<p>I just wanted to make an inquiry regarding the gay community at Vanderbilt. I know it is known as a "southern" school, but that does not necessarily answer my questions. As a whole, are people really accepting? Does Vandy offer good resources for LGTBQ students? Basically, any insight to "gay life" at Vanderbilt would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Over one hundred views and NO replies!? That’s absurd. Come on y’all, help a guy out!</p>
<p>Hmm, this is a good question. It’s hard to say. I’ve been an RA on campus for awhile, I’ve seen just about everything on campus. Though, to be honest with you, the gay community here is far from thriving, though I’m not expert on that scene. </p>
<p>Two or three years back there as an assault on two gay students, and it was investigated. I’m not sure if it was officially termed a hate crime though. From what I heard from friends, the assault was not hate driven, rather they happened to be gay, if that makes sense. </p>
<p>As a whole I don’t see the campus as abrasive and there is certainly a lot of support through the housing office and the LGBT offices. Last year there was a strong crowd (gay and straight) from Vandy at the Nashville protest again Proposition 8, if that’s any indication of the community’s thoughts. I’d say the community is generally accepting, though I’m sure it’s far from ideal. If you are interested PM me, and I can get you some contact info for some people who are more active in the community and would be very happy to answer your questions.</p>
<p>I think you got your answer. I heard that there was a gay fraternity established this year, but you would have to verify that. As far as I can tell, although Vanderbilt is changing and becoming more diverse racially and has more international students than in previous decades, it is still a pretty conservative place as far as social life goes. I bet you would find official tolerance, and a majority of students that would oppose any legal discrimination against LBGT people, but a pretty cold shoulder from the average Vandy guy or gal. I hope I’m wrong about that last bit, but if you were my son, I’d insist you look elsewhere. Good luck.</p>
<p>It is true that a gay frat is being established. There’s an article on it at insidevandy.com if you’re interested. I am a straight female freshman, and so far I have run into little hate against the gay community. Granted, there are a few random people here and there who will be obnoxious, but I find that number to be diminishing. I personally count three openly gay males as good friends of mine, and though they may not be thrilled with the dating scene, they are happy here.</p>
<p>From what I see through the lens of one of my best friends, the gay community at Vanderbilt is growing in a positive direction. Many visit Play, a bar downtown, and have fantastic Wednesday nights. I personally didn’t know anyone who was openly gay or lesbian before I came to college and now I’ve met several and it does not faze me in the slightest.</p>
<p>If the prominence and welcoming nature of the gay community is a major factor in your college decision, many schools are more suited than Vanderbilt. However, if you are attracted to Vanderbilt for its many positive attributes, I would not let fear of a “southern” atmosphere prevent you from selecting this fine institution. The people I’ve met have all managed to have a great time and get a fantastic education at that, they do not regret attending.</p>
<p>Vandy is unique in that there is a strong political voice for conservative politics on campus with both liberal and conservative newspapers, so you must realize that Vandy is not one of those colleges where there is no debate and everyone votes left or Democrat. My son is very liberal but he decided that going to a college where divides and debate and dissonance are present was going to be best for him and more like life in the work place. That said, I do not believe the conservative students at Vandy can be classified as homophobic anymore than another group on campus.<br>
One thing to consider is location re risk of isolation as a gay man or woman in college. We think Vandy has an excellent location in a city brimming with all the arts and all sorts of creative energy and I know there is a good community for gay adults in Nashville. I had several gay colleagues in my career years there.
Granted your life will be more about your classmates for a couple of more years, but the setting also counts. Nashville is a positive.</p>