<p>I'm a legacy and all that good stuff, and I'm almost certainly going to get into ND. Although I love the school, this application was forced: my parents told me I had to apply, so I am. </p>
<p>Anyway, I'm a non-practicing Catholic (though I did the 10 years of CCD and everything) and a lesbian. I know that 80% of the school is Catholic, and that they are moderately tolerating of other religions. However, I also know that as a Catholic institution it is laregly socially conservative. I don't mind fighting a little bit for respect, and I'm happy to be an activist of sorts. But, I also want a social life (i.e. dating) and that typical college experience we all talk about. </p>
<p>What do you think? Is being gay at ND so limiting that I would later regret the decision? Or would it be a growing and empowering experience? </p>
<p>Well, for awhile ND was ranked number 1 by the Princeton Review for "alternative lifestyles not an alternative," but I am not sure how accurate this is. Maybe some of the Notre Dame students would have a better idea for how things are on campus. Good luck in your college search.</p>
<p>Yeah, I knew that they were rated #1, but I'm not sure what really goes into that decision. I think they moved down to #2 this year, if I remember correctly.</p>
<p>Notre Dame has denied the application of a gay student group every year they've applied. I think there is one that meets off campus and isn't recognized, but it's not official or anything. I don't know if I would be able to reach them, since it wouldn't be on their website. If no one knows too much on this site, I'll try looking for the group and emailing them. </p>
<p>Basically, it sounds like hell. I just want to know if the students are as hostile as the administration seems to be. Thanks for your responses.</p>
<p>I doubt it is really that bad, but if ND sounds like "hell" for you, maybe you need to talk to your parents about finding schools that would be more accomodating. Generally, schools in the midwest are pretty conservative; you might have better luck in the northeast or the west.</p>
<p>Im a student at ND and I wont say my views on homosexuality but I will say that if you plan to be openly gay at Notre Dame you will be the talk of the town.</p>
<p>Ghippleh, how many openly gay/lesbian students do you know of on campus? Are we talking single digits, here?</p>
<p>Emswim, when I said that this was forced I wasn't kidding. All of my other schools are more liberal (two in the midwest and the rest in the northeast and mid-atlantic regions), but I really do love ND the same way that all legacies do. It isn't as if this is my last choice school, because I'm not sure if it is. The decision to attend a school where I know I may not be welcomed with open arms, regardless of my affection for it, is a decision that merits full and thoughtful consideration, even if the issue initially appears clean cut.</p>
<p>I do know several openly gay people at ND, so there are some and they can live openly gay. Overall I think it is a hard place, but people are working to change that. The group you refer to is called AllianceND and is very active and has a good number of members. They are making progress in their cause by this year getting a closet built on south quad for National Coming Out Day (I believe that is when it was). Also, at determined times, a great number of people on campus wear orange "Gay, fine by me" shirts to show that they are understanding and open to it. Since I am a psych major, though I do not have a shirt, I am surrounded by them :). Also, in the spring there is a Queer Film Festival where they talk about a lot of these issues and they show, well, I am not sure how to classify the movies (I don't want to say gay movies, but you know). Overall I think that ND would be a lot harder for you than a lot of other schools but it is completely doable if you want to! Overall I think that people are very understanding and will accept you for the person you are. If it helps, this is coming from a very conservative Catholic who goes to daily Mass, so it is one of the more far-right opinions on the issue. If you would like to talk more, feel free to email me!</p>
<p>My S tell me that lesbians seem to be accepted more than gay men at ND. Maybe homophobia is more of a male thing. It doesn't help that the current pope is trying to rid the Catholic church of gay priests, especially since such a high percentage of priests are gay.</p>
<p>I think it would be better if he went after the heretical priests first, of which (in my opinion and only my opinion) we have one at ND, but that is just my view. Anyways, he shall not be named, but if you know your ND and your Catholic faith you already know.</p>
<p>I don't think the Pope will have much of an effect on ND, however. ND was one of the few Catholic universities to not sign EX CORDE ECCLESIAE (ugh) but anyways, I am going to rant on this stuff.</p>
<p>Don't worry about the Pope, I don't think he will have an impact at ND in your 4 years. Jenkins may be different, however, as he seems very conservative. However, I have a feeling he will be understanding but I wouldn't count on AllianceND becoming a official group under Jenkins.</p>
<p>Sorry, I don't think I added anything, so I am done now. I hope that helped some at least.</p>