Gay at Princeton

My only contact with the question of homosexuality while at Princeton took place at what were then known as “bull sessions.” Religion was by far the most frequently and intensely discussed topic during my years (1958–62) at the University. Homosexuality did not come up very often, but when it did, many of the right questions were asked: Should it be against the law? Do people choose to be homosexual, or was it a condition some are born with? Did any of us remember consciously choosing heterosexuality? I have no idea what topics were discussed in other dorms during the wee hours, but homosexuality was not taboo in the third entry of Witherspoon Hall.

And, of course, there was speculation about the extent of homosexuality on campus.

Everyone considered it rare, but no one thought it nonexistent. Occasional jokes and slurs could be overheard, but nothing approaching the outright hatred that I had observed in high school. Certainly the atmosphere on campus 50 years ago was far from accepting, but it was rarely hostile — at least in my limited perspective.