Hi everyone, junior here! I’m starting to think about college and as a gay student, I want to feel comfortable and accepted. What colleges are known for being especially LGBTQ+ inclusive? Your perspective would be very appreciated!
Hello there! It sounds like you're prioritizing a supportive and inclusive environment in your college search. That's fantastic! It's always important to ensure your college aligns with your values and provides a welcoming culture that suits your comfort and identity needs.
In terms of LGBTQ+ inclusiveness, Massachusetts has been a state leading in LGBTQ+ rights and has schools with strong inclusivity records. For one, Tufts University has an LGBTQ+ center that offers a wide array of supports and resources for students, including counseling services, social events, advocacy training, and academic resources.
In California, UC Berkeley is well-known for its commitment to its LGBTQ+ student body with a dedicated Gender Equity Resource Center and has been a leader in the space for decades. The Berkeley campus is ranked consistently high in terms of LGBTQ+ friendliness.
Out East, New York University (NYU) is also heralded for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The school offers a range of resources including numerous student clubs, and the opportunity to live in gender-inclusive housing.
Then there's the Midwest - University of Wisconsin–Madison has an LGBTQ+ Campus Center which offers workshops, consultations, resources, and even scholarship opportunities for LGBTQ+ students.
Outside of this, the Campus Pride Index is an incredibly useful resource you should look into. Campus Pride is a national non-profit organization that works to create safer, more inclusive higher education environments for LGBTQ+ students. The Campus Pride Index, specifically, rates colleges based on a range of criteria including housing, campus safety, counseling and health, and policy inclusion, giving better insights into how LGBTQ+ friendly a school truly is.
While these are a few examples, there are many other colleges and universities that are known for their inclusivity. It's always wise to do a deeper dive into each college's dedicated LGBTQ+ resources, anti-discrimination policies, course offerings, and student testimonials to get a better sense of the community.
Good luck with your college search!
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