Hey!
Just wondered how it is for GLBTQ students to enter the UWC's? Is it an accepting environment, or is can it be tough to have a different sexuality than the "normal"? How are the teachers about it? Is GLBTQ's discussed in class etc.?

The Mission Statement for United World Colleges is:

"UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future."

It's all about making people work together. Now, those people have different cultures, and in some homosexuality is accepted and in others it is not. The goal is to work through those differences and come to a respectful freedom together. It's not tough to be "different". We had a LGBTQ group, and it was a very active group trying to get people to understand a broader spectrum of sexual orientations. I'd say it was a very accepting environment for sure.

Hey there !

I'm a current student at UWC-USA (class of '11), and I shall second Josh : I'm out, and have not faced any discrimination here. Campus is very accepting, and while I have heard occasional ignorant comments about GLBTQ issues, people are always willing to talk it out. Homophobic comments targeting specific people are unheard of. I'm part of the GSA here, we're a reasonably active and established group ( with an awesome faculty sponsor !) - teachers and students have always responded favourably to GSA-organized activities. As for whether GLBTQ issues are talked about in class - the answer is yes. When it comes up, teachers don't shy away from addressing sexuality-related matters. Although the curriculum could stand to be more trans friendly, but that's another question altogether

If you're interested in queer activism, there are also opportunities to get involved in Santa Fe.

So, that was my small blurb on the State of The Gay in Montezuma - if you have any questions, I can be found on facebook as Mounia Abousaid or at mounia.abousaid@uwc-usa.org

Thank you so much for a reply!

Anyone else from any other of the colleges?