<p>Hey everyone,
I'm a rising high school senior and I live in Michigan. I was basically wondering how gay life is at Duke.</p>
<p>A little bit about me, I'm not out to anyone yet (which is why I couldn't inquire about gay life at my campus visit, I was with my parents), and I don't plan on coming out until at least around the end of this school year. The community I live in leans socially conservative, isn't extremely conservative, but I also go to a conservative, ignorant catholic high school where I would not be accepted at all. I wouldn't say that I'm the completely stereotypical gay guy either. I play sports, and plan on playing at least intramurals in college, I'm a sports fan and I hate theater/plays(however I do enjoy pop music lol). I don't dress "gay"(I hate using that stereotypical word), so I don't think people would know I'm gay just by looking. That being said, I'm not a total shocker by any means either, I would say that if people interacted with me for a while they would probably suspect it. Politically, I identify as a moderate. Economically I tend to lean to the right and socially to the left obviously, I have grown up around social conservatives so I'm not scared of them by any means, I just really don't want a majority presence of them.</p>
<p>Now, for what I'm looking for. From what I have read(correct me if Im wrong) in general Duke is liberal, with a still present conservative minority. I want to be actually accepted, not just tolerated. I don't want to be known simply as a gay guy, I want people to realize that is just a part of who I am. And while I think it's good to have very close knit and powerful LGTB organizations and groups, I don't want to only be friends with other gay people if you know what I mean? I think I probably would join one or two of the groups, but I wouldn't want to be a die-hard member, I want to be in an environment where both straight guys and girls would be open to being friends with me and where I can just be a normal everyday student. </p>
<p>Lastly, I would like there to be an at least somewhat decent amount of other gay people.</p>
<p>I'm looking to study either business or biology(most likely pre-med) if that makes any difference.</p>
<p>So do you think Duke would be a good fit for me, and if you have any personal experience or opinions, could you share it?
Thanks!</p>