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Bowdoin College

Publication Date

Fall 2023

Program Name

Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development

Abstract

This investigation explores the significance that offices of gender have for queer university students in Chile. It is based on the historical Mayo Feminista protests and the resulting passage of Ley 21.369, which aims to regulate sexual assault, gender violence, and gender discrimination in higher education. This law mandates Chilean universities to have offices of gender specifically dedicated to meeting these goals. This study draws on interviews to learn from the lived experiences of queer university students and directors of the offices of gender. It concentrates on two universities in Valparaíso, Chile: la Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María and la Universidad de Playa Ancha. It questions the effectiveness of the offices of gender in bringing about institutional change that creates more inclusive learning environments for queer students at these two universities. Additionally, it aims to propose ways in which these offices could better serve these students. Through the process of interviews, this study found that the offices of gender tend to not have enough reach within the institution to create entire environmental change. In particular, their efforts fail to reach professors and straight, male students- two populations who greatly influence the university’s atmosphere. Additionally, it found that offices of gender often receive minimal support from the university itself outside of what is required by law.

Disciplines

Educational Sociology | Gender and Sexuality | Higher Education | Latin American Studies | Law and Gender | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies

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