I understand where Firm is coming from, but I find that this "don't ask, don't tell" mindset will continue to marginalize LGBT individuals and deny them of their rights (in particular, the right to learn in a non-hostile environment) If one is a heterosexual, imagine how much more difficult it would be to go through an eight hour day -- and not to mention the already stressful four years -- when you have to hide your sexuality.
I understand that as students, we are there to learn and that our sexuality should not matter. However, the subject does come up. What if a classmate ask you what you're doing this weekend or something more personal, like whether or not you're dating someone? You wouldn't be able to refer to your loved one as your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or even by his/her name since "you are not supposed to bring up the fact that you're gay". You then might be compelled to lie or avoid the topic, which doesn't seem like a good idea when you're trying to be an "honest professional", and surely it doesn't look good either when you're trying develop a trusting relationship with others.
So is this a lose-lose situation here? People are definitely afraid of what they don't understand and this fear definitely depends on the exposure (and education) they have had. One would hope that by the time someone enters dental school, they've matured enough to understand that people are different and your patients will come from all different walks of life. It's this ignorance that perpetuates irrationality and stereotyping, and even various forms of hate.
I just hope that one day, dental students won't have to be worried about being ostracized (which, in many ways, will deny them the same educational rights that the 'heterosexual' students have) due to bigoted attitudes.
