Jump to content

Mentioning Sexual Orientation in Personal Statements?


vnatch

Recommended Posts

I am in the midst of applying to grad schools in developmental biology, and I'm noticing that some of the schools I'm applying to have really specific diversity-related prompts for the Personal Statement (about how I will bring diversity, how I have demonstrated appreciation for diversity, etc.). I don't fit any minority status at all aside from being gay. Now my normal opinion on bringing sexual orientation into an SoP or Personal statement is that it probably won't do much good, especially since I haven't really been involved in any LGBTQ organizations or anything like that and I've heard it can be a pretty controversial thing to write about in a statement. However, seeing how central diversity is to some of these prompts, I'm wondering, would this info be okay to include? It wouldn't be the focus of my essay obviously, I will mostly be talking about how I got into my field. But I think bringing up my sexual orientation would probably be the most direct way to say why I will bring diversity and also why I can empathize with other people from diverse backgrounds.

PS: my worry isn't really that I will be discriminated against if I include this, since the schools I'm referring to that have these prompts are UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Davis, all of which I would assume have a pretty progressive atmosphere. I'm just wondering if doing so would be inappropriate

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it would be inappropriate in a SOP (unless it really influenced your research interests, I suppose), but it is completely appropriate when they ask about diversity in a personal statement.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I mean I'm straight so maybe my opinion isn't applicable, but I would not mention it in the SoP.  I would mention it in a diversity prompt if there was one.  If not, use the space to write about something else.

EDIT: I just think that it would be super awkward to write.  Like... "I find the same gender attractive.  And that's all I have to say about that."  I just wouldn't want to talk about it lol.

Edited by biochemgirl67
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use