Don Adleta, Gay     

Professor - Graphic Design

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: I have been actively involved in GLOBE, the President’s Diversity Task Force, Domestic Partner Benefits Task Force, and making sure all OU employees are treated equitably.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? It is important to be out, because being honest with yourself and others allows you to realize the true meaning of home. Plus I found it helped me understand my feelings and I am clearer when I communicate.  

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am “proud” I am openly gay. I am most “proud” of the work I have accomplished seeking DPB’s while in the Faculty Senate. I worked on domestic partnership benefits for over seven years and we at Ohio University now have domestic partner benefits. Benefits like being able to take bereavement leave if a partner passes away.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? The most difficult part of coming out was the feeling that I betrayed my best friend, my wife of 20 years. However she truly was a friend and still is one of my closest friends. I am so fortunate I do not have to live through a straight filter anymore.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? My advice to others who are coming out is to trust your feelings. The love you receive when you are not out is a love given to an impersonator of someone else. Those who love you after you come out truly love you.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: Thoughts for non-LGBT people about LGBT people and concerns: What goes around comes around. (Hate = Hate). Please stop justifying hatred.

COMMENTS:

Please know that I did not choose to be gay. This is not my choice. I have known since I was seven. I enjoy living as a gay man. However I don’t know how I could have chosen this orientation? No one even mentioned it to me nor knew enough about it.

Suppressing my feelings, not knowing how to deal with the emotions when I was different than what was accepted was crippling. I was afraid of what I was. I had no one to talk to about my feelings. It interfered with my ability to study and my ability to communicate with others. At a very early age, I learned to go through a straight filter when I talked with anyone in order that they would not find out.

 

There is no choice between ‘to be’ or ‘not to be’ gay. However there is ‘a choice’ gays do have to make and that is whether to be open or not. This choice to be openly gay is a difficult one. This IS where there is a choice. This may be where the misperception is rooted regarding whether being gay is a choice or not.

 

I could not be openly gay until I was forty. It really saddens me because I know that there are so many others who are gay and cannot reveal themselves due to the hate they think they may face if they come out.

 

Those who are not open often end up dysfunctional and are unable to make clear life decisions for themselves. If they decide not to be open and remain closeted, it can seriously affect themselves, their partner, their friends and especially their children. When you are closeted you really don’t give yourself the opportunity to know who you really are. Therefore, you rarely know what you need to be happy. This in turn backfires and often hurts everyone around you.

 

I am sure it has been part of our culture’s problems throughout history. Please accept and enjoy who you are; everyone will benefit from you being at HOME with yourself.

Harvey Ballard, Gay          

Associate Professor, Environmental/Plant Biology

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Periodic member of GLOBE and intermittent participant in Out week activities, am fully OUT in all areas of my career here at OU.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? Students, staff and other faculty need role models and also need confidants for personal difficulties or revelations; and we all need to have somebody we can talk with about personal issues, especially GLBT folks. If I’m not out and available, how can I help, and how can I be secure enough to talk about my own journey if I’m not honest about it?

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?  I have gifts because I’m gay, and I make them available to my students, my colleagues and the university. I’m proud of that, and I’m proud to share part of myself with others. I am the equal of everybody else, and I have loving people in my life, a family of kids and grandkids (through foster parenting), supportive colleagues, and a life and a career that I dreamed of. Being gay and being out did not obstruct those things; in fact, I can participate as fully as I do and interact with people in the way that I do because of who I am, and part of that is being gay and out. I am most proud of being a fully contributing and involved and compassionate member of society who happens to be gay. I am blessed with everything everybody else has, regardless of whether the government or anybody else accepts or likes that. I am also proud to be a recovering alcoholic and addict, and hope to help other LBGT brothers and sisters who struggle with the same problems.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Reaching beyond my parents’ apparent disappointed expectations. It took 8 years, but they eventually grew up especially when I stopped trying to force them to see things my way and left them alone.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Be true to yourself and live your life as an open book; it isn’t by shoving your life and your opinions and feelings down others’ throats that makes the longest-lasting difference (according to my many straight friends and colleagues)—it’s the long-term opportunity to become friends with LGBT people and come to know them as human beings just like us, though the details may be a little different. Living as an example has proven to be much more effective in changing peoples’ twisted and ignorant perceptions than any ranting and emotional abuse I engaged in as a younger person. “Time wounds all heals”.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: First, overcome your own insecurities; then get to know a couple of LGBT people well, and reexamine your own life in the context of theirs. Where are the big differences, after all? Turn things around and envision what life might be like for you if you were a minority in a predominately gay world, where a vicious minority stealing power is attempting to thwart how you choose to live your life (and MUST live it) in various ways? Are you OK with that? Did you ever ask LGBT people to validate or accept your straight orientation? Who gets to play God here?

