<p>I started filling out Common App stuff ASAP.</p>
<p>I was answering questions for Ohio State University, and one was "Do you consider yourself to be a member of the LGBTQ?"</p>
<p>I'm bi. I'm not afraid of telling people, but I'm still pretty closeted because I'm Korean. I guess that's beside the point...</p>
<p>I don't know why they're asking. It might be for stat, but I couldn't care less about that. Is there a chance that they might discriminate because of my sexuality?</p>
<p>There happens to be "prefer not to answer" option.</p>
<p>‘Discrimination means to distinguish by class or category without regard to individual merit; show impermissible preference or prejudice. This can include sexual harassment. Classes and categories which have protected status at the university are age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and veteran status.’</p>
<p>It’s 1. for statistics 2. schools these days want to promote sexual diversity and ensure that their incoming class varies. It can only help. The school may also want to provide students who click the “yes” box with info on LGBT life/programs at the school.</p>
<p>For those colleges that ask, 99.999% likely it’s for outreach reasons. You’ll be sent (email?) info regarding that schools LGBT clubs/orgs/programs. They want to promote their strengths and resources in that area for potential applicants. Now – you may not wish to get these items in the mail at your home address… that’s another issue.</p>