Stephanie Craddock, Ally 
Graduate Assistant, Career Services
Graduate Student, Counseling

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
OU alumna: B.A. 2004, Former Resident Assistant and former Photo Editor at The Post. My program, job at the Athens NEWS and my GA keep me pretty busy.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
All people should be treated with respect, kindness and equality.  I couldn’t imagine not being an Ally! 

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am proud of all my brave LGBT friends and colleagues.  I admire them for taking a stand for themselves and others. 

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
I have not experienced that, but have held the hand of a few who have.  Everything seems difficult.  That’s why true friends are so important.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Be strong, you owe it to yourself.  Bigotry shouldn’t be able to take that from you.  If you need to talk, cry, yell or all of the above- I’m here.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
We will never understand what LGBT individuals go through.  Please realize the power of heterosexual privilege and work to change this! ACT! Join a group, write letters, march and especially VOTE!