Come OUT to OU!
Ohio University is an excellent academic institution with many academic areas of acclaim and recognition. You will get a solid education at Ohio University. Also, Athens has a strong liberal feeling and is welcoming of LGBT students. After the last presidential election in 2004, Athens County was the only Ohio county to vote down the passage of Ohio’s anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment.In addition to this, OU is a great place to explore what being LGBT or queer means to you--the student. There is so much more offered at OU for LGBT students than even 5 years ago and this will only continue to increase. Students can get involved in a variety of organizations or opt not to get involved. There is a strong and diverse LGBTA Community where each person can find a place, whether that is right in the middle of it all or on the fringe. OU has a huge level of LGBT ally support throughout campus as well.
OU’s LGBT Community has a long and proud history. Unlike some colleges, OU students have been organizing since the early 70’s. Open Doors: The LGBTIQQA Student Union is one of the oldest continuing student organizations on campus. While the name has changed 3 times since the 70’s, the purpose remains the same. Throughout the 90’s there was a strong surge in LGBT student organizing that eventually brought about the creation of the LGBT Programs Center in 1998. Since that time the Center has grown in staff, hours, funding and programs each year. Also during this time the student organizations and support groups have also increased.
While any school can be more LGBT friendly, Ohio University is a great place to be LGBT. OU is committed to the quality of life of LGBT students and other minority students. OU President Roderick McDavis noted that diversity is more than race saying, “Diversity is those parts of the university population that are oftentimes underrepresented and neglected. It must include gay and lesbian; it must include disabilities; it must include women; it must include international” (The Post, August 8, 2005).
Learn more about Ohio University at ohio.edu and more about LGBTA life at OU at ohio.edu/lgbt.
