+75% of Our Students Are LGBTQ+.
Antioch College and the It Gets Better present Queer Spaces in Unexpected Places — because you don’t need a big city to find your people. You just need to know where to look.
Yellow Springs, Ohio. Population 3,800. And one of the queerest colleges in America. Our most recent student survey shows +75% LGBTQ+ and +15% transgender — not as a diversity metric, but as our lived reality.
Why It Gets Better Chose Antioch.
Most college search guides focus on coastal cities. But It Gets Better wanted to spotlight an unexpected place — a small-town college that has been quietly doing the work for decades.
“In a time where civil rights are greatly debated and attacked, Antioch College remains steadfast in our commitment to create a safe and affirming self-directed learning environment. We encourage LGBTQ people to join our community at Antioch as we engage in this critical fight.”
Shelby started their journey at Antioch twenty years ago as a low-income LGBTQ student of color. Today, they lead the country’s largest trans nonprofit.
Before You Tour Any College, Ask These 10 Questions.
Sourced from the It Gets Better community. With Antioch’s answers.
"Can I talk to current LGBTQ+ students?"
Yes — ask Admissions to connect you with students who have offered to speak with Queer students directly. We encourage candid conversations without staff present.
What LGBTQ+ community exists here, and how active is it?
82% of students are LGBTQ+ — community is daily, not performative. All things that Antioch initiates or engages in are viewed through the lens of “how does this help our students?” With the broad context of who our students are, we develop policy, campus events, and curriculum that supports the needs and interests of our students today.
How does housing work for LGBTQ+ and trans students?
Gender-inclusive housing available in all residence halls. Roommate matching based on preferences, not legal sex.
Where are gender-inclusive bathrooms on campus?
In every residence hall and all academic buildings. There is a graphic map of all gender inclusive bathrooms on campus that can be found here.
Can I use my chosen name across campus systems?
Yes — on class rosters, email, ID cards, housing lists, and health records.
What mental health support exists that's LGBTQ-competent?
Free, confidential counseling with providers trained in LGBTQ+ competency.
What healthcare is available on and off campus?
We offer STI testing and healthcare advocacy through our residence life office. Off-campus affirming providers in Yellow Springs and nearby Dayton. Student insurance covers gender-affirming care.
What is life like for LGBTQ+ people off campus?
Yellow Springs is a famously quirky, progressive small town. Pride flags in local business windows. Annual Yellow Springs Pride Festival. Visible queer community leaders.
How does the school respond to bias incidents?
Clear reporting process with student support throughout. Track record of accountability, not just statements. Community Standards Board. Groundbreaking sexual offense prevention policy.
Is LGBTQ+ inclusion part of everyday campus life?
Yes — 82% of your peers are LGBTQ+. Pronoun sharing is normal and expected. Syllabi use inclusive language. Staff talk about LGBTQ+ students like they’re simply part of campus. Because they are.
Antioch climbed the stars rank poised to receive a 5 star rating, when Campus Pride Index shuttered its organization. The Campus Pride Index was the premier, national benchmarking tool in the U.S. for LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices in higher education. It helped students, families, and staff evaluate campus climate, ranking colleges on a 5-star scale based on self-assessed data across8 key areas, including safety, housing, and academic life.