<p>Just out of curiosity (I know others have been asking about the Indian population or whatever), but how's the gay life at Dartmouth? I know they have an LGBT center, but I was wonder what's the queer population? It's obviously not as big as a state university, but is it incredibly small and difficult to find? I'd like some input from current students if possible. </p>
<p>Thanks for your help in advance. :)</p>
<p>Here are a few threads which discuss the topic:</p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/58475-gays-dartmouth.html?%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/58475-gays-dartmouth.html?</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/38365-sexual-attitudes-dartmouth.html?%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/38365-sexual-attitudes-dartmouth.html?</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/87536-gay-lesbian-life.html?%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/87536-gay-lesbian-life.html?</a>
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/311137-being-gay-dartmouth.html?%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/dartmouth-college/311137-being-gay-dartmouth.html?</a></p>
<p>Although I am not a current student, every gay student I met loves being at Dartmouth. I wouldn't even use the word 'accepting' to describe the student body, because that would imply that there was something out of the ordinary in which students would have to consider. Gay and straight students socialize in the same circles.</p>
<p>Check out this youtube video on one gay student at Dartmouth who talks about being a top division 1 lacrosse player, as well as being openly gay:</p>
<p>Muchas gracias. :D</p>
<p>YAY this is my thing be prepared to be overwhelmed:</p>
<p>The Dartmouth LGBT environment can be complex and difficult at times. For the most part, however, students, faculty, and administrators are incredibly accepting and welcoming. Outright homophobia rarely occurs anymore except for the rare instance in a frat basement among drunken immature/insecure boys. Other than that, more subtle instances of heteronormativity persist but are slowly but surely disappearing. My sorority, for example, doesn't assume that a sister's formal date will always be male. </p>
<p>One great thing about Dartmouth's LGBT scene is that the people who make it up are so diverse and difficult to stereotype. One of my out gay friends is serving as President of his fraternity, and another is serving as Social Chair of his fraternity. I have gay friends who are Latino, Latina, Native American, Caribbean, East Asian, White, Black, etc. I know gay people on the equestrian team, track team, swimming team, soccer team, and rugby team. I could go on...</p>
<p>Here are a few recent D articles on LGBT Greek life:
TheDartmouth.com</a> | GLBT students voice mixed views of frats
TheDartmouth.com</a> | GLBT students find support in sororities
TheDartmouth.com</a> | Coed houses foster GLBT community</p>
<p>Here is an interesting photo collection of gay college athletes, three of which go to Dartmouth and two of which are good friends of mine: Fearless</a> a photography project by Jeff Sheng</p>
<p>Also, the Dartmouth Gay Straight Alliance recently changed its name to Gender Sexuality XYZ. This was an effort to make the group more inclusive, especially of transgender students. In addition, the group name now states the topics discussed rather than attempts to label those who are expected to attend meetings. To read more about the name change and how it relates to queer theory, check out this awesome article by my really good friend:
TheDartmouth.com</a> | What’s In A Name?</p>
<p>Some events that are going on this term in GSX:
- Presentation at a school-wide assembly at a nearby high school of what it means to be LGBT
- Informal Conference with Middlebury's LGBT student group
- Day of Silence
- PRIDE (week of speakers, activities, and dinners)
- Joint meeting with a Dartmouth sorority who wants to be more inclusive</p>
<p>Also, I'm serving as Co-Chair of GSX this term and if anyone would like to come meet me during Dimensions please come to the GSX Ice Cream Social on Friday, April 18, from 7-9pm in Collis 303. And we're gonna have twister. I'm pretty sure Queer Bar Night (karaoke + food) is happening later that night too.</p>
<p>My experience is that a large majority of the student body is very accepting and that there's more than enough of a community. Almost every campus group, whether its the music dept, glee club, student assembly, community service groups, ethnic clubs, outdoor groups, etc are going to supportive and absolutely open and friendly. Even the Dartmouth Review is very gay friendly. Most of the frats/ sororities are going to be friendly and many have very vocal and active gay members. These houses include Tabard, Amarna, Panarchy, Sig Ep, BG, AXA, Sig Nu, SAE, KDE, Sigma Delt, among many others. The President of the student body last year was a gay student. </p>
<p>BUT you aren't likely to find much support from some athletic teams and 3-4 athletic based frats. The truth is I've never found these groups (jocks) to be particularly sensitive to most. Luckily there is a whole social world outside of these places.</p>
<p>There is a very strong alumni affinity group DGALA: Dartmouth Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Alumni/ae Association DGALA:</a> Dartmouth Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Alumni/ae Association. At the annual club officers and affiliated group weekend, DGALA regularly wins awards and is applauded by college alumni and the college administration. In fact, I think this year the alum recognized for the big award was a DGALA officer.</p>