Joe Evans, Gay 
Sophomore, Plant Biology

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
In addition to a wonderful course load, I am highly involved in the LGBT Community of Ohio University. I am the Male Co-Chair of Open Doors, I work for the LGBT Programs Center, and act as SpeakOUT! Coordinator.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
Being ostracized by the heterosexual community is the last thing that could possibly help to foster a loving society.  LGBT individuals need all the support they can against an uneducated populous.  In the “land of the free” we are still fighting for civil liberties that are taken for granted by many US citizens.  What heterosexuals think of as rights we are only occasionally granted as privileges.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I’m proud to say that the LGBT community is standing up for what it believes in.  Not all of us cluster into stereotypical roles, and we cover a diverse spectrum in society; therefore, we are enlightening many individuals and gaining allies and support incessantly.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
The most difficult part of coming out for me personally was explaining to very close male friends that I am indeed a homosexual and trying to continue a normal relationship without losing any close friends. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
I would strongly advise building a strong support system before taking the initial steps of coming out. Utilize friends, family, and community OUTreach programs that can be there in the unfortunate event of non-accepting individuals (including parents).  Have a place to stay and money set aside.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
When someone of the LGBT community entrusts their “queerness” to you, it is your civic duty to not try to convince them otherwise.  I would also highly recommend not making comments such as: “How do you know you’re gay; haven’t you ever tried sleeping with a woman?”  These only seem to drive your friends further away from you.  A better strategy would be to remind them that this will not change anything between you and you value their friendship.