<p>I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to add another perspective. It seems that some posters are reacting as though asking a question about the proportion of lesbian students at Smith is itself insulting and/or homophobic. Here’s a few reasons why it isn’t: (1) the percentage of straight vs. lesbian students will necessarily influence the social scene (e.g., will lesbian friends be as interested to go to a party at Amherst?) (2) straight students interested in an all-woman’s school may well be looking to establish strong platonic relationships with other women. Potential sexual attraction complicates this (just as it does with guys). (3) lesbians and others within the Queer community have a subculture that is distinct from the larger “heteronormative” culture. A straight student may not be particularly interested in going to a school where a different subculture strongly flavors day-to-day life (think Provincetown, for example).</p>
<p>Bottom line is that a straight student may well decide that it is fine for her to go to a school where 11%, or 20% to 35%, or 50%, or 75%, or even 99% of the population is lesbian. But to suggest it has no significance one way or another is just not accurate.</p>