<p>This is probably one of my biggest fears about college. In high school, I am incredibly open about my sexuality, and I've never had any problems. I am probably one of the most "visible" students in my school for a multitude of reasons. I am a candidate for salutatorian, I act in the plays and musicals, I am the President of a club and VP of another, I am in many extracurriculars. A lot of people know me, and everyone knows that I'm gay. Since I came out at the end of 10th grade, it has been a non-issue.</p>
<p>I'm definitely worried about being open in college next year. Part of the reason I was so willing to come out was that I already had the support of my close friends. I've become confident and secure in my sexuality, but I'm socially awkward in general when it comes to meeting new people when I'm alone. I'm aiming for either an Ivy or LAC (Swarthmore and Princeton are my top 2 choices), so I'm fairly certain I won't encounter any discrimination/harassment/etc. anyway. I'm just worried about whether or not I'll be able to be myself right away.</p>
<p>Does anyone else have any similar feelings? Or know someone who does? Or any relevant advice at all?</p>
<p>I can’t relate to you at all, but maybe I can offer some advice. Be open, it will be easier that way. People won’t appreciate it if you hide your true feelings at first, then come out later. College students, especially well educated ones at the school you will end up going to, will be much more accepting than the average high school student. I wouldn’t say go to college and be flamboyant and “out there”, but don’t lie and say you’re something you’re not. That’s just my 2 cents, I hope some other people give their opinions, I could be wrong.</p>
<p>try asking in College Life, more likely someone there’ll have experience. I’m a closet student hoping to come out in college PM me if you wanna talk.</p>
<p>Partly open about being gay here (high school), only open to close friends at school and anyone new I meet (if it comes up).</p>
<p>Being open, haven’t you experienced meeting people outside of school and eventually told them about your sexuality? I’m not all the way open in school but to anyone I meet they eventually find out because I’m not afraid to disclose it to new people. It might just be me though. I’m more comfortable telling new people (again, only if it comes up) then I am telling people I’ve known who didn’t know.</p>
<p>I don’t think discrimination will be too much of an issue, like dfree124 said. You’re applying to really liberal schools who have an LGBT population. Don’t be nervous, I’m not!</p>
<p>When you meet new people you just have to be friendly and try to make whatever conversation you can. It’s natural from there. I used to be pretty socially awkward too, biut I’ve overcome that.</p>
<p>Just come out when you’re ready to come out. You don’t have to come out right away but you don’t have to hide it either. Personally if I were gay, I would come out after having gotten to know a lot of people, that way I’d be “the awesome person who happens to be gay” instead of “the gay guy who happens to be awesome.” But of course it’s your choice.</p>
PM me if you wanna talk.</p>