<p>I'll be attending BYU in the fall of 2015, and despite my concerns about LGBTQ+ support there, I am rather excited to be attending. This is due to the presence of the USGA, or Understanding Same-Gender Attraction. As bigoted as that title sounds, it is actually an extremely inclusive, affirming, and supportive group. Or at least, I hope it will still be when I get there. Apparently, it's glory days were around 2011-2012, a few years after the group was formed. It seems that recently the BYU administration is coming down harder on gays or just being ignorant in general, as seen in their poll to millennials which asked if they were "straight or straight" (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/28/byu-survey-straight-heterosexual_n_5227529.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/28/byu-survey-straight-heterosexual_n_5227529.html</a>). I want to be a part of the group that revives this organization. Its videos were a literal life-saver to several LGBTQ+ Mormon youth like me (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bl8BZREF4g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bl8BZREF4g</a>). The presence of a faith-affirming and identity-supporting group is extremely essential, as mormon youth are increasingly finding themselves torn between two seemingly incompatible worlds. So please, if you are LDS, gay, or will be attending BYU soon, please consider attending USGA to help restore Christ's love to Christ's gospel. And if you're there after 2015, I'll see you soon! Let's wreck some havoc.</p>
<p>Honestly, only people like you can open up minds of bigot people to new perspectives, a different person among them. You are different at one particular point but also one of them… </p>
<p>But for your benefit. You should not go there … Honestly look at this questionnaire, it hints us … </p>
<p>I wish you well.</p>
<p>Don’t come back next year saying how you hate your school.</p>
<p>
It’s “Let’s wreak some havoc.” :)</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the warm wishes. @teenbodybuilder, I love BYU’s programs and environment too. I know the school very well, and I’ve visited many times. I don’t think I could hate it. And @skieurope, thank you, CC won’t let me edit my post. :/</p>
<p>BYU is one of the most homophobic colleges in the country. I don’t know why you’re doing that to yourself.</p>
<p>Do you realize that homosexual behavior is against BYU’s honor code? You can be expelled for expressing yourself.</p>
<p>@TannerSmith I hope you are just as repulsed by heterosexuals sucking face in public and just generally groping each other. Did you consider that dressing flamboyantly may just be a part of their identity? The LGBTQ person who does this may not be comfortable in a suit and tie. Shouldn’t you be more concerned that these people react violently to this type of dress? Do you see other men develop violent reactions to men who whistle at women on the street? Get over the fear of unwanted advances. What about beautiful women who deal with unwanted advances? Or is it only acceptable when the advances and leering are heterosexual?</p>
<p>BYU needs to change their ways. My kid attended a college where the health questionnaire had so many more categories besides M/F. The times have changed and I think trying to accept everyone as they are will make for a healthier society. </p>
<p>@mormander I hope you are able to develop a strong support base at BYU. From what I gather from the Huffington Post article you can be expelled for demonstrating affection to a same sex partner. Wish you all the best. I am glad you are excited about your college career.</p>
<p>Yes, yes, and yes. I am very aware of the environment of BYU, and that’s what I want to change. I know what I can handle, and I know that I won’t let this homophobia get me down. I’m not afraid of violence/harassment because 1) I am not flamboyant at all and 2) Mormons are more likely to (hypocritically) act condescendingly than to act physically. And I do feel like I can get a strong supporting base. USGA is already there, and the students act much less hostile than the administration. Overall, I am hopeful. And I plan to stay that way. And @collegebound752, I know what the Honor Code says regarding “homosexual behavior” and I’m not concerned, considering I’m pretty date-less already. : )</p>