Going from high school to higher education can be a huge change for everyone, especially LGBTQ students who take much more time to get comfortable and feel safe in a new environment. The transition from a working person to a, let’s say, MBA student is also a hard one for LGBTQ business people. But your college experience can be a great one if you have a few tips to rely on. Here are a few tips for LGBTQ students for a safe, effective and fun higher education:
Connect with LGBTQ organizations
Even before you start your studies, make sure to check out LGBTQ organizations in your future school and learn about their programs. Through people who work there, you can learn a lot about the experiences of LGBTQ students. This will allow you to see what potentially awaits you and how you will be able to learn and socialize during your studies. Sometimes, there are events or sessions across campus made special for LGBTQ applicants and students, so get informed about these as well.
It’s easy to find information about LGBTQ student organizations on the schools’ websites, but if you can’t find any, feel free to contact the admissions office. If you manage to get contacts, reach out to co-presidents of these organizations who are always happy to write you back and give you a detailed explanation of the situation.
Reach out to LGBTQ alumni for tips
The world of LGBTQ people is not big but it’s very well connected and strong. So use resources like LinkedIn to reach out to LGBTQ alumni from your school of choice and ask for their experiences. Getting info from friends and acquaintances is great, but don’t hesitate to “cold outreach” and get the most useful information from alumni and people working in your future industry. This won’t work 100% of the time, but according to experience, LGBTQ applicants who reach out to LGBTQ alumni get answers more often than not.
Share your story
In many cases, you will have to provide the school with a motivational letter and your biography. This is an integral part of acceptance into the school, and you should always thrive to write something vulnerable and compelling. A letter is often necessary for online MBA programs as well, which accept all eligible students with work experience and good scores who also have the potential to represent the school in the best way possible. You don’t have to put your queerness at the top of the list of your personality traits and accomplishments, but don’t hesitate to show your pride. Use your experience as an LGBTQ individual as a starting point so you can explore other topics dear to your heart.
Join an LGBTQ housing community
Once you get accepted and choose an in-person program instead of an online program, you will need to find a safe place to stay on campus. In more and more countries and universities, it’s possible to find housing specifically made for LGBTQ students. In many cases, these are designated “living-learning communities”, themed floors or common spaces for LGBTQ students and allies. There are also gender-neutral housing options in more progressive communities. You might feel safe where you are now, but moving to these LGBTQ quarters provides you with an even better community and allows you to support your peers who might not feel as safe as you.
Don’t be scared to stand out
Times have changed for the LGBTQ community and we no longer need to stay in the closet just because that’s something that’s expected from business people and professionals. Your school and your campus will most likely accept you for who you are and even encourage you to live authentically. Staying in the closet will do nothing for you but prevent you from enjoying your experience to the fullest.
Don’t limit yourself
Your sexuality and your gender are a very important part of your life, but there is so much more to you than that. Many parts of student life are not limited to your LGBTQ group so make sure to give them a try. You’ll find many allies and friends in student organizations, sports and Greek life who will be there for you in the long run.
No matter if you study in-person or online, your student experience can be wonderful if you consider these tips. Get ready to meet a lot of LGBTQ people and create a community around yourself that will help your education, career and life.
QUEERGURU’s Lifestyle Editor PETER MINKOFF is a gay health and lifestyle writer at QUEER VOICES magazine. Besides writing, he worked as a freelance fashion stylist in Europe and Australia. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second-hand stores on a daily basis. Follow Peter on TWITTER for more tips.
