Promoting Community and Building Confidence among LGBTQIA+ College Students through Playfulness and Story Sharing

Abstract

In this article we explore the importance of play in promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives especially among LGBTQIA+ college students. We detail three student initiated interventions. Beyond the Binary, which was a social support gaming group for transgender and non-binary students involving game play and conversation. Lunch and LEGOs was an open group for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to eat lunch and have conversation while playing with LEGOs, and the Filming Your Identity Project involved partnering with the local Public Broadcasting Service to engage students in creating videos that showcased their identities. We argue that not only were these programs enjoyable, but they created an opportunity for students to explore new identities in a low-stakes and fun environment, while also building community.