<p>how is the GLBT community at Penn ?</p>
<p>I've been a regular answering questions around here, but to answer this question changed my screenname. I'm completely out at school, but not at all at home (well as of two nights ago one of my best friends knows, but that's the extent of it). Thus the different screenname... anyway, as a current gay Penn student, I'll take any questions any of you have on this subject... and if you don't want to post, feel free to private message me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.</p>
<p>The LGBT community is, in my opinion, alive and thriving at Penn. There are lots of resources for students to take advantage of, and tons of student groups you can get involved in. The LGBT Center is the largest in the US, and it is an absolutely awesome space... very cool inside. The community itself is pretty tight knit, at least as far as those that are completely out. There are lots of people that are out, and there are lots of people you will interact with and meet who are very involved with the LGBT community internally. I myself didn't get involved in all that there is available all year, yet still felt very much connected all year. You can really get involved as much or as little as you want, if at all.</p>
<p>Socially, the community does tons of stuff together. Almost every week there is an LGBT party called "Gay Friday's at Cliff's," which are a blast... even my best friends, who I have dragged to these parties sometimes, have commented that "nobody parties like the gays on this campus." I think it's true... we have a fantastically good time. There are also numerous other oncampus social events catered toward the LGBT community. Each Spring all of the different groups consolidate to put on QPenn week, a week of events, discussions, speakers, etc dealing with LGBT issues. It's topped off with the QBall, which this year was held at a club and was one of the best nights I had all year. It received rave reviews, and next year should be even better. The QPenn events this year ranged from the QBall to an interactive leather demonstration... which, while raising some eyebrows from the university, was quite a sight and drew a large crowd who just wanted to see what the event would be like.</p>
<p>Finally, being in Philadelphia adds another dimension to the mix, offering an abundance of resources, social opportunities, and cultural opportunities. From the annual Equality Forum weekend to simply going out to Woody's (local gay club) on Wednesday nights, there is always stuff going on and plenty of ways to meet people.</p>
<p>Hopefully that answered some of your questions... there's a lot that could be said, and I tried to keep it relatively broad so as not to make this longer than it already is. Again, if you have any more questions feel free to post them, or if anyone wants to Private Message me, feel free as well.</p>