 Michelle Adams, Lesbian Partner/Fiancée
Residential Coordinator, Department of Residence Life and Off-Campus Living
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Residential Coordinator and National Residence Hall Honorary Advisor
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?
I think it is important for me, as an "older young adult" to be a support system for the younger people, particularly women, who are coming out. I never had anyone that I could talk to about my feelings except gay men. Nothing against gay men, but coming out as a lesbian is different than coming out as a gay man. I would like to be there to listen, to be excited for and give a hug to women who are going through the same things I did. It is important for me to be out, because we are still facing much oppression, it is also important for all LGBT people to band together with great allies to fight this oppression.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am most proud to be engaged to a wonderful woman who I have been lucky to call my partner for the past 4 and a half years. It is a great feeling to love someone and be truly happy with them. I am proud to say that we have not let the negative attitudes from society or our family members interfere with our relationship.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
The most difficult part was continuing my Christian faith while embracing my sexual orientation. There were so many times when I felt like I had to give one up in order to be the other. It is still a struggle to meet people who share the same faith, yet have different opinions on sexual orientation because of that faith. Once you find people who share similar view points on faith and sexual orientation, hold on to those and block the others out.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Seek support--there are people who are going through similar things as you, and are here to listen and give guidance when you need it.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
I would like to encourage EVERYONE to become educated on issues facing the LGBT community. It is so important for us to have support and encouragement from allies. WE (the LGBT population) only make up about 10% of the population, have you ever heard of a mountain being moved by 10% of a population?
| |
|
|
