Queer life at Midd

Modadunn
Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:33:11 +0000

I know this is going to sound stereotypical but I believe Vassar may have a greater GLT population than Midd. My impressions of Vassar have been that they are known for having a GREAT theater department (and therein lies my stereotyped answer that will surely offend someone even though it’s intended to offend no one). Bottom line, I know three guys, all gay, who are loving it as Vassar. Small sample size for sure…

The better answer of course is that there is an existence of Queer life at ALL these schools. Just how queer does it need to be? Only you can really know where in that journey you are and if you are wanting to step into shoes already worn or if perhaps you see yourself more in a pair all your own…

So here’s what I suggest:

If you want a really honest inside opinion about Midd, I suggest going to the president of the open queer alliance club (http://blogs.middlebury.edu/moqa/about/) and just asking the question just as you posed it here.

I know there is a whole week dedicated to building awareness and community in October and then too, there is something in the spring. I didn’t see on that MOQA page where they have contact information listed, but since I’ve kind of made it a habit to read the school’s paper, I do know that the new leadership seems hugely proactive, creating initiatives with SGA etc. How far reaching is the acceptance at this point? While I think a school paper is an excellent marker, asking the question directly is still your best bet.

Again: if there is room for growth (which I think is just all a matter of degree between all three schools as I said), this allows for your own growth as well. If you are out and comfortable with your own sexuality, you can be sure to find easy involvement, open to leadership. If you just want to live a life without ridicule or harassment, making friends that care about you, I think this is easily found as well. You will not be in the majority at any of these schools, and I can’t comment on the dating situation/ease for gays OR heterosexuals.

Unfortunately, this site doesn’t get a lot of Midd students commenting and on a subject like this, it’s so evolving in general that it is probably growing in a positive direction more and more every year.

I’d start perusing all three school papers and use keywords like Gay Straight Alliance, Gender, Queer Studies, etc as keywords. Here’s a few from Midd to get you started. (Actually, you can also find the names of current leadership and then search the name on Midd’s directory to get an email address).

[The Middlebury Campus Blog Archive Open Mic explores stories of coming out, identity](http://www.middleburycampus.com/2010/11/10/open-mic-explores-stories-of-coming-out-identity/)

[The Middlebury Campus Blog Archive MOQA opens door to college community](http://www.middleburycampus.com/2010/02/10/moqa-opens-door-to-college-community/)

[The Middlebury Campus Blog Archive The Gender Council: Grassroots Policy Change](http://www.middleburycampus.com/2011/01/13/the-gender-council-grassroots-policy-change/)

[The Middlebury Campus Blog Archive Council approves gender-neutral housing for 2011](http://www.middleburycampus.com/2010/12/01/council-approves-gender-neutral-housing-for-2011/)

Hope this helps! :)