<p>I'm looking to transfer next fall, but I'm concerned with one of my EC's: the LGBT club. As a gay student, it's a club I like to be a part of. But ironically, I'm also Catholic.</p>
<p>Colleges want to accept people who they know will fit in, and I'm afraid I might jeopardize my portrayal of possibly fitting in because of ND's stance on the issue. I'm not the "activist" type, nor would I want to impose my views on anyone in the school. If anything, LGBT is a side club that I really enjoy; it's not "the" EC on which my essays and application will be centered. </p>
<p>As to anyone who will doubt me being happy at ND and therefore shouldn't waste an application on them, dating or hanging out with other LGBT students isn't really a top priority for me; I'm there to study. I'm perfectly fine if I don't meet another gay person on campus (and I bet I won't be the only one) and I won't feel uncomfortable with ND's conservatism. After all, I went to a Catholic HS and I blended in just fine. I also found that even in a Catholic school, the students were MUCH more open-minded and tolerant than I thought. Several guys came out and the students, especially straight friends whose families are Republican, supported them. Granted, there will be a scant number of bigots at ND, but I believe the chances of meeting them are slim to none. Bottom line: yes, I'm gay, and yes it would be nice to be around other LGBT students, but I can definitely live without it. Past experience has shown me that students tend to see beyond LGBT labels, and I think I can safely say that ND will be no different. The whole "conservatism" thing is, for the most part, mind over matter IMO.</p>
<p>So back to the topic: should I proceed with caution?</p>
<p>While ND is conservative, being gay will hardly be a problem. You’re right, there aren’t too many gay students. However, the ones I knew didn’t experience problems despite being out and one being incredibly flamboyant. Like at any school, there’s a variety of students and a very small minority will care, but 99% won’t give a darn and the ones that do shouldn’t be a problem. However, the formal support options and clubs for LGBT students are limited, so you should take that into account.</p>
<p>It sounds like you’re the kind of person who would appreciate ND for its unique character, academics, and religiosity and would be a great fit. You shouldn’t omit that club, but I wouldn’t dwell on LGBT options in your application since the school isn’t the strongest in this area. </p>
<p>Go on a visit! The university has a great hosting program for prospective students. That will give you a real, honest-to-goodness perspective on whether ND is the place for you. Since ND is unique in higher education, I would recommend this to all applicants, not just those in your situation.</p>
<p>I hope that helps. Feel free to PM me (I’m a young alum) if you have more detailed questions.</p>
<p>My impression is that ND is more welcoming of gays than many East Coast schools are of Catholics.</p>
<p>ND just recognized its first LGBT club last year. I don’t think including it in your application will hurt your chances. Use your application to fully describe who you are - if you don’t you will only be selling yourself short.</p>
<p>I think you will be fine. Many ND students have been a part of LGBT-type clubs in high school,whether gay or straight, so I don’t think that will be an issue AT ALL. You sound like a great student and Notre Dame would be lucky to have you. Good luck!</p>
<p>Extramarital sexual activity happens all the time, however just because someone is LGBT does not mean they participate in extramarital sexual activity, and Notre Dame is very aware of this. (In regards to the sexual activity rule: That rule exists de jure, however de facto it might as well not exist, many, many people have sex. And many, many don’t). Notre Dame is very supportive of LGBT students and the student body is even more so; our new student body president was the president of the “4 to 5 club” last year and is an ardent supporter of gay rights. His name is Alex Coccia, check out his platform on his website.</p>