Liz Blair, Ally                       

Associate Professor, Marketing

Laurie J. Burkland, Lesbian

Administrator - Residence Life  

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: ALLY Group advisor

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? It’s important to be out to provide a visible reminder to the majority culture that we exist.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I’m proud that I have the courage to be openly gay in Ohio!

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? The hardest part about coming out was telling my family. But once I did it, I felt free!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Don’t force yourself. Come out when it’s safe for you. Do it for yourself.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: The things we want aren’t so very different from yours. There’s nothing ‘special’ about wanting to marry the person I love.

Jessica Costello, Ally       

Senior – Online Journalism

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: I am an Assistant Resident Assistant in Wilson Hall on West Green. I have been in the Department of Residence Life since I was a sophomore.

I am also a peer mentor in the Residential Learning Community. This is my second year, and I love teaching the RLC class. I have been teaching alongside Nicci Delgado (the RD of Washington/Bush Complex) on East Green for two years, and I look forward to spending time with the students in and out of class.

I am a member of ACRN, OU’s All Campus Radio Network. I was the Public Relations Director for two years, and while I have passed the position on to someone else, I am still a disc jockey once a week.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY? It is vitally important to be an Ally because everyone needs a support system sometimes. I became an Ally my sophomore year when one my residents came out to his roommate. The roommate was angry and moved out, and I stepped in to see if they could work something out. Even though the roommate did not agree to stay, I met one of my best friends, Justin Maxwell. We have been inseparable ever since.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud to be an active member of the Ohio University community, from interacting with my residents in Wilson Hall, to teaching in the RLC. I walk down Court Street with a smile on my face, saying hello to all of the people I know. I am so proud to be an ally and to be a friend.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: Someone you know is most probably a member of the LGBT community, whether that person has come out to you or not. If you wouldn’t turn your back on a family member if they told you they were gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, then why shun those around you for the same reason?

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: When I came to OU, I was in shock: I thought every one would look, act, and talk the same way. I came from a high school where Caucasians were the minority, and it shaped me in such a great way. Lo and behold, I met so many wonderful and diverse people, some in the LGBT community, some not. But the great thing is that coming here, you could be any one you wanted to be. You could reinvent yourself. You could dye your hair, get your nose pierced, or decide to study more. OU was a pleasant surprise, and I have had the best four years here.

Kimberly D. Czuchnicki, Ally                  

Sophomore - Middle Childhood Education

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: I am a Resident Assistant in Perkins Hall on East Green. I am a member of the education partnership C.A.R.E. I am a sixth grade math tutor at Federal Hocking Middle School. I recently completed the SafeZone program as well and consider myself to be an Ally.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY? Because our society is so heterosexists I feel it is extremely important to show support and really embrace the different sexual orientations we have at O.U. Ideally we all should be equal and have the ability to show our support for the sexual orientations of others.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud to be an ally because I feel by being so I am sending a message not only to LGBT individuals, but the heterosexual community as well that I respect and really love everyone for who they are. I am most proud of my values that I have developed and reinforced at O.U. I consider myself to be a very open person who attempts to better myself, my campus, and my world by welcoming diversity into my life with an open arms and an open heart.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? I am an ally so I really can’t touch the nature of this sensitive subject. I can only imagine the horrors and pains some LGBT individuals are forced to make.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? I would say to those LGBT individuals who decide to come out to simply “Stick to you convictions. Who you chose to lay your head down with at night does not make you up any more than what type of cheese you like on your turkey sandwich. You are who you and that is all that you can be.”

