<p>"Syracuse University, along with Cornell University, Colgate University and Ithaca College, made the list of the 100 best campuses for LGBT students in a new book released today."</p>
<p>"Ten years ago, it would have been almost impossible to come up with 100 gay-friendly campuses,[the interviewee] said.</p>
<p>And the list wouldn't have included Colgate, a largely conservative school in a rural area, said junior Joe Madres, who is gay.</p>
<p>Colgate sponsored the Big Gay Weekend in April, inviting students from a dozen nearby schools for lectures, movies and performances that celebrated the LGBT community. Junior Steve Hayden was impressed that Colgate President Rebecca Chopp introduced the weekend's keynote speaker.</p>
<p>Haven't heard too many gay-bashings from my friends... well, my main groups of friends have at least one G/L student so obviously, I won't hear any real deals (though my sorority's working on that issue... but we'll get there). ResLife even approved a gay-friendly themed townhouse- very interesting idea.</p>
<p>On the other hand, my friend used to help run the Rainbow Room/LGBTQ group at Colgate and just last year said the admissions office refused their offer to supply some photos for Colgate's admission booklets. </p>
<p>That being said, the Drag Ball is ridiculously fun. Everyone should go.</p>
<p>I have several gay friends at Colgate who have had wonderful times on campus. There is a wide support network and the student body/faculty/staff are very accepting and tolerant of diverse viewpoints, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. Colgate is a community oriented place. It doesn't matter if you're white, black, purple, straight, gay, rich, or poor. If you are part of the Colgate family you are welcomed for who you are and what you add to the diversity of the campus.</p>