Promoting the Retention of Electrical Engineering Students Identified as Gay East Asian Men

When I was studying electrical engineering at UC Davis, I noticed that the major had one of the lowest levels of LGBTQ+ representation compared to others. While there were a decent number of openly LGBTQ+ students overall, I observed that only one or two other East Asians were visibly out. Given that the major was predominantly East Asian and male, and considering Gallup’s finding that 7.6% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, I could not help but feel like I was the only gay East Asian man in my major.

This became a personal mystery: was electrical engineering somehow repellent to queer East Asians? Are there more queer East Asians in the field, but cultural upbringing discourages openness, even in college? Do queer engineering students find the environment too hostile and end up transferring out?

This podcast explores the experiences of both queer and ally engineering students, academic advisors, and professors. On top of covering how queer students feel welcomed or alienated and how allies respond to queerphobic comments and microaggressions, I also cover why students might feel unwelcome in their major, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Ultimately, I aim to explore how colleges can better support and retain students at the intersection of being a gay man, East Asian, and studying electrical engineering.

This podcast was recorded in June 2024.

If you have any feedback or would like to share your perspective, please contact me!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is created under the basis of an assumption that there are not a lot of openly gay East Asian men studying electrical engineering. There is no immediate data proving or disproving this fundamental statement.

This podcast is not monetized and is intended solely for educational purposes. It includes music from various Nintendo soundtracks, including Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Galaxy (2), and Nervous Brickdown. I do not own the copyright to any music used in this podcast.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nintendo. All Nintendo trademarks, music, and intellectual property used herein remain the property of Nintendo Co., Ltd. This content is used for non-commercial, educational, and entertainment purposes only. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Arkedo Studio. All Arkedo Studio trademarks, music, and intellectual property used herein remain the property of Arkedo Studio. This content is used for non-commercial, educational, and entertainment purposes only. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended.