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Choosing LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges
by Katie Wharton, 3.28.06
"When I began applying to colleges, I visited several campuses, looking for signs that the school was a safe and fun place to be openly gay." |
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So you've decided to go to college. Congratulations! Where will you go? There are many factors to consider when making your decision — like academics, cost, location, and size, to name only a few. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ), it's also important that your college be LGBTQ-friendly.
Why It Matters
If you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender you'll want to be in an environment that's supportive and accepting of your sexual orientation and gender identity. If you're questioning, you'll want to be an environment that will let you explore your sexual orientation and gender identity at your own pace and on your own terms, free of fear or judgment.
But it's not just LGBTQ people who benefit from queer-friendly colleges. College communities that are supportive of LGBTQ students are more likely to encourage diversity across the spectrum — from race and religion to unique forms of individual expression. That's a benefit to anyone, queer or straight.
Do Your Research
When I began applying to colleges, I visited several campuses, looking for signs that the school was a safe and fun place to be openly gay. At the University of California in Berkeley, I saw a same-sex couple holding hands on campus, and I felt I would be welcomed there as a gay person.
My method worked, but there were other tips I could have used to narrow my search even before the campus visit. Whether you're out and proud or you haven't told a soul, here are a few good places to start:
1. Review the school's policies.
Are sexual orientation and gender identity included in the college's non-discrimination policy? Are they also listed in the school's anti-harassment materials? Such policies demonstrate a commitment by the school's leadership and/or state and local laws to support the basic rights of LGBTQ students.
2. Check out the courses.
Take a look at the list of academic departments and courses. Is there a department devoted to LGBTQ studies (or "gay and lesbian studies," or "queer studies"), or various departments with courses on LGBTQ issues? You should be able to find this information on the college website in the list of academic departments or in the online campus course catalog. The existence of these courses is a good indication that a school values and recognizes LGBTQ people's contributions to society.
3. Investigate campus groups.
Is there an LGBTQ student group? The presence of such a group shows at least some level of support for the queer community on campus. Such a group may also provide valuable contacts for answering your questions about a campus's LGBTQ environment.
4. Talk to students.
If you feel comfortable, e-mail or call the LGBTQ student group on campus (if there is one) and ask a representative about LGBTQ life on campus. Is there a visible LGBTQ student community? Do students feel comfortable being out? Have there been incidents of anti-LGBTQ harassment or hate crimes? If you're not comfortable asking these questions, you may be able to find a college chat room, or you can do some online searches for articles or blogs that discuss LGBTQ concerns at your prospective school.
5. Consult the college-ranking guides.
The Princeton Review publishes a list of the top 20 "Gay Community Accepted" colleges. Planetout.com also has a similar list ("PlanetOut's Best Colleges"). New College of Florida, Macalester College (Minnesota), and Wellesley College (a women's college in Massachusetts) topped the Princeton Review's most recent list.
Final Exam: Visit the Campus
Pick up a copy of the school newspaper and find out what issues are currently at the forefront of campus life. Look around at campus billboards to find out what events are in the works. Take a look at the local coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and clubs in the surrounding community and get a feel for the area. Most of these elements will be part of your campus life, so find out if you feel at ease there. If you're up for it, stop by the LGBTQ student center and talk to students there.
Although it takes some added work to get the inside scoop on your college targets, putting in that extra bit of effort to find a college that suits both your academic and personal needs can make all of the difference for this exciting next chapter of your life.
For more information, visit the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). |
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