Gay at U.Va.: Part II

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Gay at U.Va.: Part II

Is the University a welcoming place for its LGBTQ students?
By Tom Christensen, Focus Editor on September 6, 2011

Not even a decade ago, at University events like football games, where the “Good Ol’ Song” was sung multiple times by a crowd of thousands, the lyrics “not gay” were often interjected into the second-to-last stanza of the song.

Known infamously as the “not gay chant,” these words are no longer a presence at Scott Stadium. Through efforts of numerous student organizations, the tradition that was deemed ugly by most has finally gone out of style.

The popularity and eventual demise of the “not gay chant” tells a narrative not uncommon at the University. Although the University has become progressively more accepting of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer students and faculty, there have always been hurdles, both logistical and cultural, that the LGBTQ communities have had to face.