LGBT Citadel

Conan

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 19, 2014
Messages
13
I've wanted to go to The Citadel for a long time now and I've finally been accepted not too long ago. I have a fairly good GPA (4.2) and I'm receiving a scholarship as well. I am also scheduled for my pre-knob visit early april, but something has been bothering me.

I am an 18 year old male who identifies as gay. I don't plan on flaunting my sexuality about the campus, but I would like to know what it's like to be LGBT in a military setting. Can I be open about it if someone asks me about my sexuality? Or would I feel like I have to constantly be on guard, to protect a secret?

Thanks in advance for all replies.
 
When I was a cadet, homosexual activity was punishable by expulsion. Obviously, things have changed.

The military no longer permits discrimination against homosexuals; therefore, The Citadel no longer permits discrimination. That is the institutional response to your question.

As for individual cadets, I would imagine that some will choose not to associate with you, some will view your sexual identity as irrelevant and others will be supportive.

For what it's worth, there is now an active LGBT organization at The Citadel.
 
I would think that it would be a simular experience to what women at the academies and SMC's experienced after they were first allowed into the schools' respective Corps, but not quite as harsh due to the increased tolerance among society. Wishing you the best of luck.
 
Thanks.

My main concern was whether I'd face copious amounts of bullying and homophobia.

In any event I'm sure I'll be fine, and if anything happens it'll just make me a stronger person.
 
Thanks.

My main concern was whether I'd face copious amounts of bullying and homophobia.

In any event I'm sure I'll be fine, and if anything happens it'll just make me a stronger person.

While I can't speak for the SMCs, my son's battalion had two openly gay cadets, he told me theire was never any issues with any of the cadets. Son's school was in Idaho.
 
I think you will face the full spectrum of those who accept you, others who don't care and some who will openly resent you. You are young, some of your classmates will have never met an openly gay person in their lives yet and may not know how to react. Not sure where you are from, but the Citadel is the South. My best friend is openly gay and lived in Washington DC and moved to South Carolina. The differences she spoke of were very different. I personally love Charleston and would live there in a heart beat, its a great, friendly city. I think the bottom line will be you proving yourself as a Knob, Cadet, classmate and student. You do those things, I think alot of people will respect you first and accept you. I have tons of gay friends, almost all of them served in the military and many went to SAs, most were accepted by all because of their work ethic, ability as an officer, knowledge and realized who they slept with didn't matter. Most importantly, do not lie if asked. Maybe a current Citadal Cadet could send a PM to you with someone's email in the LGBT Citadel club that you could talk to for advice?
 
Thanks, I hope someone PMs me soon.

On another note, does anyone know what they do at The Citadel on Pre-Knob Overnight visits after 7:00 PM. I heard that some Cadets take their Pre-Knobs to bars and clubs but this was back in 2009.
 
Since the drinking age in SC is 21 I doubt they are going to bars. On Friday and Saturday nights cadet hosts can take their prospects out to see Charleston - within reason.
 
When I was a pre-knob in the Spring of '80, my host took me to Dino's and Big John's. The legal age for alcohol was 18, but I was 17 at the time. I got plastered. It was glorious.
 
I was a senior at the time, hows come I didn't get invited? Yes we lived it up for 4 years back in my time, don't know what year the legal age was raised; now just more headaches since like all colleges in the country they have a big problem with underage drinking.
 
Not sure if I should of created another thread for this, but it didn't seem thread worthy.

I have been to a few citadel games (football, basketball, and wrestling), aside from noticing that most of their athletics are of African-American skin color (I tried to be safe as possible when wording this), what happened/where are the citadel cheerleaders?

*Searched the web, but I couldn't find anything relevant. When I did go and ask anonymously on "ask citadel fm" (google it) one of my inquiry was answered, however, the one about cheerleaders (male and female alike) was somehow not (which I believe has something to do with the school being mostly republican... which doesn't per say).

Once again, I'll appreciate any answers
 
The athletic department disbanded the cheerleading squad as well as the Short Grey Line, another spirit group at the athletic games. It was mostly to save money and due to a lack of participation.
 
The athletic department disbanded the cheerleading squad as well as the Short Grey Line, another spirit group at the athletic games. It was mostly to save money and due to a lack of participation.

I can't imagine cheerleading not being popular at the Citadel!? :shake:
 
You think the Citadel got rid of their cheerleaders because it's a predominately Republican school? I was thinking exactly what Bulldog was... Most likely lack of participation.
 
You think the Citadel got rid of their cheerleaders because it's a predominately Republican school? I was thinking exactly what Bulldog was... Most likely lack of participation.

Nope, I was just insinuating that it was probably because it was not popular among the student body.
 
Our politics have nothing to do with it. The participation just wasn't there, among both male and female cadets.
 
Hahaha! That is funny CitadelGrad. Yes all Republicans do not like cheerleaders! I grew up in a very liberal small beach town in Cali... We never had cheerleaders due to lack of interest in high school. I think S&H will realize when he gets to VMI that there are more folks there from every walk of life than he realizes, to include Democrats and Independents. Especially when he hits active duty days he will see the full spectrum. It's not all apple pie, go Republicans, ultra conservative as a lot folks think. S&H not trying to give you a hard time. You seem like a great kid with an amazing future ahead of you.
 
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