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: I previously had little experience with what an “ally” was, but now that I am one I can not say enough good things about it. By being one I am showing my residents as well as my community that is extremely important for LGBT individuals to know they are not alone in fighting this uphill battle with society alone. I feel by being an ally my voice almost carries more weight, because other heterosexual individuals are more inclined to listen to me and hear my voice.

Pamela Drake, Ally

Administrator - Residence Services                

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: I serve on The University Judicial Hearing and Appeal Boards, part of the First Year Experience Residential Learning Committee, adjunct advisor for University College, oversee online upper class room selection and first year housing assignments and a member of the LGBT Advisory Council.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? All Ohio University students face difficult choices during their time on campus. One of the things the institution stresses to incoming students is that a helping hand is only a phone call or office visit away. LGBT students need to be aware of where and who they can comfortably seek for that “helping hand”.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud of working at an institution that embraces and supports diversity. The thing I am most proud of is playing a part of what makes Ohio University the fine institution it is – I have been able to educate and be educated by others in regard to LGBT student issues.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? At first glance I thought that is was a question that wasn’t applicable to me but after some thought I realized that as an ally expressing support and confirmation of LGBT rights to co-workers and other members of the University community is indeed similar, in a small part, to coming out. The most difficult part is living with your convictions even if it means walking away from work friendships and partnerships or being criticized for being blind when you are hiring staff. Sometimes taking the right path can be a lonely walk.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? I would remind them that one day the few LGBT students and allies will be the many. I don’t know whether it will years or decades but everyone who steps forward and expresses their beliefs really does matter and it really does bring us closer to “what if “.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: I don’t know who said it or I would give them credit but you only fear that which you don’t know. LGBT students, faculty and staff share the same hopes, dreams and fears as non-LGBT people. We are all part of one race, the human race and no one can care for us except ourselves.

Jacob Freund, Gay           

Sophomore, Theater - Stage Management                     

                        

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: I’m not really “involved” at OU because my major takes up too much time.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? It’s important to be out because it’s who you are and the longer you try to stifle it, the more it’s going to want to come out.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I’m proud because I can pull off glitter and rhinestones and not give a sh*t what people think. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? It’s a true test of friendships and love.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: We don’t bite, I swear.

COMMENTS: Throw a little glitter on and go have fun darling!

Mickey Hart, Gay

Administrator, LGBT Programs

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: I have been involved in a variety of LGBT and social justice related efforts in Athens since 1990. Currently I serve as the coordinator of the LGBT Programs Center for the university.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? As Judy Shepard said during her visit to OU in Fall ’04, it is important for those who can be out to be out everyday and in everyway. While I know that is not easy to do, I do know until people with negative views about LGBT people actually know someone who is open and out, they never have to think about LGBT people as human…we remain just an “other’ to them. Since not all people feel they can be out, is important for those of us who can to be out to be very out as LGBT or out as an Ally. Non-LGBT supporters (Allies) are so important to our social justice movement. It is comforting to know that we have support, admiration and understanding. Also, I feel that for those who discount everything I say as a gay man, there is some hope that they may listen to and learn from an ally!

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud of my life’s work to improve the quality of life for LGBT people, especially here at Ohio University.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Oh, I could talk about this at length and will if you want to. In the meantime, I would say that it is vital to have a support network in place and read about potential outcomes. Stop by the Center if you need any assistance.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: In a place of higher learning, I feel that is most important to educate yourself and to educate others.

