If you’re in college, you might be too young to go to bars to meet other LGBT people. But, as young adults, there are plenty of options to meet other gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans friends and girlfriends/boyfriends. Here are a few places to meet other LGBT students in college.
1. The gay/straight alliance
Almost every school has some sort of LGBT organization. Gay Student Union. Gay/Straight Alliance. Queers United. Queers and Allies. Look around for groups with names like this. Check out their meetings and social hours. Don’t give up after only one visit. If the group seems small or not involved in activities that interest you, then offer to get involved. Try hosting a lesbian movie night, book discussion group or coffee house.
2. In Your Dorm
As you’re wandering the halls of your dorm, look for telltale signs of other LGBT students. Does someone have a rainbow sticker, and equality sign or a “No H8” sign on their door? This is a sure sign of someone who is out and proud. Why not knock on their door and introduce yourself? Or slip a note under their door and tell them you noticed their stickers and were interested in meeting other open-minded people.
3. In Your Classes
Take a look around. Do you have a feeling about someone in your class? Does the girl who sits up front and takes vigorous notes seem like the type who might just possibly like women? Is there someone in your chemistry lab who seems to try to make eye contact with you every time the TA makes a corny joke? If you’ve got a feeling about someone, it could be your gaydar. Try to find a way to strike up a conversation with that person. Join a study group together or offer to be lab partners. If you get to know this person outside of class, the topic of dating may come up.
4. Take a Queer Studies Class
Many universities offer at least some kind of class with LGBT content. It might be a gays and lesbians in literature class, gay history or feminist film theory. Other LGBT students are certain to be drawn into those kind of classes, just as you are.
5. Sports Teams or Clubs
You don’t have to be a varsity athlete to partake in campus sports. If you’re into softball, basketball, rugby or any other team sport, chances are there is a club team that you can join. Sure it’s a stereotype that lesbians play sports, but chances are you might meet another LGBT person playing ultimate Frisbee or working out in the gym.
6. Through Friends
Once you’ve made at least one friend you can trust, come out to him or her. Everyone knows someone gay these days. You can be clear you’re not looking for a hook-up (if you’re not), but just want to meet other LGBT people for friendship. The fact is, LGBT people do tend to hang out with other LGBT people. Once you meet one friend, you’re bound to be introduced to others, be invited to LGBT friendly parties and dances.
7. The School Paper or Website
Often time groups sponsor events during October for National LGBT History Month or in June for Gay Pride Month. Keep you eye out for ads in the school paper and flyers around campus for events. If there’s a speaker or other event, often afterward there’s a social hour. Make sure to attend, even if you’re a shy person. It can be a great place to meet other LGBT friendly people.
8. Online
If you’re looking to meet someone to date, try taking out a personal ad. You usually have to be 18 to take out an ad. Online dating can be a good way to make friends too. You’re probably going to meet a lot of people you don’t develop romantic feelings for, but they could end up being good friends.
9. Join a Group
I don’t mean a gay group either. Get involved in an extra curricular activity that interests you. Take a self-defense class. Write for the college newspaper. Join an environmental organization. If you’re interested, chances are other LGBT students will be too.
10. Gay Community Center
Maybe the gay group on your campus isn’t very big, but if there is a gay community center in your town, it can be a great place to meet a diverse group of LGBT people.
