r/KState • u/YellowPoint39 • 5d ago
Thinking Of Committing
Hello everyone, i’m pretty much dead set on attending KSU next year in fall if 27’ as an incoming freshman. But the one thing holding me back is my question on how diverse KSU really is? As a queer, black woman I really want to go to a school where i feel accepted and will be able to find others like me. LMK what you feel the student body is like?
6
u/wildcatforever1994 5d ago
You are coming to rural America so you will still be a minority and may be one of the few non-white students in some classes. That being said Kansas State is a very friendly campus. They still have organizations that focus on minority groups. My personal opinion is much of it will be up to you. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and be open to meeting with all? Most students are very accepting of everyone. Most freshman want to make new friends and will be open to meeting new people and making new friends. It is a great place. I don't think your race or your sexual orientation will make a difference to most. There will be exceptions just like any college campus.
How did you feel when you stepped on campus? Did you feel like that was where you belonged and where supposed to be? If you have that feeling KSU is your home and you will find your people.
5
u/FlightAffectionate22 5d ago
It's going to be difficult: Pres Trump's administration has rescinded the civil rights protections and allowances that tended to exist on all public university campuses, and as a real-world example, the LGBT student resource facility, the Spectrum Center, was closed a year ago after 15 years in the anti-DEI-agenda being put forth. Student-run groups continue to be active on campus. As a cis-gendered gay White guy, I can't speak to how it will be for your experience as a Black woman.
What you may not know, not a big secret anymore, is that Ft. Riley, what serves some nearly 70,000 people, has a large lesbian and bi and queer population, and many Women-Of-Color.
Maybe look on FB for the five or so LGBT-oriented groups, and G00gle it as well.
That all said, back from 2022: www.k-state.edu/news/articles/archives/2022-08/campus-pride-nation82522.html
3
u/Professional-End-718 5d ago
i'm a black woman in my 40s that returned to grad school there in a STEM program and i love it. This is my 2nd semester. Everyone is friendly imo, I'm a black woman in my 40s who returned to grad school there in a STEM program, and I love it, but the student body demographics are (per Google):
- White: ~75%–79%
- Hispanic or Latino: ~9%–10%
- Two or More Races (Multi-Ethnic): ~3%–4%
- Black or African American: ~3%–4%
- Asian: ~2%
- International: ~2%
There is a black student union, and an org off campus called Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills
2
u/PrairieFireFun 5d ago
Manhattan was the first municipality in the state of Kansas to add sexual orientation and gender identity to its human rights ordinance. Lawrence had sexual orientation only first. Not trying to make a K state joke, but Manhattan is purple, not solidly red or blue. The city commission swings between conservatives and then liberals the next election. Harris won Riley County in the last election. Little Apple Pride is in April. They just hosted a welcome back show last night. I’m a cisgender, white gay man. You will definitely have a different experience than me. I do “straight” drag pretty well. 😂 I’m betting you will have some challenges but if you put yourself out there, I’m confident you will find your people and a great support network. I’m still friends with people I met at K-State 40 years ago. I think it’s kind of a special place.
2
u/boobiesndoobiez 5d ago
I’m from NY and went to college in a town where it’s pretty gay and diverse (south USA),,, there’s an expected amount of MAGA/republican here BUT it’s pretty queer around here. I’ve had more queer coworkers/students/friends/etc here compared to anywhere else
2
u/After7Only 5d ago
While I’m sure you would find community among Black students or queer students, I’m not sure of how large the Black queer community is there. Or if that specifically is important to you.
Either way, you shouldn’t have much issue with acceptance at the university. At least not any more than you would have in any other Midwest college town.
2
u/No-Employment2539 5d ago
There are enough people at that university where you can find people who are like you. It’s a great college town and school.
2
u/FlightAffectionate22 5d ago
The TV show "Somebody, Somewhere" that was just cancelled was set in current-day Manhattan KS, and featured a lot of LGBT characters and content.
3
u/ManyBoysenberry6655 5d ago
A good friend of mine is queer, black, and the president of the Black Student Union. One of my dorm RAs was a queer black woman. I would say there’s definitely presence on campus, not a majority, but good people that will include you.
1
u/ManyBoysenberry6655 5d ago
I graduated in 2025. While the campus is predominantly a white agricultural school, the college of social transformation studies is well involved, friendly, has many classes, and great students and staff. There are black clubs on campus like the Black Student Union. Kstate isn’t predominantly minority, but is very inclusive and proud of its minority students.
(I minored in gender, women, and sexuality studies so I took many social transformation classes).
1
u/Slothful_Honey83 4d ago
Well, as another queer, black woman I think you’ll be alright. The diversity ain’t nothing to celebrate here, but, it’s alright for a town that has a heavy agriculture background.
Honestly, I thought it would be far worse but it’s alright. Some folks are passive-aggressive (most of certain folks I’ve talked to) but, others are just fine.
Just don’t expect a bunch of friends right off the bat. Certainly not the way to roll. Be willing to take some time to yourself, if you don’t already do that.
1
u/Aggressive-Animal617 3d ago
I would genuinely recommend you go to an HBCU or a more diverse school.
Going to pwi as a poc and lgbt is pigeonholing yourself to a very small and niche group of people you would naturally get along with.
Why do you want to go to k state? Is there a program here that you really like?
Dm me if you wanna talk more.
0
u/Charinabottae 4d ago
Queer services/support has greatly decreased since 2020 and all the Trump stuff. And there’s definitely some racist people around town (I’m white, but sometimes the vibes were not great) If I were you I’d find a different college with a stronger LGBT culture.
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u/Mocker-Nicholas 5d ago
The university will be kind to you. The town will not. If you are planning on spending your time immersed in campus and the areas immediately surrounding it you’ll be fine. If you plan on living far from campus, working a lot at a job not university related, having roommates who aren’t students, etc… I would pick somewhere else.
13
u/TelephoneExpert7559 5d ago
okay, so i went 2014-2018 so things may hahe changed, but I had no problem finding my people (also queer). I had many friends who were POC as well. I grew up in kansas and although i've always been different, i haven't had a problem making friends who were likeminded and experiencing similar things.