<p>Facebook has really changed the dynamics of this situation. Presumably, the first thing I will do when I get my roommate assignment is facebook her, and she may very well do the same for me. My profile makes it immediately obvious that I am a lesbian. I don't know if I should:</p>
<p>a) be glad that the burden is shifted from me
b) be worried, and remove all references to my sexuality from my profile, or
c) be worried, and open a dialogue with her ("you may have noticed...)</p>
<p>I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...</p>
<p>I say leave it up on your Facebook profile, but don't bring it up in conversation (this is how my friend's friend who will be rooming with us found out). She might not even acknowledge it, but at least she knows.</p>
<p>Fortunately, most schools are pretty accommodating about situations where a homophobic roommate makes things unlivable, so if you end up stuck in that situation, it probably won't be for long.</p>
<p>So leave it up on facebook, and don't be afraid to mention it in person too. Honestly, wouldn't you rather find out sooner rather than later that your roommate couldn't deal with your sexuality? </p>
<p>It's going to come up if you ever talk to them--if you're dating someone, have ever dated someone, or plan on ever dating someone, the people you're attracted to will end up being a relevant topic of conversation sooner or later! I've never had to sit any of my roommates down and have a serious talk or anything; it just ends up being obvious. When I met my first roommate, my girlfriend helped me move in, so everything was evident pretty quickly to the whole suite. My suitemates last year also doubtless figured things out fast via a combination of the girlfriend visiting and the LGBTA flyer I put on the suite door :P</p>
<p>Some of the people I've lived with have been homophobes--most subtle, some not. One of my suitemates last year was pretty afraid of me (oh noes! Big scary dyke on the loose!), and I know that when some of my other suitemates describe me to their friends, they say "she's nice, but shes <em>whisper</em> GAY!" Ah, the wonders of thin walls. But it's okay... I won't start censoring my life for them. It's not ostentatious or unnecessary to be honest, and so long as they don't bother me, I don't care.</p>
<p>"I do not get why you have to announce it. That is your business."</p>
<p>Why don't you also announce to the world, "oh btw, I like strawberries".</p>