Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Gay Students?

As a gay high school student, I'm looking for liberal arts colleges that are particularly LGBTQ+ friendly. I want to feel comfortable and fully accepted during my college years. Any recommendations or personal experiences?

Sure, I can list a few liberal arts colleges that are renowned for being LGBTQ+ friendly, which offer supportive environments and numerous resources for LGBTQ+ students.

1. Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania: It maintains a Gender and Sexuality Studies Program and the Swarthmore Queer Union, a student organization that serves to provide support and advocacy for queer students.

2. Oberlin College in Ohio: Known for its inclusive environment. It hosts the Edmonia Lewis Center for Women and Transgender People and the Multicultural Resource Center which offers resources and support for LGBTQ+ students.

3. Wellesley College in Massachusetts: As a women’s college, it accepts applications from anyone who identifies as a woman. It also hosts several LGBTQ+ groups on campus, including Spectrum for queer and questioning students.

4. Williams College in Massachusetts: Known for its strong support for LGBTQ+ students, Williams College has a group called Queer Student Union and offers a Gender and Sexuality Studies program.

5. Pomona College in California: Pomona's Queer Resource Center serves all The Claremont Colleges and offers numerous programming and educational options for LGBTQ+ students.

Before making a decision, I recommend exploring the colleges' websites, and more specifically, their diversity and inclusion pages. Additionally, reach out to current students or staff members to truly understand the support systems available on campus. Every college experience can differ, so the more perspectives you hear from, the better. Don't forget to consider the local community's climate towards the LGBTQ+ community as well, since college life isn't contained solely on campus.

Remember, what's most important is that you feel comfortable and accepted. College is an opportunity to express yourself and grow as an individual, so your wellbeing should be paramount in your decision. Good luck with your search!