 Chrissy Abelow, Bisexual
Sophomore, Environmental Geology
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Resident Assistant, Hall Council, and Open Doors
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?
I think the only way that we can achieve equality is by presenting ourselves. If we all stayed in the closet, no one would take us seriously. People can understand each other better when the issue is OUT in the open.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am a very subtly proud person. I don't think that shoving my sexual orientation in other people's faces is going to get me the respect or acceptance that I am looking for. I am proud because I am being true to myself. I am proud that I can be confident and outspoken with my sexual orientation, and having people embrace me for who I am.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
I am still not out to most of my family. The hardest thing is knowing that they will try to change me, instead of just accepting me. I know my family loves me, but they can't understand how I feel.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Stick to it! Have an ally friend help you in coming out to those you love. Remember that you can't change who you are, and that you will always have people to support you. You are not the first, you will not be the last.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
My only concern is that people might turn against one of their best friends if they find out about their sexual orientation. Sexual orientation doesn't need to be as big of a difference as people make it out to be. Just like any other difference, we need to learn to embrace it. Don't ruin a great friendship because of something that can't be changed. Remember that other people think differently than you, and that's okay. It doesn't mean we can't still get along.
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