University of Texas mathematics junior Jensen Richardson sits in an empty classroom in Austin, Texas, on April 30, 2022. Richardson, who identifies as a gay man, said he feels he has to put on a different, straight persona in spaces such as his STEM classes that are dominated by cisgender, heterosexual people. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Richardson, right, sits with his boyfriend, University of Texas government junior Parker Lynas under “The Family Group” sculpture in Austin, Texas, on April 30, 2022. Richardson and Lynas think that how they met – dorm move-in day freshman year – subverts expectations and stereotypes of how people may think gay couples meet. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
University of Texas psychology sophomore Amy Mills and Southwestern University kinesiology freshman Miranda Farrar walk Farrar’s dog in Austin, Texas, on May 1, 2022. Mills said even though Farrar adopted the dog, they both contribute to taking care of her. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Mills, left, and Farrar sit on the couch in Mills’s apartment in Austin, Texas, on May 1, 2022. Mills said one way she pushes back against heteronormativity is by actively seeking out media with LGBTQ representation. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas
Mills, left, and Farrar sit at Lucky Lab Coffee Co. in Austin, Texas, on May 1, 2022. The couple recently celebrated their three-year anniversary. Blaine Young/Reporting Texas