Gay and Lesbian College Life in the 80s: An Overview

In late March and early April of 1983, the Indiana Daily Student ran a series of five articles about the problems frequently faced by gay and lesbian students at Indiana University.

The articles sought to demystify some of the aspects of homosexuality that otherwise frequently inspired confusion or negativity in heterosexual acquaintances and friends.

These five articles are reproduced below.

The March 28th article discusses the difficulties of being out in Bloomington, including the fears of violence and the risk of job loss.

The March 29th article discusses the difficulties that face gay freshmen at Indiana University.

The March 30th article deals with college freshman struggling with their sexuality and the decision between coming out and remaining in the closet.

The March 31st article deals with GLB faculty and the University administration's attitudes towards queerness.

The April 1st article deals with GLB identities and the complexities that surround decisions about coming out, or remaining out in different contexts.