Campus PrideNet to Identify the 'Best' LGBT Colleges & Universities

Campus PrideNet to Identify the 'Best' LGBT Colleges & Universities Upcoming Book to Profile LGBT Progressive Campuses from the Perspective of LGBT Students CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Enough about the colleges and universities that don't measure up, that have little to offer lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Campus PrideNet (http://www.campuspride.net/) wants to know which campuses are the most LGBT- friendly. And the organization wants to hear it from LGBT students themselves. In fact, Campus PrideNet today issued an official call for nominations of U.S. colleges and universities that are making progressive efforts toward inclusion of LGBT students and creating safer learning environments free of bigotry, bias and hate. The top nominated schools will be included in Campus PrideNet founder and coordinator Shane L. Windmeyer's upcoming book, "BEST OF THE BEST: An Official Queer Guide to Higher Education," to be published by Alyson Books in 2006. From now through May 1, 2005, LGBT students are asked to place nominations and complete online interviews at Campus PrideNet (http://www.campuspride.net/best); one faculty or staff member from each college or university must also provide input related to campus policies and practices. A longtime educator and speaker on LGBT issues and on the impact of bias, bigotry and hate crimes on college campuses, Windmeyer - who co-edited the 1998 best-seller "Out on Fraternity Row" - decided to compile "BEST OF THE BEST" to meet a growing need among college-age LGBT youth. "So many students in high schools are now coming out; many have faced bias, prejudice, harassment and are looking for campuses where they can be challenged academically, enjoy a vibrant social scene and not worry about their safety and well-being," Windmeyer explained. "The lone 'gay friendly?' question in a few of the existing college guide books doesn't provide the insight these students need to make a choice that will impact their life daily - good or bad - for four years. It's time for a comprehensive guide to college life from LGBT students who are actually living it." "BEST OF THE BEST" will include information on Pride events, queer studies classes, housing for LGBT students, gay-affirmative polices, out professors, reports of homophobia, gay-friendly fraternities, local gay hangouts, gay support resources, and, of course, the social scene. Though "BEST OF THE BEST" will profile an estimated 100 progressive colleges and universities with a healthy dose of humor, Windmeyer hopes the book will serve as a serious resource to help LGBT students transition to college life and inspire change on many campuses. "'BEST OF THE BEST' is an opportunity for today's college and university students to highlight the absolute best their campuses have to offer prospective LGBT students. It's the book today's LGBT undergrads and alumni wish they'd had years ago," Windmeyer finished. Campus PrideNet is the only national online community and resource network committed to student leaders and campus organizations working to create a safer campus environment free of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, heterosexism and genderism at colleges and universities. Contact: Shane Windmeyer Campus PrideNet 704-277-6710 info@campuspride.net This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/. Source: Campus PrideNet CONTACT: Shane Windmeyer, Campus PrideNet, +1-704-277-6710, info@campuspride.net Web site: http://www.campuspride.net/ http://www.campuspride.net/best ------- Profile: International Entertainment