 Zach Ruppel, Gay
Junior, Music Education
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Marching 110, ALLY, Tau Beta Sigma, Collegiate Music Educators' Music Conference, Alpha Lamda Delta, and Symphonic Band
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?
At this crucial point in our lives when we are transitioning into adulthood it is so important to be true to ourselves. Each and every person regardless of age, race, gender, etc, has something to be proud of and something to offer the world. Being "out" is a statement that we are not afraid, that we are not ashamed, and that we are proud of who we are. The small term of "being out" has had a huge impact on my life -- it is a representation of my coming to terms with a facet of my life that in this culture carries so much weight.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
Pride has come to represent for me a sense of acceptance. My pride lies in the fact that I have overcome my fear and reservations about accepting and being open with my sexual orientation. I no longer am afraid for people to know every part of me. While my sexual orientation does not define me, it is a part of me that can not and should not be hidden -- it is something to be proud of.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
I lived my life for many years in constant fear of what people were going to think of me if they knew I was gay. Rejection, violence, and all the stereotypical reactions to this orientation consumed me until I realized this is just a part of who I am. It has not been an easy process, but I have learned that confidence and pride can only be developed when I allow people to see me for who I really am.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
The important thing to remember regarding this community is that we are people first. While this country puts so much emphasis on orientation, do not define us by who we are attracted to. We are students and faculty, athletes, musicians, friends, and family, and so many other parts of this university. We can learn so much from each other if the barriers can be broken down and we learn to work together.
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