Edyael Casaperalta, Fluid
Graduate Student, Latin American Studies

For Edyael:"Fluid means liking hearts, minds, and souls, and thinking of 
yourself on these  terms as well. The gender of an individual is just 
another physical trait. I try not to ascribe to socially constructed gender 
performances, and I seek to  challenge them with my own persona. I also 
like to look at the  interconnections between all of our identities. Thus, 
I am fluid. I am not  only a woman, I am also a latina, and an able-bodied 
person, and I date men  and women.  I flow in and out, through, and beyond 
all these  identities that exist within my heart, mind, and soul."

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:  
SHADES, work at the LGBT Programs Center

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
It is a step to being comfortable with yourself, in your own skin. And it sends a message to others that it is okay to be comfortable being yourself in your own skin.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I see people as presents. The body is the wrapper. It can be nice, blue, shiny, torn, etc. It is a wrapping (of course it is nicer when the one opening the present likes it). But ultimately, I care about what’s inside the wrapping. That’s what counts. (cheesy I know). I see people as minds, souls, hearts. Their bodies and physiques are simply the package where all of these are contained.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
In a society that is not inclusive of diverse, accurate, and respectful representations of individuals labeled as “minority,” it is a continuous process of coming out. However, telling my mother was the most challenging so far.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Be ready to face any type of response (yes even positive ones), but above all, be truly honest with yourself.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
We are people too.