Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual International Students Transitions Conceptualized Using Relational-Cultural Theory: A Phenomenological Study

ABSTRACT The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry is to describe the experiences of LGB IS through the lens of relational-cultural theory. Eight LGB IS from the Southwest region of the United States agreed to participate in the study. The age range of the participant was 20–31 (M= 22.13) with three identifying as male and five identifying as female. The participants identified the following as their sexual orientations: one lesbian, four bisexual, two gay, and one pansexual. The following sections depict the a priori themes derived from RCT that resulted from the data analysis. The final reported themes are as follows: growth-fostering relationships, disconnection, authenticity, power and control, and controlling images. Implications are provided for the campus-based counseling professions who may find themselves working with or supporting LBG IS.