history, impressive research, biblical insights and
practical recommendations to sexuality on the campuses of Christian
colleges and universities. This is the book to read on Christian
faith and sexual identity at Christian colleges. Giving a Voice
to the Voiceless is a book for every campus constituency from
students to presidents, administrators, alumni, faculty, parents,
trustees, donors and more!"
--Leith Anderson, President, National Association of
Evangelicals
"Christopher Yuan has done careful research on the experience of
students who navigate their same sex attraction or orientation at
Christian colleges and universities. His wise and practical
recommendations--firmly rooted in a faithful biblical ethic for
human sexuality--will help campus leaders care for all of their
students with truth and grace."
--Philip Ryken, President, Wheaton College
"Giving a Voice to the Voiceless is an invaluable study of
the experiences of college students who struggle with same-sex
attraction on well-meaning Christian college campuses. Indeed the
glossary alone is worth the price of the book. Faithful, biblical
students who hold to a traditional view of sexuality and who
struggle with SSA are even more voiceless today than they were
years ago, as the rise of LGBT rights on college campuses does not
speak for faithful Christians or reflect the complex emotions and
challenges that students face. This book is a healing balm for
these students and will edify, equip, and encourage. It is a
must-read book for every college administrator."
--Rosaria Butterfield, Author; Speaker
"Based on a pioneering study, this book provides relevant insights
and counsel for Christian colleges and universities seeking to walk
compassionately and faithfully with LGB and SSA students. As one
who knows both the Christian and gay communities, Christopher Yuan
has listened well and now is uniquely able to speak to both of them
with grace and truth. For anyone who wants to understand better the
experiences of students grappling with issues of sexual identity at
Christian institutions, this book should be required
reading."
--D. Michael Lindsay, President, Gordon College
"Once more Christopher Yuan has come along side those of us who are
seeking guidance in navigating the increasingly complex waters of
human sexuality. Solidly biblical, relentlessly compassionate and
appropriately practical this book will be noted far and wide for
its important contribution to individuals, churches and Christian
colleges and universities who want to honor Christ by embracing the
marginalized in His name."
--Joseph M. Stowell III, President, Cornerstone University
"There will be no bigger challenge to leaders of Christian colleges
and universities in the next decade than the skillful navigation of
issues surrounding human sexuality. Christopher Yuan provides
careful research to help guide leaders through the many landmines
with both biblical integrity and godly compassion. I strongly urge
college presidents, administrators and trustees to read, digest,
and incorporate this important material."
--J. Paul Nyquist, President, Moody Bible Institute
"Those of us who have served as leaders in Christ-centered
universities know the tsunami effect of cultural changes that force
us to respond. None are more divisive than the core issues of
homosexuality. With a growing number of LGB students attending even
the most conservative colleges, Christopher Yuan has provided a way
forward for us. His biblical understanding, qualitative research
and 34 action steps provide a substantive and practical plan for
the entire campus."
--William E. Brown, Former President, Cedarville University;
Current Senior Fellow of Worldview and Culture, The Colson Center
for Christian Worldview
"Christopher is an aspirational model for us all. He is deeply
grounded in the truth of the gospel while also willing to embrace
the journey of complete surrender to the call of Jesus and his
model of grace to all, most especially our marginalized neighbors
whom we are called to love as ourselves. Christopher's research,
findings and action steps are both a call and an invaluable
resource to the voice of the voiceless in the faith
community."
--David A. King, President, Malone University
"With his book, Giving a Voice to the Voiceless, Christopher
Yuan has made a significant contribution to the discussions
surrounding LGB and same-sex attracted students at Christian
colleges and universities. He offers a compassionate account of and
thoughtful advice on how Christian colleges can respond to the
experiences of students navigating important questions related to
their sexual identity."
