Which colleges are the most friendly towards queer students?

I'm a queer high school junior and, needless to say, the whole 'college search' thing is stressful. One of my priorities is finding a college that's really accepting and friendly to queer folk. Does anyone have any suggestions or is there a reliable list somewhere?

While there isn't an official ranking system for queer-friendliness in all colleges, certain factors can help identify colleges that may be particularly affirming for queer students. Some things to look into for any school you're considering would include: non-discrimination policies, availability of gender-neutral housing and bathrooms, health services that are sensitive to and informed about LGBTQ+ health concerns, and active student-led organizations supporting the community.

There are many schools known for being particularly open and friendly towards queer students. For instance, the University of California, Berkeley, has a Gender Equity Resource Center which provides educational services and resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. Oberlin College in Ohio is known for its commitment to social justice issues, including LGBTQ+ rights. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has an active LGBTQ+ community and the Rainbow Lounge, a dedicated space for all things pertaining to queer life. Also noteworthy is Tufts University, which has a robust Center for Awareness, Resources, and Education (CARE) dedicated to offering a wide array of resources for LGBTQ+ students.

Another great resource would be the Campus Pride Index (CPI), which is an online tool allowing prospective students to search a database of LGBT-friendly campuses in the U.S. However, a word of caution, these resources should just be a starting point. Visiting the campus and talking to current students or alumni can provide a more complete picture of the campus culture. Every person's experience is unique and a college that's right for one student may not be the best fit for another.

In conclusion, prioritize your comfortability and safety. After all, you'd want to be in an environment where you can excel academically without compromising your true self.