Help with college selection: LGBTQ+ friendly schools?

Hey all! I'm getting ready to apply to colleges and being in an accepting environment is super important to me. What are some U.S. colleges known for being particularly gay-friendly?

Certainly, there are numerous higher education institutions that have strong track records of being friendly and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. I'll mention a few that often come up in these discussions:

1. Stanford University: Stanford consistently ranks high for LGBTQ+ friendliness. They have a dedicated LGBT Community Resources Center and several LGBTQ+ student organizations.

2. University of California, Berkeley: Berkeley is known for its inclusive environment and its Gender Equity Resource Center offers resources and support for LGBTQ+ students.

3. University of Wisconsin, Madison: They have a long-standing LGBTQ+ campus center and offer gender-inclusive housing, along with a supportive community.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT has several resources to support LGBTQ+ students, including a Rainbow Lounge and an active LGBTQ+ student group. They also offer the option for gender-inclusive housing.

5. The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): UPenn's LGBT Center is one of the oldest in the country. The university also features gender-inclusive housing, several LGBTQ+ student organizations, and the option to self-identify as LGBTQ+ on their admissions application.

6. Emerson College: With its strong emphasis on individuality and diversity, Emerson is highly regarded for its support for LGBTQ+ students. The school offers gender-inclusive housing and a number of support services through its Social Justice Center.

While all of these schools have a reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly, it's important to visit (if possible) or research the campus culture and student experiences at these schools. Every student's experience is unique, so make sure to take into consideration other factors that are important to you when choosing colleges, such as academic programs, location, size, etc. You might also find it beneficial to reach out to current students or alum through LGBTQ+ organizations or social media to hear about their experiences. Hope this helps!