Adding to my stress was Preview Weekend last weekend, where the newly admitted students come to see if they want to attend medical school here. We have lots of talks, a talent show, a luau, parties, etc. It’s mostly put together by medical students and the admissions staff. I was asked to speak on several subjects, one being LGBT Meds, of which I’m the (de facto) president. Just introduced myself, let people know they should be comfortable being themselves (whatever that is) here. Told them that a certain high-level administrator has referred to himself as “predominantly heterosexual,” and that the Queer Health class is one of the most popular electives. I told them about LGBT Meds’ primary goal–converting straight classmates to our evil and deviant ways–which they enjoyed. I ended with the “What do gay horses eat” joke. Everyone got a good laugh, and people said they enjoyed my talk.

I was most impressed after the speech at lunch. A 2nd year student who I’m decent friends with came up to me and asked about how same-sex relationships work out. He’s a mature guy, really open-minded and everything, but I never would have expected him to ask. It was really cool that he felt comfortable asking me about it–even that he had been curious or thinking about it seemed like a great step forward. I really feel like my generation of physicians is going to do a much better job of addressing the cultural and diversity issues, and I’m really proud of that.

And if you’re at all curious about the same-sex relationship stuff, there’s a great little piece from a marriage researcher at This American Life ; he talks about marriage in general, how men and women communicate, and what makes a marriage successful. (Long story short: same-sex couples tend to be more open and honest with each other. You’ll have to listen to learn more. I’ve got pathology to memorize.)

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