 Bryson William-Allen Rose, Gay
Junior, African-American Studies
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
SHADES President, Black Student Cultural Programming Board Cultural Arts Chair, LINKS-Peer Advisor, POWER Peer Health Educator, and Baker University Center Conference Host
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?
I want students of color who are matriculating to Ohio University to know that they too have a space here. I want the OU and Athens communities to take note that there are indeed people of color who have a dual identity; both LGBT and African American.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I'm proud of who I am because despite adversity stemming from all aspects of society, I refuse to remain on the periphery of the United States paradigm of normalcy. I’m proud that I could disclose my sexuality after 20 years of hiding it to my family… although I think everyone knew.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
Realizing that some people distanced themselves from me based on my sexuality.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
I would have to say, "Trust me. It will get easier as the years go by."
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Sexual orientation is only a fraction of someone's character; you will be surprised at how much you will have in common.
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