Gay Varsity: Subject Choices, Grades, and Early Careers for UK LGB University Students

Abstract

Using data on UK students attending university from 2012 – 2020, we look at how LGB students differ from their heterosexual counterparts. LGB men and women both have large shifts towards Humanities subjects, and away from LEM (law, economics, management) and STEM. Gay and bisexual men do well in degree outcomes in the Humanities, and about the same as heterosexual men in other subjects. Lesbian and bisexual women do about the same as heterosexual women in the Humanities and poorly in other subjects. Male and female LGB students suffer in salaries in their early career.