Rodney Harper, Gay                     

Sophomore, History/Political Science

 

                       

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Male Co-chair of Open Doors, Vice President of Stonewall Democrats, Ally, S.O.D., Delta Lambda Phi

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? Coming out as either an ally or just coming out is an important step in making yourself visible. It is the first in educating friends and family about LGBT. That anybody can come out, either in support or just being Queer.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud of how far I have come as a gay man. I would never have thought five years ago of doing a Faces of Pride poster or ever being a leader of an LGBT student organization and now look where I am. I am proud of all the education I have spread in my community at home about LGBT issues.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Telling either your parents and/or relatives. Having to deal with the backlash if there would be any.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Take your time; it’s always up to you when the best time to come out. Coming out is not an easy process, but when all is said and done, you will feel much better when you do.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: To educate themselves. The LGBT community faces just as many problems as the non-LGBT. With the proper knowledge at their disposal, they can be helpful in the fight for equality.

Jenna Hazelton, Ally        

Sophomore - Middle Childhood Education

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: RA in Dougan House; Chairperson of tRAC (the Residents’ Action Council); member of SpeakOUT!, the LGBTA Speakers Bureau Project.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? I think it’s super important to be an ally because the first step to acceptance is education. I also think that the LGBTQ community faces a lot of obstacles in obtaining the same rights as everyone else. And the more people they have on their side, the better off and more aware we can make people.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud to have gay friends! Each and every one of them brings something special to my life. Being gay might not be who they are, but it’s a part of who they are. I am proud of what this community on this campus has achieved.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Even though I haven’t personally come out, I’ve been through many friends coming out. I would say just be yourself! Stay true to yourself and your beliefs.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: Be open minded! So often we see stereotypes on TV or in the media. Every gay person is not flaming and interested in every single man! Get to know the person and not the stereotype or label.

Jennifer Hoyt, Ally

Junior - Family Studies

           

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: I am the Administrative Resident Assistant for the Martzoff complex on South Green.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? It’s important to me that people know I’m an ally because I want to educate others about LGBT issues.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am most proud of my brother when he came out. He has taught me so much about LGBT issues, and now I want to return the favor by educating and supporting others.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Coming out as an ally was a little hard because many people looked at me differently. Society in general is hard to deal with while supporting LGBT.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? My advice to others would be, be proud of who you were meant to be. Be strong, if others won’t support you, remember I will.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: Don’t judge people until you get to know them.

Wesley Hunter, Gay                      

Junior - African American Studies

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Open Doors, tRAC (the Resident’s Action Council).

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? Being out on campus provides a great opportunity to be involved in many diverse organizations on campus, as well as meeting new people.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud to have gone through the coming out process and being involved on campus.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Telling my friends and family; but everyone has been really supportive.

Krystal LaFontaine, Bisexual     

Freshman - Communication Systems Management

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: SOD (Swarm of Dykes), Out & About, Open Doors, Bible Study, RTNDA, O*U*S*T*A*R*S (Ohio University Students Teaching About Racism in Society).

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?  It is important because you need to be truthful, and be open-minded and diverse. It is also important to be OUT and be involved and be supportive, build up your own and others self esteem and be a helping hand.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud because I am truthful to myself and excepting of myself and others. I am proud for the people who have fought for equality and for human rights. I am most proud of being a part of people who are very diverse no matter how they identify, and we all bring something different; like myself, I am a Puerto Rican as well.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? The hardest part of coming out is the fear and rejection that may occur. As well as deciding how to come out to different people.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? My advice be happy with yourself and accept yourself first. Take is slow and easy, don’t rush and be pushy. You can do it, don’t worry so much, just do it, and care about what you think about your situation. 

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: Always be accepting and be there for your friends. Help other non-LGBT people understand and be caring.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The U.S.A. is so diverse we have to be accepting there is no way you should be here if you can’t be, we really are a “melting pot” we are a rainbow, full of color and life. Don’t ever give up hope and keep being persistent.

Would you be willing to have your information and/or photo included on any of the following?

