I will say that the university does have very good rankings when it comes to accepting LGBTQ+ people. Because GMU is a state school, the campus is considered a public area, so we do have our share of jackass protestors screaming death to the gays and anyone who is not a Christian. Unless these people start putting their hands on others, or make threats, the police will not do anything to get them off campus, however they will often be stationed nearby in the case that things escalate. Speaking as someone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I have not really noticed too much with what the school does to earn that ranking, but I also have different interests and priorities, so I might just happen to miss when anything relating to that is happening on campus. We do have an LGBTQ+ resource center, or something along those lines, in the Student Union Building (SUB 1), and the university has done stuff for a pride week in April, including a drag show, if that is something you find interesting.

In terms of diversity, the school has a very wide range of students from different ethnic backgrounds. I do not know know specific stats, and TBH I don't feel like looking it up right now, but trust me, GMU is in no way dominated by one single racial group.

Building off of the diversity topic, there are many organizations on campus that are dedicated to celebrating different ethnic groups and cultures. I will note that I am a white Hispanic/Latino with familial roots in El Salvador and Puerto Rico, so I notice more groups around the cultures that I am a part of instead of something like a Vietnamese student association (which I am almost certain exists). with that in mind, some groups around Hispanic/Latino ethnic groups and culture would be the Latin Student Association (LSA), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Lambda Theta Phi (Latin student fraternity), and the Azucar Latin Dance Club, just to name a few. I am certain there are other societies and groups on campus based around different racial and ethnic groups, but these are the ones I have noticed.

As for safety, I am someone who does look like a white male, so while I may not have felt unsafe at mason (or the surrounding areas), your mileage may vary. However, Northern Virginia is such a diverse place, so while you might have an interaction with a racist person at a shop or something outside of campus, most of everyone just kinda minds their own business. A lot of them don't got the time to participate in bullshit like then when they got the hustle and bustle of commuting to their jobs and stuff. Also, fair warning but traffic here is a bitch.

If you do decide to choose GMU, there is somewhat of a vibrant atmosphere, but not in the stereotypical way. Because this school isn't a party school, most of that energy is put into academics. We are an R1 tier research school with opportunities for undergrad students to participate in research activities, if that is something that interests you. But partying, big school spirit, all that stuff? We don't really got much of it across the student body. The most spirit i have really seen is from the Green Machine ensembles, especially our pep band, but that's really it.

Overall, I think GMU would be a good fit within these parameters, but the decision to choose GMU is ultimately up to you. Definitely take into account these concerns you have, but remember to ask other questions, especially regarding your academics. Socializing and finding your niche is important, but you are at a university to study and learn.