LGBTQ & MPH schools

[kubajf]

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Hey there... I just wanted to see if any current/past MPH students could share their opinions on the LGBTQ-friendly atmospheres of their programs... were there a lot of LGBTQ students?

Cheers

 

[SMUrandy]

I know for myself, and for a few peers at other schools (UCLA, Cal, and others), we all had a pretty positive experience. I think overtime people who self-identified as LGBTQ came forward more, but also there are a good number of faculty who are allies, or fit into the same demographic. Which schools were you looking at applying to?

 

[kubajf]

Of the school tow which I've been accepted, I'm most interested in Emory. Though, I've yet to hear from GW and UPenn.

 

[sph2011]

Hello All…I’m a new member and this is my first post but I have been reading through the threads for a few months now. Instead of starting a new thread, I figured I would resurrect this one as my question is related.

I am preparing to begin applying to MPH programs for fall 2011 admission and my areas of interest include the health and wellness of LGBTQ youth/adult populations, minority health disparities, and social justice. So far, my research has led me to want to apply to Columbia, UC-Berkeley, UCLA, and SDSU. These programs are located in cities that are pretty progressive and will offer many opportunities to work with this population (not sure SDSU is as progressive, but the idea of living in San Diego is very appealing!) I will also apply to U. Pitt because they actually have a track that focuses specifically on LGBTQ health issues. Additionally, all of these programs offer an MSW/MPH combo, which I am also considering.

I don’t want to miss out on other great programs though! I like what I hear and read about UNC, Emory, Tulane, and UT-Houston. However, I am concerned that because these schools are located in the South, which can be more conservative, that research and practicum opportunities to work on LGBTQ youth issues will be limited??? I could be wrong on this so this is where I am hoping that those of you that have experience with these programs or others that I am unaware of, can chime in with your thoughts! I’m also interested in hearing from those of you who share my interest even if you don’t know about the mentioned programs. Thanks in advance for any and all responses!

 

[JMM051]

I can only speak on UNC and Emory.

Although geographically Atlanta is in the south, most (many?) of its residents are from all over the country. I don't feel it to be any more/less conservative than say, NJ. As for Emory itself, I only can speak to the BSHE program. I know that there are a few prof's-two specific ones come to mind =that definitely work/focus on LGBTQ projects. I just saw an internship at CARE in the Gender Unit that sounds really interesting. Definitely opportunities to get involved in Atlanta. PM me if you want more info.


As for UNC. I love Chapel Hill and Carrboro, I do. BUT they are definitely more "small town feel" then the rest of the locations you mentioned. That said many of those on Carrboro/Chapel Hill are students/intellectuals studying/working at the school. Raleigh and Durham are more of that "small city" feel. Although UNC is not near "major" cities they have a great national/global rep and have connections to get you experiences in other areas.

Hope that helps! Again, PM me for any other questions...good luck!

 

[Stories]

Yale provides same-sex spouses the same benefits as opposite-sex spouses: Yale ID, health insurance, and things of that sort. The grad school also puts on many GLBT oriented events, as well.

 

[UNC Chapel Hill]

I just finished my MPH at UNC Chapel Hill and am currently finishing my MD. It's been a great place to study and live, from an LGBT perspective. I was initially wary of moving to the south, but my wife and I have had only positive experiences for the 8 years we've lived in NC (initially on the coast, now in Chapel Hill-Carrboro).

I've worked with the support of faculty to develop an annual workshop that we do for senior med students on working with LGBTQ patients. There is also an LGBTQ Health Alliance that draws students from the Schools of Public Health, Social Work, Dentistry, Nursing, Medicine and Pharmacy.

Let me know if you have specific questions, and good luck!

 

[eckerd82]

I think you'd find good opportunities in Atlanta and New Orleans. Maybe not so much Houston or Chapel Hill.