How to College Search with Pride

Campus policies and resources can tell you a lot about how a university values and cares for its student population. Therefore, you should research the available campus-wide educational initiatives and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff. An inclusive campus will offer educational resources not only on 2SLGBTQIA+ identities but also on other topics. For example, disability, immigration status, and race.

The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is vibrant and diverse. Therefore, campuses that support all forms of diversity acknowledge that students hold multiple identities. Moreover, they understand the importance of ensuring that all members of their community feel supported and valued.

As you conduct your research, characteristics of an inclusive campus might include divestment from exploitative practices, such as the prison industrial complex and others, that impact our community and loved ones around the world. In the words of Murri visual artist, activist, and academic Lilla Watson, “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” A campus invested in the liberation of its 2SLGBTQIA+ community will be equally invested in all forms of justice and liberation.

An 2SLGBTQIA+ community is not a community without solidarity with other marginalized communities on campus. This includes students and faculty who are impacted by institutionalized racism, ableism, and other forms of oppression.

Campus culture is an important factor of the college search process. The available student organizations will reflect the culture. Are there multiple clubs offering opportunities for community building? Are there affinity groups or events focusing on subcommunities within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community? These include groups and events for 2SLGBTQIA+ students of color or people of faith. How about 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations related to an intended profession or major? Are there 2SLGBTQIA+ groups for international students?

Does the college offer accessible programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, including sober social events, in settings accessible to students with a wide variety of needs? Beyond supporting student groups, check to see if the university regularly hosts 2SLGBTQIA+ speakers, artists, musicians, film screenings, and other cultural events. A university’s willingness to support 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural life on campus is crucial. It speaks to a university’s commitment to a sense of belonging on campus.

Transgender and nonbinary students in particular will want to look into the university’s policies regarding residence halls and roommate preferences. Check that the college offers all-gender housing options and all-gender restrooms around campus. If a college does not offer all-gender housing options, look into policies regarding roommate selection. Does the college require you to live with someone who has the same legal sex as you? Does the college allow you to live with roommates who share the same or similar gender identity, regardless of legal sex?

Every college student needs a living space that is comfortable and safe for them. After all, your room should be the last thing you need to worry about when juggling classes, extracurriculars, and a social life! In addition, 2SLGBTQIA+ students should look into the available health and wellness services. Does the student health center and counseling center provide services that meet the needs of a diverse student body? All service providers should be well-educated and experienced with 2SLGBTQIA+ needs. 

As someone who majored in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies at my undergraduate alma mater, I recommend browsing the course catalog of your potential university. Do they offer majors or courses related to 2SLGBTQIA+ history and culture? It might have been unavailable to you in high school, but taking a course about your own history can be invaluable. Investing in 2SLGBTQIA+ academic disciplines and hiring faculty and staff who are openly 2SLGBTQIA+ are ways a university demonstrates respect for our community. Every student should have the opportunity to take coursework that reflects their heritage and work with mentors who they can see themselves in.