<p>What's the effect of a strong lesbian presence at the remaining Seven Sisters? I attended a college with a related history and would love for my daughter to have the womens college experience. I've read some of the discussions about these schools being "magnets" for lesbians. How does that impact the culture of these schools?</p>
<p>It really doesn’t other than the student body is super open to whoever you like. No one will judge due to sexuality. Also, the lesbian presence kinda creates a socially liberal vibe too. </p>
<p>But, other than that, it really doesn’t change much. And honestly, the lesbians presence isn’t nearly as strong as online makes it seem. Once you’re actually there, you realize how little it affects daily life</p>
<p>Rocket6louise is correct. My daughter goes to Mount Holyoke, which is also near to Smith. The presence of out lesbians has very little impact at either school. No one judges and no one dwells on it.</p>
<p>I had an old girlfriend who went to Wellesley College. She said it wasn’t really an issue.</p>
<p>From my experiences at Bryn Mawr, I have not found the LGBTQ presence on campus to be negative or disruptive. Like most liberal arts colleges and the other Seven Sisters, Bryn Mawr prides itself on an inclusive, welcoming community to students across all backgrounds. This fosters a really wonderful environment that is friendly and open to everyone. The LGBTQ community is present, but not overwhelming. Everyone has a place here and that’s a really great thing to be part of. The majority of students identify as heterosexual, myself included, but, as part of an accepting community, this isn’t something students dwell on. We’re far too concerned with having a good time and going to class than caring what other students identify as!</p>
<p>As someone who is a lesbian at Bryn Mawr, I can say that being able to be “out” and comfortable in my presentation and my lifestyle is a huge, huge benefit of a women’s college. It has been my experience that Bryn Mawr (and my friends at other Seven Sisters have remarked on the same thing, which leads me to believe it’s a women’s college thing) creates an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance, and liberal thinking that allows a very diverse community to co-exist in a way that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Is it perfect? No, in the same way that current society is not perfect for most people who do not fit the norm, especially since homophobia is an issue that can permeate even the most perfect bubbles of understanding. That said, any time I feel I am being treated adversely because of my sexuality or my relationship, I feel completely comfortable addressing this issue because I know that the college community supports my right to be here and be me. That’s said for any minority on campus - we have no problem standing up for ourselves, although we rarely feel a threat because this is a place of liberal thinking and understanding. </p>
<p>I think in many ways, women’s colleges allow for a more vocal presence of queer students because of the unique atmosphere, and I always chuckle a little when women’s colleges are considered “magnets” for lesbians. The most negative term I’ve heard used is “dyke farm,” but eh, homophobes will be homophobes, what are you gonna do? The reality is that sexuality and matters of personal diversity are a non-issue here, so it’s completely okay for groups of all organization, especially when in the minority, to be able to voice their opinions and live their lifestyles. It makes for a vibrant social scene where queer student groups can hold a dinner party, and then everybody can head over to a Muslim student organization’s event and finish the evening off at the South Asian student’s Diwali party. It’s pretty amazing. </p>
<p>I agree with Ivy above - I’ve got way too much to read and write and way too many classes to handle to have to dwell too long on the sexualities of my fellow students. I can hold my girlfriend’s hand when I walk across campus and not feel that anyone is going to threaten us or make us feel uncomfortable, something I don’t get to experience in a lot of other places in the world, and for that I’m very grateful.</p>