A Qualitative Examination of Heterosexual Consciousness Among College Students

The purpose of this study was to explore how heterosexual college students understand and make meaning of their life experiences and how they incorporate those into their sexual orientation consciousness. We interviewed 14 undergraduate and graduate self-identified heterosexual students, ten women and four men, ranging in age from 20 to 24. Students discussed the sources of and mechanisms for learning about their sexual orientation, the role of faith in their views on sexuality, distancing themselves from homophobia, and the invisibility of heterosexuality. Implications for theory, research and practice are presented.