subject: How To Come Out To Your Peers In College - Tips For Gay Students [print this page] College is a time of experimentation and self-discovery. Whether your are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or just questioning, most people will say that college helped them to learn a great deal about not only themselves, but the world around them. There will probably never be in an environment more accepting and open-minded, than a college campus.
Of course, coming out and living your life as an openly gay person is never easy. Here are some tips for you to get involve in college life and at the same time be true to your gay identity.
Pick your university wisely. Like the saying goes: "The world is your oyster", you can explore and grow your pearl just about anywhere you want. Make sure the college you pick is a gay-friendly one. For example, schools with religious environment such as a catholic college or Mormon university might not suit you. Check out the school compound and observe what the student body is like. Are there any gay related events or clubs? Walking around, do you see people who look like the kind of people you'd relate to? You want to be sure to choose a place that you will feel comfortable.
Why wait?
For many people, college is a fresh start. You can be whoever you like to be simply because no one knows you. Why not come out immediately? One of the hardest parts of coming out is the fact that your friends are expecting you to be someone you aren't. There is the fear that you might be disappointing them, or worse, that they might possibly abandon you. But college allows you to change all that. You can just be you. Introduce yourself as the likeable gay person you are, and you will eliminate the stress of the coming out process.
Choose your friends.
One of the great things about college life is that there are so many different types of people. If you went to a small high school, your selection of friends may have been limited. Choose to surround yourself with like-minded people. There is no need to hang out with homophobes, racists, ignorant, and/or closed-minded people. There are people out there for you, and whether they are gay or straight, if they have the same interests and beliefs as you, they will accept you for who you are.
Be active.
It doesn't matter what college you go to, there will always be activities on campus. You can join some gay or lesbian groups to meet more people. Regardless of your interest, there will be a club or group that you can join, be it dance, music art, theater, sports, writing and politics. Take advantage of what your college has to offer.
Be more than just gay.
You are no doubt an intriguing, multi-faceted person with many likes and dislikes. And certainly there is more to you than the simple fact that you are gay. Although it's great to be active within the gay community, don't neglect your other interests as well. College is an important phrase of your life with many opportunities starting from here, therefore it is vital that you spend your time there wisely in order to grow and develop into a dynamic and well-educated person.
