“Be aware and sensitized to gay and lesbian students,” Brownsey says. Most importantly, counselors should understand the personal issues surrounding sexual preference and gender identity. “This will serve as a welcome artifact for gay and lesbian students.” “Have an icon in your office with which gay and lesbian students can identify, like the rainbow flag or a small pink triangle,” says Sanlo. “This will open the door for possible communication.”Įxhibit signs that you’re open to talk, and that your office is a safe place for gay and lesbian students. “Counselors may consider routinely mentioning GLBT presence to students as part of their presentations,” recommends Brownsey.
But what about students who may be afraid to ask about GLBT presence on campus? If a student is openly gay, talking about issues of sexual identity in college may be easier.
“See what challenges gay and lesbian students on campus face, and consider the opportunities the school takes to make their lives easier.” “Look at the climate on campus,” advises Sanlo. Guidance counselors can play an immense part in helping gay and lesbian students select a comfortable and safe school.
“Is there a large gay and lesbian presence at the school? Does the student prefer a large presence?” asks Brownsey. It’s essential that students get a feel for the campus and its gay and lesbian community. “At the very least, sit in at a meeting of PFLAG, or read books about gay and lesbian youth.” A variety of resources are available to educators, including the National Education Association’s Gay and Lesbian Caucus and the American Federation of Teachers National Gay and Lesbian Caucus.Įncourage students to research and visit potential schools. “Be ready to find information for students.”īrownsey agrees. “Be prepared before anyone even asks,” suggests Sanlo. One example is the Point Foundation’s scholarships, available to exceptional students who have been marginalized because of their sexuality or gender identification. “For example, see if the school has a queer cinema class.” Counselors should also be aware of scholarships available specifically for gay and lesbian students, and those available to students who are involved with the LGBT community. “Check the curriculum and see if the college offers specific cultural classes, outside of their human sexuality department,” advises Brownsey. Be aware of gay-friendly academic programs in your area. UCLA offers a LGBT minor Cornell offers an LBG Studies Program Yale has an LGBT Interdisciplinary Studies Initiative. More and more schools now offer classes in gay and lesbian studies some even have departments and programs that specialize in the subject. The gay and lesbian college experience doesn’t end with student life. It’s essential for them to feel that they belong.” “Especially in the cases of young students, going off to college may be frightening. “Gay and lesbian students should have a safe place to interact and meet new people,” explains Brownsey. Student-run GLBT unions, organizations and communities are also a good sign. Offices sanctioned by the administration indicate that the gay and lesbian community is welcome and honored on campus.” “The college should have an LGBT office that actually does outreach. Sanlo, director of the LGBT Campus Resource Center at UCLA. “It’s not enough to look simply at the community surrounding the school,” says Ronni L. Similarly, counselors guiding gay and lesbian students must be aware of gay-friendly colleges and programs and be available to guide those students to programs that will suit them.įirst, understand what “gay friendly” means. In cases of students from other cultures, counselors will often take extra steps to ensure that students find a comfortable and safe place for school. “Students who may have had a tough time in high school must be ensured that college can be better.” “Being young and queer-identified is brave and difficult,” says Maureen Brownsey, author and current department chair of GLBT Studies at City College in San Francisco. When a student’s sexual orientation and gender identity are added to the mix, counselors often have to address tough issues during college planning. Guidance counselors discuss many factors, from academics to athletics, from tuition costs to student life, from diversity to…sexual identity? Counselors of college-bound students often look at endless options when helping students decide on the right school.