Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
Queer at College
(LGB) stands for Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual. The word queer is used here as an umbrella term for homosexual, bisexual and all other varieties of non-heterosexuality and is not intended to be derogatory).
Many LGB students see college as their first opportunity to be open about their sexuality. Being out at home may not have been an option they felt they had, due to fear of a negative reaction from parents, family or friends.
Negative reactions are based on fear and lack of knowledge: people don't understand being queer and therefore fear what they don't understand.
Homosexuality and bisexuality are just different to heterosexuality and difference is not automatically a bad thing!
What's it all about?
At college, LGB students have to decide whether or not to be "out" about their sexuality. This does not necessarily infer being ashamed of being queer but is because society assumes everyone is heterosexual. How many straight students ever have to come out to their parents? LGB students come out in order to be themselves, not what society assumes they are.
They do it to be honest to avoid the exhausting and often painful process of being "in the closet".
Coming out
The process of coming out is what you make it and can depend on the situation.
You can stand in the middle of your campus, if you like, and scream "I'm gay!", you can tell friends or colleagues out the blue or you can just let it come out naturally in conversation, "Yeah, that concert was excellent - my boyfriend/girlfriend managed to get tickets".
When you do come out, you can experience a variety of reactions.
Positive: it's not seen as anything out of the ordinary, people are supportive.
Negative: people are shocked, treat you as a different person. Unfortunately, you have to be prepared for a bad reaction, even a violent one, because they still sometimes happen.
Therefore it is vital to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of telling particular people and have a plan of action in case things go badly: have a supportive friend with you, arrange alternative accommodation.
When you come out to someone, you may be the first LGB person they have ever met and they may have questions they want to ask. It's a very positive thing to promote understanding of homosexuality and bisexuality but remember: at the end of the day, your sexuality and sex life is personal.
Just because people find being queer fascinating does not give them the right to violate your privacy.
A final word on coming out: it is up to the individual - you should come out because you want to, not because someone else thinks you should.
Queer on campus
The experience of being LGB on campus differs with the individual and the college. For the person themselves, it depends on how open they are and how comfortable they are with their sexuality.
The atmosphere in your college can play a huge part too. Some colleges have an open atmosphere that is accepting of diversity. Some do not. The climate of tolerance can even differ between the faculties. Some LGB students find that coming out in their particular situation would be more hassle than they can put up with and possibly even dangerous.
If you encounter discrimination and harassment, whether overt or subtle, spoken or unspoken, verbal, physical or sexual, from fellow students or staff you do not have to put up with it and you do not have to endure it alone.
Within you course, you could bring it up with your class rep, talk to a sympathetic tutor or lecturer or contact your department head. Seek advice and support from your Students' Union: they are there to defend the rights of students and to aid in their welfare.
Your Union may have an LGBRO (LGB Rights Officer), if not contact your Welfare Officer. The LGBRO of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) will also always be available to help, advise or support. Above all, if your college has an LGB Society it can prove to be a source of support, understanding, fun, friendship and even refuge. Look out for the LGB Society during Freshers' Week / Orientation Week / Clubs & Socs day. Look it up on the LGB section of the USI website. If you college doesn't have an LGB society, set one up. Talk to your Welfare Officer and contact the LGBRO in USI who will help you get underway.
And finally.
Being LGB need not be an issue at all in college but this can depend on circumstances. Either way, it shouldn't negatively affect your participation in and enjoyment of your time at college. In reality, college is where everyone comes out in one way or another. Students discover, develop and express their individuality and your sexuality is just one of the ways in which you are an individual. In your time at college, you will meet people from a whole range of backgrounds, with many different viewpoints and life experiences. College should be a place to celebrate that diversity.
Useful Numbers
Union of Students in Ireland
Contact the LGBRO on 01-4353400 or 086-6079018.
Email: lgb@usi.ie
First Out
Confidental support group for women exploring their sexuality.
5 Capel Street, Dublin 1
Outhouse
Queer community resource centre: library, cafe and meeting rooms.
6 South William Street (upstairs), Dublin 2.
Gay Switchboard Dublin
Helpline for information or just a listening ear. Phone: 01 8721055, Sunday - Friday 8 - 10pm.
Bi-Irish
Bisexual support and social group. Meets first Tuesday of the month @ Outhouse, 8pm. Lesbian Line
Supportive information and listening service. Phone: 01-8729911, Thursdays 7-9pm.
OutYouth
Social group for under 25s. Meets on Sundays, 4pm at Outhouse, new members welcome 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month @ 3.30pm. Parent Support
Information and support for parents of queer children, run by parents of queer children. for details contact GSD (see above).