Tolerance @ Middlebury?

<p>I applied to the Middlebury class of 2012 under the regular decision plan. I really want to attend Middlebury for its environmental studies program, and I really like the internationalism of the campus.</p>

<p>However, I'm also a homosexual male who is interested in dance and theater, and though Midd struck me as a warm, welcoming, friendly place when I visited, I've had many friends tell me that many of the northeastern top schools such as Amherst, Williams, Bowdoin, Haverford, Colgate, etc (though predominantly liberal) are slightly more conservative than other top LACs such as Oberlin, Vassar, Swarthmore, and Grinnell to name a few. I haven't been involved in athletics in my high school, but I do like playing soccer here and there and skiing could be fun. </p>

<p>Would I fit in at Middlebury? I like Middlebury for its beautiful campus, presumably friendly student body, and strong environmental sciences program and internationalism. I enjoy theater and dance (Middlebury has an amazing dance studio!) and might do some sports if I attend (soccer, skiing). However, if I won't be accepted for who I am, or be less immersed than I may otherwise be in Middlebury's social experience, then I may not attend.</p>

<p>Are homosexuals tolerated at Middlebury?</p>

<p>-revolversun</p>

<p>Except for Colgate, I believe the schols you list are on the 'most friendly to LBGT' list.</p>

<p>Amherst and Haverford are known for having a significant 'alternative' population actually. Comparing these schools to Oberlin or Vassar, obviously Oberlin and Vassar will have a livelier LBGT community, as that is something they are known for. So that is a bit unfair. But I would expect a welcoming community if I were you.</p>

<p>yes, you will fit in at middlebury. the population of gay men will be smaller than at a liberal university but the school for the most part will be tolerant.</p>

<p>i think you'll have no trouble fitting in at middlebury...and just as a side note, in the FISKE guide to colleges it said that "it's easier to come out as a gay male on campus then a republican male [at haverford]"</p>

<p>however, i do think you are correct in assuming that schools like grinnell and vassar have more prominent gay communities. </p>

<p>people will def accept you at middlebury, but you may find more camraderie at vassar, grinnell, and oberlin.</p>

<p>Well, I gotta be honest. I just visited Middlebury for an overnight two days ago, and I learned a couple things pertaining to homosexuality. More or less, the person I stayed with (a Midd freshman) said that Middlebury has had its problems with homosexuality. The new LBGT club/building dedicated to tolerance has risen in reaction to Middlebury's slight problem.</p>

<p>But to put it in perspective, the tolerance is only bad compared to other small liberal arts colleges. Compared to larger state universities, or places like Lehigh or whatever, Middlebury is great. It's just not as accepting as, say, Oberlin.</p>

<p>that could mean anything from, a few alcohol related incidents, to entire sports teams, and clubs where gays are unwelcome. How <em>slight</em> is the problem?</p>

<p>Sorry man, everything I was told I've posted. Wish I could be more specific. All I can say is they've obviously had problems, enough to make a small LAC try to amend the situation. And again, compared to other small LACs they have problems but compared to big universities, not a big deal.</p>

<p>I think I've mentioned this before, and you could maybe do a search because there have been similar threads to this.
Anyway, the problem was one incident last year where someone sprayed some homophobic graffiti directed at an administrator (I think it was an administrator, wasn't a student...) in a dorm hallway. But the campus sort of came together after that... there was a town-hall kind of meeting, and various talks and whatnot. I think the general attitude among the student body was anger and disgust toward whoever did it.
Here's a link to an article I found in the Middlebury Campus about it.
Offensive</a> graffiti raises difficult questions - News
And don't let one incident put you off. I'd say we're accepting here, and I know plenty of people who are really happy with the gay scene here. That said, it's a small college, so the gay population isn't all that huge.</p>

<p>Hmmm, I'm kind of torn. Some people are saying Middlebury is very accepting, but that graffiti incident is disconcerting.</p>

<p>I just want to make sure I can be comfortable at Middlebury. I don't need to be in a vibrant gay community. I'm more bisexual than homosexual really, but I want to make sure that my mannerisms and sexual identity aren't an issue and won't hinder my social experience at Midd.</p>

<p>Well, I'd say don't worry. I can't speak for the other 90+% of people, but among all the people I know here you'd be comfortable and accepted.</p>

<p>As mom of a female (straight) dancer at Middlebury, I can't emphasize enough that the dance department is exceptional. Couple that with your other academic interests, and I'm guessing you'll be fine. (When we looked at colleges, Middlebury's Dance Department really stood out from all the other schools' departments that you mentioned.)</p>

<p>i'm in the same situation, i've heard that middlebury has a good atmosphere for LGBT students so I don't think you have to worry too much, unless you are looking for a large community, which will be hard to find at any school of comparable size.</p>

<p>I did an overnight at Middlebury in the fall and my host was homosexual. He loves Middlebury. I was there for a weekend and he had a diverse group of friends and activities.</p>

<p>If you want super gay with lots of gayness...you might like Vassar or Wesleyan or Purchase. If you want to just fit in and not be hassled then Midd will be fine. Really, any of the schools will probably be great places to go.</p>

<p>I was a Midd EDer, have visited Midd many times, and share your passion for environmental studies and dance. I would say that, judging by my visits (especially to the dance program), Midd is a tolerant, open, and liberal community.
I hope to see you next year!</p>

<p>there's a very liberal tone to most everything, you have nothing to worry about.</p>