How “out” is “out?” Identity politics in a new Master of Public Health program
John Blake West, EdD, MPH(c), Noelle T. Blick, MPH(c), Melissa A. Jones, MPH(c), Kevin T. Roe, MPH(c), Monica R. McLemore, RN, MPH(c), and Beverly J. Ovrebo, DrPH, MPH. Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, (415) 753-3800, bonhomme@backinsf.com Background: In 1998, San Francisco State University admitted its first class in its newly established Master of Public Health Program. The diversity of its students is unique; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-identified students comprise the majority. Additionally, a majority are women and people of color. Purpose: This presentation will report on a qualitative assessment of attitudes and perceptions of students and faculty in this program about confronting the social and political realities of being an LGBT majority. It will further assess the impact of these demographics on the content, conduct, and experience of this program, and will identify difficulties encountered and successes ach
