Being out at a US liberal arts college - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

Yannee · 8th Jan 2010, 04:44 AM

Hi! First of all, if this would fit in the support area better, then mods feel free to do your thing, ok?

Ok, so here's my question. I'm going to spend the spring in the US as an exchange student at a smaller liberal arts college (in Oregon). I just recently came out to my friends in my home country and, seeing how great it feels to be out, I wouldn't want to get back into the closet while !'m abroad. However, I wouldn't want to feel marginalised or frowned upon if I decided to join the GSA or similar at the college. Do you guys think there's a risk of attracting negative attention and reactions if I'm out during my exchange? Also, how well would I fit in a GSA kind of group as a 23-years-old exchange student?

Thanks in advance!

Sicsemper79 · 8th Jan 2010, 06:14 AM

It depends a little on where you are going to be, but Oregon is a very progressive and gay friendly state. If you will be at a place like Lewis and Clark University or University of Oregon, or Oregon State, they all have LGBT clubs and programs and many "out" students. I wouldn't worry about it at all.

But most of all, enjoy your time in Oregon! It is pretty damn knock your socks off beautiful up there!!!

8th Jan 2010, 04:44 AM	#1
Yannee Member Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to friends Location: Finland Age: 25 Posts: 25 Join Date: Dec 2009	Being out at a US liberal arts college Hi! First of all, if this would fit in the support area better, then mods feel free to do your thing, ok? Ok, so here's my question. I'm going to spend the spring in the US as an exchange student at a smaller liberal arts college (in Oregon). I just recently came out to my friends in my home country and, seeing how great it feels to be out, I wouldn't want to get back into the closet while !'m abroad. However, I wouldn't want to feel marginalised or frowned upon if I decided to join the GSA or similar at the college. Do you guys think there's a risk of attracting negative attention and reactions if I'm out during my exchange? Also, how well would I fit in a GSA kind of group as a 23-years-old exchange student? Thanks in advance!

8th Jan 2010, 06:14 AM	#2
Sicsemper79 I got soul but I'm not a soldier Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: a lot of people now! Location: Roanoke VA Posts: 222 Join Date: Dec 2009	Re: Being out at a US liberal arts college It depends a little on where you are going to be, but Oregon is a very progressive and gay friendly state. If you will be at a place like Lewis and Clark University or University of Oregon, or Oregon State, they all have LGBT clubs and programs and many "out" students. I wouldn't worry about it at all. But most of all, enjoy your time in Oregon! It is pretty damn knock your socks off beautiful up there!!! __________________ JC “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” --William Shakespeare

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