<p>yankee5752,</p>
<p>That’s a great question, one that I have yet to respond to on these boards!</p>
<p>Although Lafayette students are often classified as conservative, that in no way means gay students must face intolerance. In general, college is a very welcoming and open-minded place, where students can feel free to be themselves without feeling ostracized. </p>
<p>Lafayette does have a gay/lesbian advocacy group on campus called QuEST (Questioning Established Sexual Taboos), and it has a solid backing from gay and straight students alike. They held a well-received rally on campus last year called “Gay? Fine By Me”…check out a short video of the event here: [Lafayette</a> College](<a href=“http://www.lafayette.edu/press/casts/allindex.html]Lafayette”>http://www.lafayette.edu/press/casts/allindex.html).</p>
<p>I have many gay friends on campus. Although I’m sure they could provide you with the most accurate idea of what it’s like to be a student at Lafayette, from what I’ve witnessed, they seem to lead normal college lives. I should also mention that many professors are openly gay, and students are respectful of that as well.</p>
<p>You say that Lafayette isn’t near a major city…Philadelphia is about an hour drive south, and NYC is about an hour fifteen from campus! As for your comment on “jocks,” just know that only about 20% of students are varsity athletes. Furthermore, I would definitely hesitate to classify one group as more or less “gay-friendly” based on athletic ability…I think it has more to do with upbringing, no?</p>
<p>It’s great that you’re taking the time to ask around, because I’m sure “gay-friendliness” differs somewhat campus to campus. I hope you are able to get in touch with at least a few students who shared similar concerns during the college search.</p>
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<li>Justin</li>
</ul>