College is a defining moment for many students. It is time to explore the freedom that comes with breaking free from parental rules, tasting adulthood for the first time, and shaping the future. However, for an LGBT student, the prospects are different, and there’s more to worry about.
As a historically marginalized group, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer community have their cards arranged differently when it comes to college admission. They have unique concerns and issues that are different from the rest of the student population – from gender-neutral housing to education programs.
Finding an LGBT friendly campus is, therefore, paramount to any student that associates with the group. In order for them to have a great college experience, LGBT students require an environment where their sexuality isn’t prejudiced and their stay on campus highly appreciated and taken care of.
Below are tips that could help in finding an LGBT-friendly college.
Campus Culture
Every campus has an accepted way in which things operate. This way of doing things is the campus culture that loops all students in behaving in a certain treasured manner, which is deemed right. To find an LGBT-friendly college, take your time to examine the campus culture and measure its inclusivity against your needs.
Campus culture is a vital aspect as it entails the most important aspects of campus life that have a direct effect on an LGBT student. Below are some of the factors influenced by a campus culture that is critical to any LGBT student.
School Outreach
Within the college’s schedule of events, research for any events, awareness weeks, or social happenings dedicated to happenings in the LGBT community. This may include art events, walks across campus, concerts, poetry events, and participation in national LGBT events. It could also be the hosting of an LGBT activist.
If a campus has the presence of such events, its culture is highly inclusive in welcoming and making the stay of the LGBT community comfortable on campus.
Political Activism
Among the many clubs a college hosts, search for an LGBT sponsored organization on campus. Evidence of a political activism organization within a campus goes a long way in showing how flexible the college’s culture is.
A political activist organization is proof enough that the comfort of a member of the LGBT community isn’t compromised. It is the mandate of such organizations to be vocal on issues concerning their members. But if a campus doesn’t have the presence of an LGBT, chances are the culture isn’t any accommodating.
Campus Vibe
The general feeling around a campus tells a lot about its culture and its perceptions on different groups, LGBT included. To know if a campus is friendly, attend a class to see if it’s comfortable enough for your stay.
Ask other students how LGBT students are treated on campus. Ask about their safety and gauge if it ticks all your boxes on a friendly college. If the campus vibe is inclusive, then your stay at the campus would be enjoyable.
College Nondiscrimination Policy
In the policies that govern a college, there is a nondiscrimination policy that any LGBT member should read before seeking admission to college. College nondiscrimination policy includes a list of members the college protects against discrimination.
Being an LGBT member, discrimination for one’s sexual identity is among the greatest fears. The college nondiscrimination policy should be enumerated to show the different types of groups it protects. You should also pay attention to a religious exemption, a rule carried by some colleges.
“You should check into the campus climate to learn about the campus and its policies. It will show you interesting incidences about a specific individual, or sexuality,” advises Sloan Madison, an expert at Trust My Paper.
Housing and Bathroom Policies
Some colleges have housing and bathroom policies that aren’t accommodating for LGBT members. While seeking admission, research a college’s housing and bathroom policy to ensure that it is tailored to satisfy your special needs as an LGBT member.
Open house policy allows students to live with whoever they wish regardless of their sexual identity. Such gender-inclusive policies are LGBT friendly and have the comfort of all students at heart.
Bathrooms are an important aspect of the housing having the transgender students in mind. All student restrooms policy is favorable for students with different experiences and identities. Most colleges have their housing and bathroom policies on their website, and it’s upon you to check and determine whether they are LGBT friendly.
When writing your letter to the admissions board once you’ve found a college with the right policies, you can use online tools such as WowGrade, SupremeDissertations or IsAccurate for accuracy. Also, if you’re struggling to create a comprehensive, engaging and compelling letter to the admissions board, here is a list of readily available tools that will help you.
- Grab My Essay – If you’re looking for more of a human touch to proofread your essay and offer direction, this tool gives you an expert writer on standby.
- Studicus – If you have created your own text and looking for an expert editor, this is the way to go.
- Best Essay Education – If you’re stuck and don’t know where to turn, they will handle your request and deliver the highest quality.
- Grammarly – If you’re looking for editing software that you can use anywhere in the world.
Academics
The core business of any college is to impart knowledge to the students and sharpen them for their future careers. When searching for an LGBT-friendly college, search for one that offers programs, either major or minors, in queer studies, sexuality, or gender.
A college that is committed to including LGBT studies in its curriculum shows its willingness to embrace the community. But a school whose curriculum doesn’t involve anything LGBT related, those should be enough red flags for caution. Inclusivity in the curriculum means representation, which in turn translates to awareness in needs and requirements. It also tells a lot about the school’s sensitivity.
Conclusion
Being a member of the LGBT shouldn’t be a reason to be discriminated against on campus. With the evolving world, it is important that people appreciate the differences and diversity in sexuality. As a member of the community, there are colleges that accept and appreciate your sexuality. Find the best that suits you and enjoy your college days without having to hide who you are!
