Hi all! Hope you're doing well. I identify as gay and I really want to attend a college with a prominent and accepted LGBTQ+ community. This is one of my top priorities. Can y’all suggest universities that are known for having the most gay students or a large LGBTQ+ community? It’d be fantastic to be in a supportive and inclusive environment. Thanks in advance!
Sure, happy to help you out! There are several universities in the US renowned for their supportive, inclusive, and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities. The campuses at these schools often have active LGBTQ+ resource centers, and the student, faculty, and staff populations are largely supportive.
One that immediately comes to mind is the University of California, Berkeley. The Gender Equity Resource Center at Berkeley provides resources and services tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community on campus. It's a highly active and visible entity, and the campus community at large is known for its progressive and inclusive stance.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is another campus that stands out. Their Gender and Sexuality Campus Center provides lots of resources for LGBTQ+ students and is recognized for its inclusive, welcoming environment. Plus, Madison as a city is known to be LGBTQ friendly.
University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is not only well-regarded academically, but it is also known for being LGBTQ+ friendly. Their LGBT Center is among the oldest in the country and has a rich history of supporting students. They offer a number of resources, such as advising, education, and programming.
Another significant option is New York University (NYU) in Manhattan. NYU is located in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood with a long history of LGBTQ+ activism, and the school has a large, active LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ Student Center offers a wide variety of resources and community-building programs.
Remember, it's not just about quantity, but also quality—you want a community that's supportive and actively embraces diversity. Therefore, a good way to get a real sense of the LGBTQ+ community at each school is by reaching out to the institutions' LGBTQ+ centers or student groups, talking to current students or alumni, or researching what kind of events and resources they offer throughout the year.
These are just a few examples; there are many more campuses across the country that are very supportive and inclusive. Best of luck with your search!
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