Hanging Up the Rainbow Flag

Guiding gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students during the college-planning process often means answering questions before they’re asked

Hanging Up the Rainbow Flag

Counselors of college-bound students often look at endless options when helping students decide on the right school. Guidance counselors discuss many factors, from academics to athletics, from tuition costs to student life, from diversity to…sexual identity?

When a student’s sexual orientation and gender identity are added to the mix, counselors often have to address tough issues during college planning.

“Being young and queer-identified is brave and difficult,” says Maureen Brownsey, author and current department chair of GLBT Studies at City College in San Francisco. “Students who may have had a tough time in high school must be ensured that college can be better.”

In cases of students from other cultures, counselors will often take extra steps to ensure that students find a comfortable and safe place for school. Similarly, counselors guiding gay and lesbian students must be aware of gay-friendly colleges and programs and be available to guide those students to programs that will suit them.

Know what to look for
First, understand what “gay friendly” means. “It’s not enough to look simply at the community surrounding the school,” says Ronni L. Sanlo, director of the LGBT Campus Resource Center at UCLA. “The college should have an LGBT office that actually does outreach. Offices sanctioned by the administration indicate that the gay and lesbian community is welcome and honored on campus.”

Student-run GLBT unions, organizations and communities are also a good sign. “Gay and lesbian students should have a safe place to interact and meet new people,” explains Brownsey. “Especially in the cases of young students, going off to college may be frightening. It’s essential for them to feel that they belong.”

The gay and lesbian college experience doesn’t end with student life. More and more schools now offer classes in gay and lesbian studies; some even have departments and programs that specialize in the subject. UCLA offers a LGBT minor; Cornell offers an LBG Studies Program; Yale has an LGBT Interdisciplinary Studies Initiative. Be aware of gay-friendly academic programs in your area.

“Check the curriculum and see if the college offers specific cultural classes, outside of their human sexuality department,” advises Brownsey. “For example, see if the school has a queer cinema class.” Counselors should also be aware of scholarships available specifically for gay and lesbian students, and those available to students who are involved with the LGBT community. One example is the Point Foundation’s scholarships, available to exceptional students who have been marginalized because of their sexuality or gender identification.

Do your research
“Be prepared before anyone even asks,” suggests Sanlo. “Be ready to find information for students.”

Brownsey agrees. “At the very least, sit in at a meeting of PFLAG, or read books about [issues facing] gay and lesbian youth.” A variety of resources are available to educators, including the National Education Association’s Gay and Lesbian Caucus and the American Federation of Teachers National Gay and Lesbian Caucus.

Encourage students to research and visit potential schools. It’s essential that students get a feel for the campus and its gay and lesbian community.

“Is there a large gay and lesbian presence at the school? Does the student prefer a large presence?” asks Brownsey.

Guidance counselors can play an immense part in helping gay and lesbian students select a comfortable and safe school. “Look at the climate on campus,” advises Sanlo. “See what challenges gay and lesbian students on campus face, and consider the opportunities the school takes to make their lives easier.”

Keep the lines of communication open
If a student is openly gay, talking about issues of sexual identity in college may be easier. But what about students who may be afraid to ask about GLBT presence on campus?

“Counselors may consider routinely mentioning GLBT presence to students as part of their presentations,” recommends Brownsey. “This will open the door for possible communication.”

Exhibit signs that you’re open to talk, and that your office is a safe place for gay and lesbian students. “Have an icon in your office with which gay and lesbian students can identify, like the rainbow flag or a small pink triangle,” says Sanlo. “This will serve as a welcome artifact for gay and lesbian students.”

Most importantly, counselors should understand the personal issues surrounding sexual preference and gender identity. “Be aware and sensitized to gay and lesbian students,” Brownsey says. “Feel for the personal side.” 

WEB RESOURCES<!--?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /--><o:p></o:p>

www.thepointfoundation.org: Offers scholarships for students marginalized due to sexual orientation or gender identity.<o:p></o:p>

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www.pflag.org: PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons) works to encourage diversity and acceptance of all people.

 





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