 Dale Masel, Gay
Associate Professor, Engineering
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Undergraduate Chair, Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Ambassadors Advisor
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?
As a professor at OU, I feel a responsibility to set an example for all students, gay and straight, particularly in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. I want LGBT students to recognize that they can feel safe being out. For straight students, I want them to have the experience of working with a gay person so that they can realize that it isn’t a big deal.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I’m proud that I’m judged based on my work and not my sexual orientation. In the activities that I’ve been involved with at OU and the professional activities that I’m involved with outside of OU, people have accepted me based on my work and my personality; the fact that I’m gay hasn’t been a problem or a disadvantage.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
The awkward silence that comes after saying “I’m gay”; that moment when people aren’t sure how to react. But it passes and things work out OK.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Don’t be afraid. There might be people around you who will have an issue with your sexual orientation, but they aren’t the kind of people you need in your life anyway. Sometimes people might need a little time to adjust, but don’t be defensive and don’t approach people assuming they’re going to be hostile. In the end, I think that most people will be supportive, or at worst, will be apathetic and just not care.
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