Duke is so Gay. As It Should Be.

I was in London for six weeks this summer, doing the Duke in London – Drama program, and I had a thrilling and wonderful time. I recommend it to everyone, regardless of your major or experience with theater. I learned so much about England, the US and myself. I’m inspired to be more proactive about my Theater Studies major and theatrical career. I made new, fabulous friends. I had the time of my life. Big plus: so many out LGBTQ individuals and couples around London. Like whoa. My people were everywhere – at the grocery store, at the theater, on the bus, on the Underground. It was amazing. Still, I was ready to return to a life of routine and belonging at Homes 1 and 2. It’s great to be back at Home 2, Duke.

As I’ve adjusted to West Campus and reunited with my friends, I’ve fallen even further in love with this place. The magic is back, with some added flavor thrown in. I began serving as a First-Year Advisory Counselor (FAC), so between that and the [far too many] organizations I am involved in I’ve met a good number of people in this big and bright new class. Welcome, 2014!

Something particularly relevant to this blog, and you readers, is the growth of the LGBT community. The Center for LGBT Life and its constituent groups have had record-breaking interest, which I think is a result of the greater number of out upperclassmen and impressive number of out first-years. There have also been SO many straight allies excited to get involved. Every single day since I arrived on West two-and-a-half weeks ago, I’ve been approached by an ally with “How do I get involved with BDU?” “When can I get a Love=Love t-shirt?” “I love the posters you guys have up!” Duke is so gay. And I love it.