"The most significant years of my life: the lived experiences of gay… (edition 2004)

This study examines the lived experiences of eight gay undergraduate men at Indiana University. The participants in this study were all students on campus for at least four semesters before taking part in this work. Gay students often find their college years to be the most important years of their lives. Little substantial research has explored the lived experiences of gay men on campus. Research methodology for this study was based in phenomenology. This study describes the lived experiences of these eight men by providing rich descriptions of their time on campus. The second section of data presentation utilizes the gay identity development model of D'Augelli (1994) as a lens for examining the experiences of these men. The men in this study discuss a wide range of experiences that helped them to more fully develop and understand their gay identity while in college. The model of D'Augelli proved to be a useful lens through which to view the gay identity development of these eight men. Future research with college students could further develop the model to include how men manage multiple dimensions of their identity (e.g., race sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, social class). Recommendations from students include adding a GLBT support office on campus, providing more support services such as leadership development for gay students, providing more GLBT courses on campus, and working to improve campus climate. Future research should include more longitudinal studies that would allow a more in-depth exploration of how their identity development changes over time. Future studies should strive to include a more diverse set of students, especially those gay men who are managing multiple dimensions of their identity.