Going to College

Making the transition from a high school environment to a college environment is a challenge for everyone, and there are many factors that will influence your decision. Money, location, school size, and academic reputation are some of the factors that a high school junior or senior would traditionally consider looking over his or her college choices. There are many books and other resources available on which colleges fit particular students, but there is very little, if any, information available on which colleges are a good match for a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT) student, and which colleges only serve to make the GLBT student more isolated. The more comfortable you feel in college, the better you will do, and the more enjoyable your college years will be. The choice to be open about your sexuality shouldn’t be made by a college environment that is unfriendly towards GLBT students.

There are no particular types of colleges that are GLBT friendly (or not). Some small rural colleges are GLBT friendly, and some large urban universities aren’t friendly. Some GLBT friendly schools are expensive, and some are not as expensive. Determining whether a school is GLBT friendly is something that takes time, and there is no widely accepted rating system such as the US-News and World Report College Rankings that takes the ‘gay friendly’ factor into account. What we have compiled here are some of the factors you can possibly use to determine whether a school is really GLBT friendly.

Official Rules and Policies

One of the first things to look at is the school’s non-discrimination policy, which can be found in the college or university brochure, website, or printed on other materials that the school has sent you. If you can’t find this policy or statement on any of the materials from a certain college, you might e-mail or call the college to ask if they have one.

Other things to look for include domestic partner benefits, inclusive health benefits in student health insurance plans, and inclusive housing policies.

GLBT Organizations, Offices and Resource Centers

While looking at resources at different colleges and universities check to see if they have a resource center or office dedicated to the GLBTA population. Sometimes this is a stand alone resource center or office and sometimes there is a dedicated staff member who works with the GLBTA population in a diversity of multicultural affairs office.

Additionally, check to see if the have a recognized GLBT student group. How big is the group? What types of events do they offer?

Students Speak for Themselves

When narrowing down your choices try to get in contact with GLBT students at each college/university. You can sometimes do this by contacting the resource center, office, or the student group. This will give you a good perspective of GLBT life on that campus.

GLBT Studies, Faculty, and Staff

Do the schools you are interested in have GLBT specific courses or a GLBT studies program? Are there "out" faculty and staff on campus?

Other Places on Campus

Besides the student group and/or the resource center, are there other GLBT-friendly places/offices/student groups on campus? Getting an idea of the general campus climate is always a good idea.

In addition to other safe places on campus, are RA's trained in issues facing GLBT students? Are there trainings available for anyone to learn more about GLBT issues and concerns?

Beyond the School

What resources are available in the community outside of the college or university? Are these resources accessible for college students?