What Does a Safe Study Experience Look Like for LGBTQIA+ Students?

13.11.2025

What are the ways toward a more equal and mentally supportive higher education community? As Nyyti ry's QueerMieli project (2024–2026) reaches its halfway point, we are today publishing a description of what a safe study experience means for LGBTQIA+ students. 

Our description of a safe study experience for LGBTQIA+ students consists of three parts: 

• A factsheet describing the current situation, based on recent studies on well-being disparities among LGBTQIA+ students 

• A poster series illustrating the desired state of safe and inclusive study experiences 

• A set of pointer cards for different actors within the higher education community, offering basic information and concrete suggestions for promoting inclusion. (available only in Finnish) 

The description summarises the knowledge gathered so far in the project about the experiences of students belonging to sexual and gender minorities: experiences of safer spaces and belonging but also experiences of how minority stress and the fear of discrimination impact well-being and study ability. It is being published at a time when, on one hand, we have made more progress than ever in advancing inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people, but on the other, when equality and non-discrimination are being more vocally questioned than in decades – globally, in Europe, and also here in Finland. 

The description was developed as a result of our Collaborative Phenomenon Mapping, held in May 2025. We brought together representatives from student organisations, professionals working with higher education students, and strategic-level actors to discuss the topic. The material also draws on examples and insights from the QueerMieli project's peer activities, training sessions, and advocacy work – highlighting good practices and key development needs. 

We warmly thank everyone who has contributed: the LGBTQIA+ students who responded to our surveys or shared their experiences in our activities, the professionals and good allies who supported us, and the pioneers whose work has inspired us! 

We hope this description will be useful in promoting equality, non-discrimination, and mental well-being within student organisations, in teaching and guidance at higher education institutions, in student health services, and in decision-making processes. 

We welcome feedback and suggestions for further development. Feedback can be sent by email to queermieli@nyyti.fi.