Perspectives

1. How would you describe the atmosphere at Whitman for gay students/staff/faculty?

"Safe, supportive, open, and affirming. Overt homophobia isn't tolerated, though ignorant frat guys make dumb comments occasionally." - Jr. Religion Major

"On the surface it's very supportive - we've got Coalition, GLBTQ, protections against discrimination, etc. But I think underneath the surface there are some people who aren't gay-friendly and just don't say so because the prevailing opinion is so liberal and pro-gay." - 3rd year English Major

"Fairly comfortable. I feel safe and free to do as I please. Occasionally it seems kind of small but generally I prefer the level of comfort to a large dating pool." - 1st year student

"Homophobia is absolutely frowned upon, even subtle manifestations, so Whitman is something of an idealistic safe haven for queers. You would be very troubled to find other schools with a more desirable atmosphere for gays. For students, it is very easy (and fun) to be gay, and enjoy the best of times. Largely, you will not just be tolerated, but you will be supported by the vast majority of Whitman community members. But as with all communities, there are always those hostile to any ideology differing from their own." - English Major

"Better than average. Not perfect." - Staff Member

2. How would you describe the queer community here?

"Visible and supportive... sometimes a little fractured. " - Jr. Religion Major

"Somewhat cliques, but on the surface very supportive of all causes pertaining to homosexuality. There really some fantastic queer people here." - English Major

"Varying from extremely closeted to disturbingly militant. There are surprisingly few people in between. But people are creatures of extremes. Still, most people queer and otherwise, are very nice." - 1st year student

"Small! There are some tensions within the community, different opinions of what one's 'role' as a queer student is. Whitman has a lot of activists, including gay activists, but plenty of queers here just want to live their lives, be queer, and not politicize it with participation in Coalition or anything." - 3rd year English Major

3. What experiences have you had being queer at Whitman?

"I enjoy coalition and GLBTQ meetings occasional, and I watch Queer as Folk with some friends. Often however my life at Whitman does not consist of many queer experiences. For those who are interested, there are numerous gay cultural events, panels, and other activities to get involved in." - English Major

"I've met some really great people. Being queer really isn't that big a deal here. That feels great." - Jr. Religion Major

"Too often I get questions like, 'Are you married? Do you have a girlfriend?' Mostly from older staff and faculty." - Staff Member

"It hasn't really been an issue... the standout experience was at Dragfest 2000. I was having a great time; the room was packed, and I accidentally bumped into somebody. She sneered, 'Watch it, dyke!' What?! This is Dragfest you stupid homophobe! Get with the program! - That's kind of what I was talking about with the 'dark underbelly' of Whitman (1st question)." - 3rd year English Major

4. If you have had conflicts, how did you resolve them?

"My freshman section RA made it clear that homophobic attitudes and comments were not OK. He was a great resource for support, and helped me to feel safe coming out." - Jr. Religion Major

"Before freshman year stared, I wrote my roommate-to-be a letter in which I told her I was queer. She wrote back saying 'no problem!' but I heard later from a friend of hers that it had taken her some time to be able to say that! That was an attempt to resolve a conflict by nipping it in the bud, and fortunately for me it worked!" - 3rd year English Major

5. What advice do you have for incoming queer students, i.e. what should they expect?

"It really isn't a big deal here. Just be yourself and don't apologize or feel bad because of it." - 1st year student

"Don't feel like you have to act a certain way or identify with a certain 'scene' to fit in. Be who you are, and you'll find your niche. Avoid Intervarsity." - Jr. Religion Major

"You might get really excited and active freshman year, and to to every Coalition meeting, and be on panels, and help plan dances, etc. - then lose interest after freshman year. That happens to many students and that's okay. You don't have to be Big Gay Whittie. The queer community is tiny - it can be hard to find a boyfriend/girlfriend in such a small pool! Frustrating. But overall Whitman is a good place to be queer." - 3rd year English Major

"The Whitman gay community is the one you wish existed everywhere else. Virtually everyone is bright, respectable, and productive members of the Whitman community. Before Whitman, I was involved in my local gay community, and promiscuity, drug habits, and a rabid desire to seek hook ups was the norm. Whitman is so much different from that kind of scene--you will just adore it. At Whitman, gay people see other gay people as people, not just as sexual objects, and one can hardly do better than that." - English Major