This year we are celebrating Pride Month by recognizing some of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly campuses in the country! These picks are based on our own impressions as well as data from the Campus Pride Index - a resource that measures a number of factors to compile a list of campuses to help LGBTQIA+ students and families find their best fit! Take a look at some of these schools this Pride Month:
BEST IN VIRGINIA - Virginia Wesleyan University
Okay, so it may not have as much of a household name as some of the other Virginia schools, but Virginia Wesleyan is a great hidden gem! It ranks #5 on the Campus Pride Index (the highest ranking), and offers an Office of Gender and Sexuality Equity; Safe Space and Unconscious Bias workshops for faculty, staff, and students; and gender-neutral restrooms. In 2021, the university was recognized as an Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction. VWU’s Preferred Name and Pronoun form is shared with all faculty before the start of the semester, so students can ensure that professors know their preferred method of identification before they step into the classroom.
BEST IN MARYLAND - University of Maryland
UMD offers a multitude of unique opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students. Any student can access the resources of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Equity Center, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The Lavender Leadership Honor Society is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, recognizing students, faculty, staff, and alumni involved in LGBTQIA+ social justice leadership. The Rainbow Terrapin Network organizes members of the school community to advocate for LGBTQIA+ social justice on campus, particularly in its newest initiative, the #TransTerps Project.
In fact, not only did UMD receive the honor of being named the most LGBTQ+ friendly college in Maryland, it is ranked #1 in the nation by Campus Pride!
BEST IN DC - American University
The American University Center for Diversity and Inclusion spearheads a number of campus initiatives. In addition to producing an LGBTQIA+ newsletter, the office also offers a Trans Resource Guide and dedicated contact to help students navigate university policies. The university also has an all-gender housing option and the popular AU Pride student organization. Students can find support in a variety of ways at AU - everything from a dedicated AU LGBTQIA+ Facebook group to specialized health equity resources.
BEST LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY - Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College’s Triangle House is open to all students, regardless of their sexual identification or gender identity. Residents have discussion groups focused on LGBTQIA+ issues, and can choose from multiple other options for engagement, from taking courses that focus on LGBTQIA+ topics to conducting an independent project with the Triangle House Live-In Advisor. Students are also encouraged to work together on social justice organizing, service, activism, and/or social change. In addition to the Live-In Advisor, students have the support of a Staff Advisor and peer mentor.
BEST HBCU - Howard University
Another DC school on the list, Howard has the honor of being Campus Pride’s most highly-rated HBCU. Howard staff and faculty receive Safe Zone training on campus, and students can join organizations like the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality (CASCADE). Additionally, the university provides gender-inclusive housing and specialized LGBTQIA+ organizations in academic disciplines ranging from science to law.
BEST STUDENT-SELECTED - Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke tops the Princeton Review’s list of LGBTQ-Friendly colleges, based on student responses to the statement, “Students treat all persons equally, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.” This statement definitely describes Mount Holyoke!
This women’s college was the first of the Seven Sisters colleges to adopt a trans-inclusive admissions policy. LGBTQIA+ students can attend programs at the Jeannette Marks Cultural Center; live in the Mary Woolley Living-Learning Community with a focus on sexuality and gender identity; and join one of several LGBTQIA+ focused clubs.
BEST FOR HEALTH EQUITY - University of Pennsylvania
All students can take advantage of Penn’s LGBT Center, which, in addition to providing advocacy and access to campus resources, also hosts a variety of events (most recently a pride month Pride & Popsicles pop up!). You can check out their active instagram @PennLGBT.
But it is the school’s medical system that stands out on this list. The Human Rights Campaign recently named Penn Medicine a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality.” It offers LGBTQ treatment teams as well as a Transgender Patient Advocacy Program.
BEST PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION - San Diego State University
If you are going to celebrate Pride Month at any college, make it San Diego State! The university’s Pride Center has an annual contingent in the San Diego Pride Parade, as well as an alumni mixer and happy hour. And for those who can’t make it to campus, the university will also host a virtual celebration.
But it isn’t only during Pride that LGBTQIA+ students should consider San Diego State - its Pride House living-learning community, active Pride Center, and gender-inclusive housing make it #2 on Campus Pride’s list.
If you didn’t see a college you liked on this list, check out our list of unexpectedly LGBTQ-friendly campuses!
Finally, if you came upon this post as an LGBTQIA+ student who is embarking on the college admissions process without parental support because of your sexual orientation, our hearts go out to you. Please reach out to us - you DO have options, even if you don’t know they exist, and we would be happy to discuss them with you and get you the help you need at no charge.
Happy Pride!