CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The all-female Spelman College, one of the premier historically black colleges in the U.S., has been a part of gay history since its establishment in 1881. Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, who were believed to be longtime partners, established the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, which eventually evolved into Spelman. A century later the college became the first historically black school to offer a women's studies major, and in 1983 it became the first such institution with an LGBT center. Now Spelman is in the forefront of expanding LGBT acceptance at historically black colleges and universities with its first Facilitating Campus Climates of Pluralism, Inclusivity, and Progressive Change at HBCUs conference, at which leaders from nine schools will discuss race, gender, and sexual orientation.
While Spelman women's studies professor Beverly Guy Sheftall says her college is not an anomaly in welcoming and nurturing LGBT students, she acknowledged that the treatment of gays varies widely at the 105 historically black institutions of higher education in the U.S.
"A lot of alumni who were at our colleges expressed feelings of isolation or being ostracized because of their sexual orientation," she says. "Some stayed, some left, some felt unhappy."
She attributes the acceptance found at some colleges versus the isolation or antigay policies at others to many factors, like location, religious affiliation, and even influential alumni who don't necessarily want their schools to progress. Some schools could help their gay students feel more welcome and ready to learn by simply allowing them to form gay campus organizations. Others could go the extra mile by supporting or hiring openly gay faculty members to inspire and mentor students in need of guidance.
On a basic level, Sheftall says many of these colleges could start progress by "moving away from a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy and allowing people to be more open with each other." She also said colleges could do more to address LGBT issues and homophobia, which could lead to a greater discussion on discrimination or inequality.
"When you have intolerance around one 'ism,' you have intolerance around other 'isms,' " Sheftall says. "So I think addressing LGBT issues is good for everyone on the campus. Not just LGBT students, but others who are being marginalized or even bullied."
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
60 wild photos from Folsom Street East that prove New York City knows how to play
June 21 2024 12:25 PM
Melania Trump cashed six-figure check to speak to gay Republicans at Mar-a-Lago
August 16 2024 5:57 PM
Transgender 18-year-old Jazlynn Johnson shot to death in Las Vegas
May 14 2024 2:08 PM
Latest Stories
Sarah McBride opens up on MSNBC about her win and what she's up against in Congress
November 08 2024 7:16 PM
Judge rules the military must cover gender-affirming surgery for members' dependents
November 08 2024 6:16 PM
After a dark week, we can all use some light and love from Shirley MacLaine
November 08 2024 4:15 PM
Beloved gay DJ and hairstyist dies less than two weeks after violent robbery in D.C.
November 08 2024 3:46 PM
12 Maryland college students arrested in alleged Grindr hate crime video attack
November 08 2024 3:40 PM
No, Elon Musk's trans daughter Vivian Wilson isn't 'dead' — but he's dead to her
November 08 2024 12:51 PM
2025 Grammy nominations for the gays: Pop girls battle for gold
November 08 2024 12:34 PM
Poland’s dark history with far-right, anti-LGBTQ+ government should be a warning to Americans
November 08 2024 11:11 AM
In this new age of Trump, who's hiding hate behind their smile?
November 08 2024 11:11 AM
Democrats celebrate LGBTQ+ gains & promise to stand up for trans rights after rough election
November 08 2024 11:05 AM
Scared for the future and LGBTQ+ rights? Here's how to cope with the election results
November 08 2024 11:01 AM
Here's how Trump's 2025 presidency can affect — and erase — LGBTQ+ content
November 08 2024 9:54 AM
Who is Susie Wiles, Donald Trump's pick for White House chief of staff?
November 07 2024 9:25 PM
Jamie Lee Curtis sends love and support to LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and others post-election
November 07 2024 6:20 PM
Yes, Republicans who vowed retribution are now admitting Project 2025 is real
November 07 2024 6:13 PM