The research, conducted by SDCCD’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research, will help support equitable planning, inform new and existing programs, and strengthen the District’s advocacy for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, or different orientations and identities) students and employees.
SOGI data project Research Assistant Rajitha Narreddy said the data collection is important for the District.
“To advocate effectively for LGBTQIA+ students, we need inclusive and representative data,” they said. “The lack of this data renders LGBTQIA+ students invisible in policy and funding decisions. This work is essential to ensuring access to the life-saving services and support systems that every student needs and deserves.”
Use of quantitative data at the SDCCD got a boost in 2024 when the District secured a grant from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
In an analysis supported by the grant, researchers found at least 13% of students districtwide across 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years identified as LGBTQ. Based on the data, the District estimates that at least 15,700 LGBTQIA+ students attend one of its four colleges, San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, or Continuing Education. The data does not include students who applied when they were under 18 years old, including dual enrollment students, because they are not asked about their sexual orientation on their college applications.
Also among the data, researchers found that a higher percentage of LGBTQIA+ students were housing insecure, had been in the foster care system, and used disabled student programs more than the rest of the student population.
Another key finding from the qualitative research, which launched in 2019, was that LGBTQIA+ students desired space — both physical spaces and space within the curriculum they were being taught in classes — in which to freely express themselves, as well as direct support from the colleges. Such findings provide opportunities for the colleges to support not only Pride Centers but also outreach and student support programs.
“It’s important that we create spaces where access, belonging, success, and the exchange of ideas and learning are paramount for our diverse community of students, faculty, and employees,” said Jaime Sykes, a research and planning analyst who worked on the project with fellow Analyst Stephen Bass.
The District has taken many steps to support the LGBTQIA+ community, most notably a 2023 resolution by the Board of Trustees affirming its support through the annual raising of the Pride flag, which was again reaffirmed in 2025 and 2026.
San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges all have Pride Centers for their LGBTQIA+ students, and the College of Continuing Education provides mobile support between its seven campuses while also exploring a permanent center. LGBTQIA+ Safe Zone trainings are available throughout the District, and the District’s Queer Alliance employee resource group is now becoming part of the SDCCD’s District Governance Council.
“It’s extremely important that all of our services and programs are inclusive and built to consider and support queer and trans students’ success and well-being,” Sykes said.