--Mark A. Yarhouse, Hughes Endowed Chair & Professor of
Psychology of Regent University
"Christopher Yuan's research and recommendations come at an
important time for those of us who serve in Christian higher
education. What we have heard anecdotally and directly from LGBT
students is confirmed by his research but more importantly his
insights and recommendations provide tangible "next steps" so all
students can thrive and live well in our campus communities. Thanks
Christopher for your thoughtful help with our students who face
challenging realities related to their sexuality."
--Edee Schulze, Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students,
Westmont College; President Elect of the Association for Christians
in Student Development
"No amount of denial can obscure the fact that both same-sex
attracted (SSA) and self-identifying or practicing LGB students are
enrolled in even North America's most conservative Christian
colleges. Christopher Yuan's exceedingly candid and timely research
thoughtfully illuminates why and how our Christian college
communities should care for these marginalized students."
--Ralph E. Enlow, Jr., President of Association for Biblical Higher
Education
"Christopher Yuan has taken his real life journey, viewed it from a
biblical and God-focused worldview, and created a functional path
for today's Christian institutions to begin to lovingly minister
and walk with the LGBTQ individuals that populate their campuses.
This is a call to Christian higher education, but also the church
of Christ, to break down walls without compromising the gospel and
teachings of Christ."
-- Dan Wood, Executive Director of National Christian College
Athletic Association
"This is the book to read on Christian faith and sexual identity
at Christian colleges. Giving a Voice to the Voiceless is a
book for every campus constituency from students to presidents,
administrators, alumni, faculty, parents, trustees, donors and
more!"
--Leith Anderson, President of National Association of
Evangelicals
"Christopher Yuan's wise and practical recommendations--firmly
rooted in a faithful biblical ethic for human sexuality--will help
campus leaders care for all of their students with truth and
grace."
--Philip Ryken, President, Wheaton College
"Giving a Voice to the Voiceless is an invaluable study of
the experiences of college students who struggle with same-sex
attraction…This book is a healing balm for these students and will
edify, equip, and encourage. It is a must-read book for every
college administrator."
--Rosaria Butterfield, Author; Speaker
"For anyone who wants to understand better the experiences of
students grappling with issues of sexual identity at Christian
institutions, this book should be required reading."
--D. Michael Lindsay, President, Gordon College
"Solidly biblical, relentlessly compassionate, and appropriately
practical this book will be noted far and wide."
--Joseph M. Stowell III, President, Cornerstone University
"I strongly urge college presidents, administrators, and trustees
to read, digest, and incorporate this important material."
--J. Paul Nyquist, President, Moody Bible Institute
"Fascinating. With candor and compassion, Christopher Yuan combines
personal history, impressive research, biblical insights and
practical recommendations to sexuality on the campuses of Christian
colleges and universities. This is the book to read on Christian
faith and sexual identity at Christian colleges. Giving a Voice
to the Voiceless is a book for every campus constituency from
students to presidents, administrators, alumni, faculty, parents,
trustees, donors and more!"
--Leith Anderson, President, National Association of
Evangelicals
"Christopher Yuan has done careful research on the experience of
students who navigate their same sex attraction or orientation at
Christian colleges and universities. His wise and practical
recommendations--firmly rooted in a faithful biblical ethic for
human sexuality--will help campus leaders care for all of their
students with truth and grace."
--Philip Ryken, President, Wheaton College
"Giving a Voice to the Voiceless is an invaluable study of
the experiences of college students who struggle with same-sex
attraction on well-meaning Christian college campuses. Indeed the
glossary alone is worth the price of the book. Faithful, biblical
students who hold to a traditional view of sexuality and who
struggle with SSA are even more voiceless today than they were
years ago, as the rise of LGBT rights on college campuses does not
speak for faithful Christians or reflect the complex emotions and
challenges that students face. This book is a healing balm for
these students and will edify, equip, and encourage. It is a
must-read book for every college administrator."
--Rosaria Butterfield, Author; Speaker
"Based on a pioneering study, this book provides relevant insights
and counsel for Christian colleges and universities seeking to walk
compassionately and faithfully with LGB and SSA students. As one
who knows both the Christian and gay communities, Christopher Yuan
has listened well and now is uniquely able to speak to both of them
with grace and truth. For anyone who wants to understand better the
experiences of students grappling with issues of sexual identity at
Christian institutions, this book should be required
reading."
--D. Michael Lindsay, President, Gordon College
"Once more Christopher Yuan has come along side those of us who are
seeking guidance in navigating the increasingly complex waters of
human sexuality. Solidly biblical, relentlessly compassionate and
appropriately practical this book will be noted far and wide for
its important contribution to individuals, churches and Christian
colleges and universities who want to honor Christ by embracing the
marginalized in His name."
--Joseph M. Stowell III, President, Cornerstone University
"There will be no bigger challenge to leaders of Christian colleges
and universities in the next decade than the skillful navigation of
issues surrounding human sexuality. Christopher Yuan provides
careful research to help guide leaders through the many landmines
with both biblical integrity and godly compassion. I strongly urge
college presidents, administrators and trustees to read, digest,
and incorporate this important material."
--J. Paul Nyquist, President, Moody Bible Institute
"Those of us who have served as leaders in Christ-centered
universities know the tsunami effect of cultural changes that force
us to respond. None are more divisive than the core issues of
homosexuality. With a growing number of LGB students attending even
the most conservative colleges, Christopher Yuan has provided a way
forward for us. His biblical understanding, qualitative research
and 34 action steps provide a substantive and practical plan for
the entire campus."
--William E. Brown, Former President, Cedarville University;
Current Senior Fellow of Worldview and Culture, The Colson Center
for Christian Worldview
"Christopher is an aspirational model for us all. He is deeply
grounded in the truth of the gospel while also willing to embrace
the journey of complete surrender to the call of Jesus and his
model of grace to all, most especially our marginalized neighbors
whom we are called to love as ourselves. Christopher's research,
findings and action steps are both a call and an invaluable
resource to the voice of the voiceless in the faith
community."
--David A. King, President, Malone University
"With his book, Giving a Voice to the Voiceless, Christopher
Yuan has made a significant contribution to the discussions
surrounding LGB and same-sex attracted students at Christian
colleges and universities. He offers a compassionate account of and
thoughtful advice on how Christian colleges can respond to the
experiences of students navigating important questions related to
their sexual identity."
--Mark A. Yarhouse, Hughes Endowed Chair & Professor of
Psychology of Regent University
"Christopher Yuan's research and recommendations come at an
important time for those of us who serve in Christian higher
education. What we have heard anecdotally and directly from LGBT
students is confirmed by his research but more importantly his
insights and recommendations provide tangible "next steps" so all
students can thrive and live well in our campus communities. Thanks
Christopher for your thoughtful help with our students who face
challenging realities related to their sexuality."
--Edee Schulze, Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students,
Westmont College; President Elect of the Association for Christians
in Student Development
"No amount of denial can obscure the fact that both same-sex
attracted (SSA) and self-identifying or practicing LGB students are
enrolled in even North America's most conservative Christian
colleges. Christopher Yuan's exceedingly candid and timely research
thoughtfully illuminates why and how our Christian college
communities should care for these marginalized students."
--Ralph E. Enlow, Jr., President of Association for Biblical Higher
Education
"Christopher Yuan has taken his real life journey, viewed it from a
biblical and God-focused worldview, and created a functional path
for today's Christian institutions to begin to lovingly minister
and walk with the LGBTQ individuals that populate their campuses.
This is a call to Christian higher education, but also the church
of Christ, to break down walls without compromising the gospel and
teachings of Christ."
-- Dan Wood, Executive Director of National Christian College
Athletic Association
Product Details
- Title : Giving a Voice to the Voiceless: A Qualitative Study of Reducing Marginalization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Same-Sex Attracted Students at Christian Colleges and Universities
- Author: Yuan, Christopher
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2016
- ISBN: 9781498289269