LGBT in conservative UR

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Richmond
1

<p>As a well-reputed liberal arts college (33rd among national liberal arts colleges), I assumed that, with a wide-ranging multi-disciplinary curriculum, UR would foster broad-minded, accepting (if not tolerant) students. Surely, in a small intimate college where everybody knows everybody, where diversity and multiculturalism is heralded, there would be greater understanding and support for minority groups in the community. Where everywhere else LGBT teens face the ugly reality of discrimination from their family and society, I thought, THIS is the place where LGBT can seek refuge, build friendships...</p>

<p>Reality or mere PR spiel?</p>

<p>Can a current student of UR talk about LGBT treatment in the college?</p>

<p>I refer to UR's independent student newspaper, The Collegian, to address LGBT uncertainties.</p>

<p>On "Letter from the Closet", a closeted student highlights the pervasive heterosexism on campus. He cites instances of abuse such as keying of cars, defacement of whiteboards, and derogatory remarks such as "that's gay" targeted at non-heterosexuals.
Letter</a> from the closet | The Collegian</p>

<p>On "GLBTQ students embrace alternate social scene", the fraternity scene is portrayed as being hostile to non-heterosexuals. Stories of GLBTQ students being threatened is purportedly known within the community.
GLBTQ</a> students embrace alternate social scene | The Collegian</p>

<p>On "GLBTQ students struggle to find voice, identity", efforts to make changes from student-led group for sexual minorities have been making small progess in the wake of several failed attempts.
Richmond</a> GLBTQ students struggle to find voice, identity | The Collegian</p>

<p>Comments from students through The Collegian have been supportive or in justification for anti-GLBTQ sentiments. A lot of biblical rhetoric have been thrown as justification for homophobia. Support have been expressed from the college in the form of seminar/discussion on gay rights, and a push for GLBTQ people in faculty and staff positions.</p>

2

<p>nash18, i see this is your first post. Are you considering Richmond for college next year? What is your particular interest here?</p>

3

<p>I have already received the offer to study in UR. It is only because UR is one of my top choices that I NEED to know what is up with the apparent bigotry on campus. I did not know about the discrimination GLBTQ students face before I applied (The Collegian articles were written this year), so this aspect is a rude shock.</p>

<p>I know this might be bad for UR’s PR, but it is not my intention to denigrate. Prospective students who might be a minority on campus SHOULD be given an accurate picture of UR in order to ascertain if UR is a good fit.</p>

<p>I reiterate: Can a current student of UR talk about LGBT treatment in the college?</p>

4

<p>I’m a current junior, Nash. I’m not LGBT, so I’m very sorry, but I can’t really speak to the issue from a personal POV. I do have a few LGBT friends, some of whom haven’t faced any discrimination, others who have seen bits and pieces here and there. I personally don’t know anyone for whom it’s been a serious problem.</p>

<p>There are people who say offensive things in a very off-handed way (e.g. “that’s so gay”). It’s my opinion that while this sucks and is completely inappropriate, you’ll find it anywhere, and Richmond doesn’t really stick out as being anti-LGBT because of it.</p>

<p>Hmm. Okay, here’s a positive example. Every year, the sorority Alpha Chai Omega puts on a Mr. Alpha Chai Omega ‘beauty contest’ sort of thing. Last year, a good (gay) friend of mine competed. His talent was a drag performance. He’s very openly out of the closet, dancer, WGSS/Theatre major. He won. It was awesome. Everyone was on there feet applauding.</p>

<p>One of the great things about this LGBT…situation…on campus is that we’re really talking about it and addressing it. It’s the same thing with other minority groups.</p>