<p>There are lots of queer students here; Ive heard estimates ranging from thirty to sixty percent of campus as some flavor of LGBQ</p>
<p>Way too high. The latest survey (done by a member of the sociology faculty, so it should be pretty accurate) suggested 12-15%.</p>
<p>I’ve heard from students themselves that it was about 1/3 of campus. Of course students could be making assumptions without really knowing. 12-15% seems kinda low though.</p>
<p>Well, there’s also the fact that tons of kids are queer, or think they might be queer, or don’t really think about it and just date whomever. I was talking to a queer friend about it, and she said that, while there’s not a huge LGBT scene at Oberlin that’s just because it’s just not a big deal. Also, drag ball.</p>
<p>I think it’s important to clarify whether you’re talking about students who actively identify as gay, and students who just aren’t straight. Many Oberlin students consider themselves “bi-curious” or “heteroflexible” or just don’t give a crap about their partners’ sex or gender; it’s kind of a post-queer campus in that way.</p>
<p>The original estimate was mine, and was meant to include the latter category. I’m sure the percentage who would call themselves gay is much lower. That said, I didn’t know about the sociology survey, and would be interested to know specifically what question was asked. I bet you’d get really different results if you asked “What is your sexual orientation?” with checkboxes, as opposed to a more open-ended question about habits and preferences.</p>
<p>(I hope that made sense; I’m abroad right now and trying to catch up on Internet things as quickly as possible 
)</p>
<p>Ah, the reasons why I am slowly falling in love with Oberlin. :D</p>
<p>Would a straight guy feel uncomfortable? Very open-minded, progressive political leanings with a couple of out gay friends, just not gay. It’s not a big deal at his HS, which has an LGBT club.</p>
<p>Youdon’tsay: Oberlin is not “Gay University.” The overwhelming majority of students are straight, as they are at every college in America. Oberlin just happens to have more gay and lesbian students than whatever the national average is. I’m sure your son will do just fine.</p>
<p>LOL. This morning I thought to myself, why did I even ask that question?</p>
<p>My son is going to be a senior. He is straight. His roommate is straight. Many of his friends are straight. It is not an issue for him or any of his friends. Nor does he have a problem with friends that aren’t straight. He tells me that a person’s sexuality just isn’t an issue unless they choose to make it so.</p>