Justin Maxwell, Gay          

Senior -Forensic Chemistry

  

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: President, ALLY, Resident Assistant. Life, Alpha Chi Sigma

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? To be out means to be true to yourself

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I’m most proud of the person I’ve become since coming to OU and coming out.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Not knowing how your friends will react and being afraid that the people you love will turn away from you.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Most of the people close to you probably already know and are just waiting for you to tell them.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: It’s alright to ask questions when you don’t know things, but you shouldn’t expect the person to be a representative for the whole LGBT population.

Brian D. McCoy, Gay

Administrative Assoc. – ABLE Resource Center

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: GLOBE, Past chair of Domestic Partners Benefits Committee

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? To mentor/support others in need

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? Not really proud, I’m just me. This is who/what I am.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Telling my parents – they thought it was their fault.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Don’t do it until you’re ready – not because you’re forced to.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: We all have the same goals, objectives, desires as Non-LGBT people do. We put our pants on the same way. We expect and deserve the same freedoms, rights, and responsibilities every free American is entitled to; and do not live or be treated like second class citizens.

Benjamin Nodzak, Gay    

Sophomore - Psychology/Criminology

            

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Open Doors, Resident Assistant, 1 in 4 (Men Educating about Sexual Results)

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? It is important because with the recent passing of Issue 1, we need to get our voices heard and get more people behind our cause.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I wouldn’t say I’m proud as just being who I am. If I hid a part of my life, I wouldn’t be me. If I’m proud of anything, it’s the fact that I don’t hide who I am and I am true to myself every minute of everyday.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? The most difficult part I think was facing yourself and accepting yourself. Accepting yourself fully and knowing that you know who you are can be difficult, but it’s exhilarating after it happens.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Be prepared to come out all the way. People like to talk.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: Keep an open mind. You may hear things that can scare you or gross you out or you may not understand. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

Nick Pfleghaar, Gay                      

First Year Medical Student          

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: American Medical Student Association, SpeakOUT! Panel, American Medical Association, Emergency Medicine Club

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? I think it’s important for everyone to have the opportunity to be themselves and by being out you help to educate those who are unfamiliar with homosexuality and hopefully you can create an environment that makes it more comfortable for other people to be able to come out as well.  

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am most proud of my family, they are very supportive in all of my decisions. I am very lucky to have such a cool family. 

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? I wasn’t worried about coming out to my friends or family, I knew they would support me no matter what. My most difficult part was just being able to admit to myself that I was in fact gay and I couldn’t change that no matter how hard I tried.   Of course now I wouldn’t change the fact that I’m gay even if it was a choice. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? I would tell people it’s important to be yourself but don’t rush things…come out when you feel you’re ready. 

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: Someone’s sexuality is only a small part of who that person is so don’t judge someone based upon that. 

Megan Snow, Lesbian

Sophomore -Anthropology                                

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Swarm of Dykes, OU Stonewall Democrats, Open Doors, LGBT Programs Center Staff

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? It is important to be out in order to serve as resource for education and outreach.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud of standing up for who I am despite ignorance and hatred.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? The most difficult part of coming out was seeing my parents lose their expectations for me, but they have since grown and learned and now we all have new expectations and hopes for our futures.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Get involved! The OU LGBT community is a great source of strength, friendship and solidarity.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: LGBT people come in every shape and color from every creed and walk of life, it is important to recognize the diversity of our community.

Leah Stampe, Lesbian     

Senior – Science Education

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: SOD, Residence Life

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? To support friends and family in the LGBT community. After all of the anti-gay state constitutional amendments that were passed in November and all of the election backlash the LGBT community can use it’s straight Allies more than ever as a sign that we are not actually less than anyone else.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? I am proud that I am able to be who I am. There are so many people on this campus who feel unable to be themselves. I feel very privileged, lucky and proud to be able to put my face on this poster and show myself as a role model for those thinking about coming out.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Coming out for me was extremely easy. It was hard to tell my mom, even though she is also a lesbian, but that is only because I told myself for years that I would never be gay. Guess I lied to myself.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Be straight forward. And if you know someone might have trouble dealing with the news you are delivering, have resources at hand. Know of people they can go talk to, know when the local PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Family of Lesbians and Gays) meets, have articles and books that support you and will help that person to support you as well. Always have someone that you can go to during the steps of your coming out process. It can be a teacher at school, a professor, a counselor or just a best friend. Just make sure that you have someone you can tell who won’t tell people before you’re ready and who will support you during the difficult parts of the coming out process.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: It is important to me that I be seen as no different just because I’m gay. I am different, we all are. No one is the same. But who I love does not make me less than anyone else. I want to be able to walk down the street holding my lover’s hand without being scared about the backlash. I want to be seen as a person, not a lesbian, as I walk down the street, but that doesn’t mean you have the right to assume I’m straight.

