Lauren Bolland, Ally
Graduate Assistant, Career Services
Graduate Student,College Student Personnel

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: Graduate Assistant in the Office of Career Services, working specifically with student groups and organizations, Advise the students programming Greek Week 2007, and the Vice President of Communication and Administration for the Student Personnel Association (SPA).

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
It is important for me to be an ally because everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and it can start with each individual.  I want to serve as a source of support for all students, no matter how they identify themselves.  I believe that every student is entitled to the best collegiate experience possible, and I want to work to provide that environment. 

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I’m really proud to be an ally!  I’m definitely not an expert, but I do my best to educate all those around me and to lead by example.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself and be true to what you feel!  Know that there are people out there who support you!

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: 
Make yourself vulnerable, step out of the box…try to understand something you probably never really will.  Be open-minded and compassionate to everyone you meet.  Treat others the way you want to be treated, and you give yourself the great gift of meeting some very amazing individuals!