This study explores the interconnected development of gender identity and leadership among LGBTQ+ student leaders in Taiwanese universities. Motivated by Taiwan's gender movement—from the Peng, Wan-Ru case and the Yeh, Yung-Chih incident to marriage equality—this research examines the significant role LGBTQ+ student organizations play in shaping campus activism and gender discourse. Unlike general student organizations, LGBTQ+ groups exhibit distinct recruitment, community-building, leadership, and mobilization dynamics, shaped by their members' diverse gender experiences.
Despite the legalization of same-sex marriage, negative stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals persist in Taiwan. University student organizations, including LGBTQ+ groups, face increasing operational challenges, compounded by the absence of leadership training programs tailored for LGBTQ+ students. This study seeks to document and preserve the leadership experiences of past LGBTQ+ student leaders.
Using qualitative narrative interviews and data simplification analysis, this research investigates the leadership journeys of 10 LGBTQ+ students who came out during university and held leadership roles in LGBTQ+ student organizations. Semi-structured interviews reveal that five cisgender male participants experienced gender-based oppression during their formative years. LGBTQ+ identity development, from personal recognition of sexual orientation to a broader affirmation of "I am LGBTQ+," was significantly reinforced through participation in LGBTQ+ student groups. While leadership identity varied, all interviewees expressed a strong sense of purpose, encapsulated in the idea of "doing something meaningful for one's life and identity."
This study addresses the gap in research on LGBTQ+ leadership identity development in Taiwanese higher education and beyond. Its findings offer insights for future gender education, university administration, student affairs curriculum development, and policy-making, contributing to more inclusive leadership training and support structures for LGBTQ+ students.