With other institutions becoming more and more accepting of the LGBT community, UOG is no exception.

The university’s attempt to be more inclusive and accepting of this growing population has become obvious over the years, especially to its LGBT members.

Jasmin Wenzel, a 2015 UOG graduated, and Olympia Terral, a research associate for the university, have been lucky enough to never encounter any unpleasant situations that stem from their sexual preference.

“Overall, I feel that people at UOG are very tolerant of diversity, including sexual orientation,” Terral said.

This same positive experience is shared with Dr. Lee Yudin, the dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

As a openly out gay male, married to his husband of 30 years, Yudin was first hired at UOG as an assistant professor in 1989.

“At that time I was with my boyfriend, now my husband, I have always been accepted as a gay man in the college ever since I was employed at UOG. One of the reasons I have stayed as long as I have,” Yudin said.

He added  that UOG, and the island itself, is one of the most welcoming places to live and go to school.

“I only wish that more LGBT youth will come to UOG and feel the pride of being a Triton,” Yudin said.

Although the university is doing its part in welcoming a more diverse mix of people, there is room to improve when dealing with representation and support.  

For one, Yudin would like to see the creation of a student organization that aims to help students dealing with issues that come from their sexuality.

Luke Scott Fernandez, both a student and employee of the school, as well as Troy McVey, vice provost for Academic Excellence, believe that UOG is progressive and accepting.

“However, I wish there was more representation and support when it comes to the celebration of the community,” Fernandez said.

McVey recalled an incident where complaints about a gay pride flag being displayed resulted in it being taken down.

“I think what disappointed me in that situation was that the person’s right to be offended was placed at a higher value than the community’s right to display a symbol,” McVey said.

Fernandez said: “I think that not having a good amount of representation or support might be an issue in the future. With the growing number of identities other than gay, lesbian, bi, trans, etc. it would be nice to see some representation, whether it be in student catalogs, websites, etc.”

Fernandez hopes for the younger generation to see UOG as a safe and dynamic place where they can feel comfortable being themselves and find a support system they may not have at home.

No matter the experience, good or bad, the advice to students from Wenzel, Terral, Yudin, Fernandez and McVey who seek acceptance remains the same—You are not alone!

They urge you to seek out friends and mentors and embrace these new relationships formed. Continue to find value and acceptance through your newly found family.

“You have a voice and your voice is valid, so use it,” says Fernandez.