Dating experiences and perspectives among LGBTQ+ university students in Northern Ireland

Most studies on relationship formation among university students has come out of the US specifically detailing processes around ‘hook-up culture’ that is tied to fraternity parties and campus social culture generally (Wade 2017). A small but growing literature has developed around how relationship formation processes might work among LGBTQ+ populations (see Reczek 2020). Despite the number of social changes in Northern Ireland, little is known about relationship formation among LGBTQ+ young people within the context of a culturally conservative and largely rural society. Moreover, no known study has examined how LBGTQ+ university students in Northern Ireland view, experience, and navigate relationships. This research addresses this gap by drawing on interviews of 25 LGBTQ+ university students studying in Belfast, Northern Ireland about their perspectives on their romantic lives. The findings shed light on both the ways that relationships are thriving while also identifying some of the challenges in forming and maintaining romantic relationships. Three primary themes emerged. First, students highlighted the unique contradictions of Belfast being both small, yet also the primary community for LGBTQ+ in Northern Ireland. Second, although students frequently discussed having had positive dating and relationship experiences, many encountered challenges with dating due to homophobia and mental health, often in terms of finding partners emotionally ready to form healthy relationships. Lastly, students discussed their experiences with safe places and how that interwove with their perspectives on forming and maintaining romantic relationships.