Gays Often struggle in HBCUs

[AKA_Monet]

This article was in the Seattle Times on Monday.

I personally think their premise is a gloss over response on what the school admin thinks they should say. Something like a self-fulfilling prophecy. I also found overall tone of the article as bashing HBCU's. Because most schools can barely pay their light bills than worrying about some kids...

I know it is a sensitive subject but the kids coming out during college thing, I can see the need of a pure student led group with leadership of the greater city wide LBGT community as advisors. I have discussed this idea with some in the community and they thought it was a great idea... Because all kids need mentoring and there are way to come out and then there are ways not to come out--like using crack cocaine then sleeping around with anything...

However, from the admin point of view, these schools are funded or trusteed by major Christian Religious organizations and are private schools. Coming out on the religious right... Well, I have seen that happen and it ain't pretty.

The opposite is a ton of guys jump off Morehouse College's buildings... I knew 2-3 that committed suicide when I attended Spelman and that was in the late 1980's. Some had to do with the choice of being outwardly gay. Others had unchecked mental illness.

My opinion: The kids should have their group, period. They should not restrict these kids. The kids are confident in themselves and their sexuality. I also think that these same kids could come up with creative ways to be of service to the schools through educational campaigns and political causes. But, I do know the kids need to soften their readiness to strike hard. Because the old-heads in these schools... Good luck trying to change them...

However, I would rather have these kids safe than to be attacked or killed because of their sexuality.