Gay Student College Fair

Gay-Friendly Universities Seek Gay Students

When prospective gay students look for a college or university, location, ranking and programs aren’t the only factors they consider. Often times, the climate towards GLBTQ students on campus and its reputation for safety influence their decision. After all, being accepted into a college or university is like being granted entrance into a scholastic community for four or more years.

This makes it all the more necessary for institutions to provide a safe and welcoming community for its gay students, who themselves seek a comfortable environment at a gay-friendly university.

In response to this growing need, the Youth Pride College Fair was organized to bring together prospective gay students and representatives from a wide selection of institutions from small rural colleges to major state universities.

"Many students experience anti-gay discrimination and harassment in high school," said Nathan DeCarolis, President of Youth Pride Alliance, the organization sponsoring the college fair. "We hope this event helps gay and straight students find colleges that welcome all students."

The college fair is organized by the Maret School, Office of College Counseling; the National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education; Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays; Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League; and the Youth Pride Alliance and scheduled to coincide with the Youth Pride Day celebration.

Over 80 gay-friendly universities are scheduled to meet with hopeful gay students at the 2005 Youth Pride College Fair.