What students say about sexual orientation: a comparative study at the Federal University of Sergipe and the University of Madeira

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the sexual orientation subcategory, in a comparative study at the University of Madeira, UMa (Portugal) and at the Federal University of Sergipe, UFS (Brazil) on “Voices of university students on sexual and gender diversity, their relationship with co-education and pedagogical innovation.” We used a qualitative methodology, applied a questionnaire with open and closed questions and the viewing of a videocast. We did the content analysis of the data. The compared results revealed that there is greater knowledge about the concept of sexual orientation among former UMa students, although a greater involvement of former UFS students is observed. Former students at UMa confirm the low participation. Both universities recognize the need to discuss the topic and use identical expressions when making evaluative considerations. They also recognize the negative influence of taboos and prejudices.