 Jeremy Webster, Gay
Associate Professor, English
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Open Doors Advisor
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?
We can only change homophobia and prejudice by being out. Being visible is the most persuasive way to change people's attitudes about LGBT people and issues.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am proud to be a contributing member of the Athens LGBTQA community. I am especially proud that I can make this contribution by teaching Lesbian and Gay Literature in the Department of English -- it's one of the most exciting aspects of my job here at OU.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
My parents are very conservative and religious, so coming out to them was very difficult. While I knew that they would love me anyway, I also knew that they would want to "cure" me of something they believe is wrong. It took some time for us to be able to accept one another for who we are and not let our differences determine our relationship with one another.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Coming out, in the sense of accepting and loving yourself for how you are and sharing who you are with your friends and loved ones, is often a cleansing and euphoric process -- carry a little of those feelings with you every day for the rest of your life. THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Just accept us for who we are. Support your LGBT friends' full rights and responsibilities as citizens.
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