<p>ok everyone i recently just got accepted into the university of missouri and it seems like a great school, but i am curious about a few things. i am gay male and i really want to go to a school where i can be myself and not have to lie about my sexuality. i want to meet new people have a great college experience without getting any flak for being who i am. so can someone let me know how is the gay student life at the university of missouri? is it friendly? how is the gay life in the city of columbia and the college's surrounding area? are the great bars and clubs i can go to have fun and enjoy myself? please someone let me know it is super important to me that i go to a place where i can completely be myself 100%.</p>
<p>Speaking as a gay male who lives near Columbia and who will also be attending Mizzou next year, I can say that there will be plenty of opportunities to be yourself and meet other gay men. If I’m not mistaken, Columbia has been rated one of the most gay friendly cities in the U.S.A. multiple times. There are also several gay bars and clubs in Columbia.</p>
<p>Statistically speaking, with such a large amount of students, there is bound to be a sizable population of gays, bisexuals, etc., as well as those people who maybe are not so open to such ideas. Personally, I’m not worried about being persecuted next year, but then again, I consider myself pretty low key and discreet. I think overall, Mizzou will be a great place to meet guys and explore yourself. </p>
<p>Good luck, and maybe I’ll see you there :D</p>
<p>thank you for taking the time out to comment on my post it really help get a better of the university and and the surrounding area, thank you.</p>
<p>Kind of late, I know but I’ll be starting my masters there this August. The last I read, Mizzou was selected as the 8th most gay friendly college in the nation. I saw several signs about the Safe Space initiative when I visited. And the few gay men I know who have been there, loved their time at Mizzou and in Columbia.</p>
<p>Here are a few links that might help:</p>
<p>[LGBTQ</a> Resource Center | University of Missouri - Columbia | Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Resource Center](<a href=“http://web.missouri.edu/~umcstudentlifelgbt/]LGBTQ”>http://web.missouri.edu/~umcstudentlifelgbt/)</p>
<p>[Mizzou:</a> You’re so Gay - St. Louis News - Daily RFT](<a href=“http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2008/11/mizzou_youre_so_gay_columbia_missouri_out_traveler_gay_friendly_college_towns.php]Mizzou:”>http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2008/11/mizzou_youre_so_gay_columbia_missouri_out_traveler_gay_friendly_college_towns.php)</p>
<p>I think one of the most important things is to not freak out. Not everyone will know you’re gay. Not everyone won’t know. Give people a chance, and you’ll get to know what people think pretty quickly. And if someone writes you off just because of that, then just shrug your shoulders and say “next!”</p>
<p>And if you don’t mind my suggestion, get involved on campus. That alone will lead you to a lot of people (gay, straight, and otherwise) who are just like you.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>