As an openly gay high school junior, I'm starting to compile my college list, and I want to attend a college that's known for being LGBTQ-friendly. Could anybody provide insight on what some of the 'gayest' or most accepting colleges are in America?
Sure, I'm glad you're considering this in your college search. There are a number of colleges known for their LGBTQ-friendly policies, resources, and overall accepting community.The Princeton Review regularly surveys students and ranks the most LGBTQ-friendly colleges. Schools that often appear at the top of these lists include Stanford University, Emerson College, and MIT.Stanford University in California has multiple organizations dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, such as the Queer Student Resources center, which offers initiatives and programs like Trans @ Stanford.
Emerson College, located in Boston, Massachusetts, also makes a strong effort to support its LGBTQ+ students. It has an office specifically dedicated to supporting these students, called Emerson's Office of Equity & Social Justice.MIT, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a strong network of LGBTQ+ support. Their Rainbow Lounge serves as a dedicated safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and there are various student groups catering to different identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
Another college to look at is University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which is home to the Williams Institute, a national think tank dedicated to research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.
Moreover, some liberal arts colleges, such as Sarah Lawrence College in New York and Grinnell College in Iowa, are often recognized for their LGBTQ+ friendly climate.
It's also worth mentioning that ongoing support for LGBTQ+ students extends beyond just admissions and can also be seen in residence life and campus events, among other areas. When researching schools, look for LGBTQ+ student groups, queer studies programs, gender-neutral housing options, and inclusive nondiscrimination policies. I hope this helps with your search!
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