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Higher Education and the LGBT Student

© ML Arthur

For many LBGT students, the beginning of college is liberation. They are able to leave the towns and houses that made them remain closeted and move to college campuses with vibrant LGBT communities where they can meet people like themselves. For others, college means four more years of hiding from the people you share your life with. While not everyone has the freedom to leave home for college, for those who do here are some tips.

1. Investigate the atmosphere of potential colleges before you choose them  Just as you might want to get a taste of a course before choosing a college, it is important to find out if the college will be a hospitable place for you. Try to visit and arrange for an overnight stay. If you have the option, ask for an LGBT host (if the option is not presented to you and you are comfortable doing so, ask anyway. Many schools will provide such services upon request). Try and visit the club's meeting space. Whether you visit or not, explore the LGBT student group(s)' website(s). These sites will often provide information about special services (like scholarships, housing, counseling, cultural space, etc.) available to LGBT students, activities you can expect (are events closed meetings, political action projects, educational outreach, or huge parties), and contact info for current students. Email a current student and ask questions like:
   • How accepting is the student body of LGBT students?
   • Are there many faculty role models?
   • How much do LGBT students interact with each other and are they cliquey?
   • What is the dating scene like?
   • How accepting is the outside community? Can I hold hands with my partner in a local restaurant? Can I go to a gay club or bookstore?
   • What types of support services are available for LGBT students?
2. Check out the availability of LBGT/Queer Studies/Gender Studies coursework  While many LGBT students have no interest in such academic work, the topics covered can be an indication of administrative comfort with LGBT issues. Do not be too quick to jump to conclusions based on this information, however. Some small schools may not have the resources for specialized departments, many schools in consortiums rely on one member to develop programs in diverse areas, and large schools may offer programs by default rather than because of a true commitment.
3. Consider the historical nature of the school  It stands to reason that a co-ed Christian school with an emphasis on Greek life would be less hospitable to a gay student than an experimental or women's college would be. While some students will thrive in any environment and hostility often makes an LGBT community grow stronger, you may want to choose a school that is more comfortable.

The copyright of the article Higher Education and the LGBT Student in Higher Education is owned by ML Arthur. Permission to republish Higher Education and the LGBT Student in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.