Race, Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation 87How college students interact across race and ethnicity is becoming more impor-
tant to understand in light of current demographic changes and the increasing seg-
regation of K- 12 schools (Orfield & Lee, 2006). Young adults spend a significant
amount of time in cross- racial interactions and cross- racial friendships during the
college years (Saenz, 2010). These interactions provide insights into the dynamics
of cross- race friendships as they occur throughout the life course. Current findings
suggest that engaging with diversity involves risks and often may be uncomfortable,
but that it ultimately proves to be beneficial (Bowman & Brandenburger, 2012).
Lastly, most research on friendship does not typically consider sexual orienta-
tion or gender identity (Logan, 2013). The role of friendships is quite influential
for at-risk youth and is particularly important when youth have limited resources
at home (Vaquera, 2009). Therefore, expanding our understanding of friendships
among youth of diverse backgrounds and sexual orientations is critical.
Conclusion
The value of friendships across race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation will continue
to grow as the racial and ethnic diversity of the United States changes and as diverse
sexual orientations become more acceptable. Hopefully, the positive effects of
such relationships will begin to be recognized publicly. Some favorable representa-
tions already may be having an effect. Recent television shows have begun to pro-
vide more visibility on the topic of cross- race, cross- sexual orientation friendships
among youth (e.g., Glee, Faking it, Degrassi, Skins, and Pretty Little Liars). The televi-
sion show Glee (2009–2015) depicting a racially and sexually diverse high school
glee club that became a pop culture phenomenon in the United States. The show
was groundbreaking in its positive portrayal of LGBT relations with heterosexual
peers within the glee club.
In conclusion, cross- race, ethnic, and sexual orientation friendships are likely
to be increasingly important in the United States and internationally as awareness
of cultural diversity expands. As Martin Luther King affirmed, “Our loyalties must
transcend our race, our tribe, our class and our nation” (King, 1967).
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