<p>Does Davidson have a strong LGBT community? Is the school supportive of it? Are the students accepting of LGBT students?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t necessarily say “strong”, but there is one. They are fairly well-accepted, but it lags behind many of its peer institutions such as Carleton or Swarthmore in terms of representation and complete acceptance of LGBTQ members. It’s absolutely not hostile though. However, we are in the process of becoming a more inclusive institution with its creation of programs like the Safe Space Training, available to students and faculty of Davidson College, to help dispel myths and educate those on LGBTQ issues. YANASH, You Are Not A Stranger Here, is designed for students who are questioning their sexual orientation or identity but are still unable to come out for various reasons. Q&A, Queers and Allies, is the newest iteration of the Gay-Straight Alliance and they are looking to expand and strengthen the LGBTQ voice on campus. Also, I believe there will be an LGBTQ mentor program offered for incoming freshmen to help orient themselves on campus and to provide guidance as an LGBTQ member of campus. The overwhelming majority of students do support LGBTQ students, in fact, one of the fraternities on campus hosted a Kiki/party with the Gay-Straight Alliance and it was very highly supported, and most, if not all, of the fraternities and eating houses have openly queer members. We are also trying to raise trans awareness and understanding on campus and there are some students currently planning on increasing awareness, support. and dispelling myths for those who identify as trans or genderqueer. There has also been a push for more intersectionality within the community as well. If you have any more questions, feel free to message me!</p>
Hi IAmNotBenji, I’m a prospective Davidson student and I’m wondering if we could just talk numbers. How many queer students are there? are they findable, are they visible? If I’m not heterosexual, am I signing up for 4 years of demographically-mandated celibacy? Is there a presence that isn’t justified by some sort of political or protected umbrella? Are there enough people to actually fill a social circle, just to have as friends, or does it have to spring from some sort of outreachy or activist motivation in order to bring people out of the woodwork?