Description of Submission:
"I just recently graduated from the top senior military college in the country where I was lucky enough to major in sociology and minor in leadership. For my leadership minor, I conducted an independent study that examines how attending a military university influences lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who hold or wish to hold leadership positions. While there has been significant research on sexual minorities in the military and the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy, there has been little research on how the military campuses effect sexual minority students, thoughts on leadership abilities and opportunities were analyzed and were then displayed in an interpretive art exhibition. The analysis and art display show the limiting aspects of a military atmosphere on sexual minority students. Each panel represents one outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trasgender leader from the school campus.
This study was a great experience for me. I was able to employ my passion for sociology, my leadership minor, and my dedication to the LBGT community into a qualitative study while also adding a creative spin on my findings. I have presented my study and art exhibition at two conferences where I received my share of comments and feedback. I had everything from community members praising my audacity to a U.S. Army Colonel yelling at me and suggest that I stop whining through artwork. The art exhibition remains on display in the sociology department of my undergraduate institution.
Biography: Coming Soon!!
Why Karen Liked It: Teri Jo was able to find GLBT representatives in an environment that refuses to acknowledge their existence. Terri Jo should be commended for bringing these issues to the forefront of the military organization. It was also great to see quotes on the backs of the painting . |
