The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBT&Q) Studies minor provides students the opportunity to critically analyze influences on and of sexualities, sexual and gender identity formation, and experiences in various social contexts, with a focus on sexual minorities and on preparing students to live and work in a pluralistic society. This interdisciplinary minor includes courses from a variety of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, psychology, English, health education, child development and family relations. Students will examine diversity in sexual and gender identities, and the intersections of sexualities and gender with other identities including race, religion, and social class. Students also explore institutional influences, including family, politics, labor force and economics, religion, education, health care, media, arts, and sciences and the local, national, and global discourse on sexualities and gender identities. The curriculum additionally includes critical examination of the formation and effects of public policies on individuals and communities of differing sexual and gender identities, analysis of representations, and the discourses on sexualities as expressed through language, literature, and the arts, as well as the policies and practices of social institutions such as health care, religion, politics, education, and sports, among others.