LGBT studies

noun

ˌel-ˌjē-ˌbē-ˌtē- 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: an academic field of study focusing on matters relating to gender, human sexuality, and sexual orientation with emphasis on LGBT issues and culture

LGBT studies have been an academic area of study in the United States for nearly 50 years and exist at some 200 universities in the United States in a variety of forms as courses, minors or degree programs. Rooted in sociology, studies of human subgroups help prepare students for careers, such as counselors, personnel directors, teachers, social workers, criminal justice professionals, health care providers, managers and those involved in pastoral care.

—E. Joseph Savoie

called also queer studies

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above