Andrew P. Stuart, Gay      

Instructional Librarian

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Member of GLOBE, and Libraries Diversity Task Force

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? It is important to be Out so that students know that there are allies on the university staff and that LGBT issues are brought to the Administration’s attention.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? Efforts to help the Libraries be more welcoming for LGBT students and staff.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? Just doing it initially. I’ve been out for 25 years.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? Think about how you will do it and have your support systems ready. Those you think will be positive about it may not be, and those you think may not be, and those you think may be negative will surprise you.

Dale R. Tampke, Ally

Assoc. VP – Finance & Administration                       

 

COMMENTS: I support my LGBT brothers and sisters because it is just the right thing to do.

Stephanie Thompson, Bisexual            

Senior – Accounting/ Business Law

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:  Co-Chair of Open Doors, At-Large Representative of the Student Activities Commission, Beta Alpha Psi,

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?  If this country is ever going to accept other life realities, then they need to be exposed to them.  Many people are biased against LGBT people just because they have never been around them.  If we are proud of who we are and educate others, then we are making steps in the right direction.  It is important to be an ally because sometimes a straight person standing up for LGBT rights will have more of an impact on others than a member of the LGBT community might.  

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?  I think that not being proud of who you are in any sense, whether it be sexuality or otherwise, is being untrue to yourself.  And if you are untrue to yourself, then you can never be truly happy.  I am most proud of the accomplishments of the gay community on this campus over the last 3 years…the LGBT Programs Center becoming full-time, and getting the lounge space; domestic partner benefits; and also all the amazing programming that has been put on. 

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?  Coming out to my parents.  Most of us value our parents' opinions to some degree, and don't want to be rejected by them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?  Be brave!  Coming out is a process, and you have to start somewhere.  There are all kinds of resources on this campus and elsewhere that can be there for support. 

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:  Educate yourself!  Hatred and prejudice is often borne out of ignorance, so the more you know about LGBT issues and the more you share that information with others, the better. 

Melissa Wales, Ally

Campus Ministry Director

             

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Program Director of UCM: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice, Adjunct lecturer in Women’s Studies Program, Advisor to Circle of Friends, Thursday Supper, and Spirit of Kairos student organizations

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? LGBT rights are human rights. We all have an obligation to fight injustice wherever it is, even when we aren’t personally affected. I’m and ally because I love my LGBT friends and family members, and have compassion for all in the LGBT community who suffer daily from homophobia and heterosexism in our society.

Will Wemer, Gay

Freshman - Journalism/Sociology

             

 

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Cutler Scholars, ALLY, College Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, the LGBT Affairs Commission of Ohio University Student Senate

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?: As more and more people come out and stay out, more and more people realize that they know numerous LGBT people and as a result,  become more sensitive to our issues and causes.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?: I am proud of our community’s unity as a whole. I am proud of how we have overcome so much aversion in the past, and I am confident that we will remain united in the future.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?: The most difficult part is making that commitment to come out. Once you take that first step and tell the first person or go to your first meeting, everything begins to fall in place.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?: Enjoy the ride. Coming out was one of the most exciting times of my life. I was able to explore my emotions and my feelings about others, and I was finally able to take pride in who I am.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: BECOME AN ALLY: Being an ally to an LGBT person may be the motivation they need to come out and stay out. The LGBT community is nearly useless without the support of its allies.