Randall Hoar, Bisexual  Junior, Pre-professional Biological Sciences
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
I am a member of Open Doors, SpeakOUT, and Wray Complex Hall Council.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?
For my identity. I feel that people are their best when they are true to themselves and are better able to serve their community when they know who they are.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am proud because I am what I am. I made the choice of identifying as a Bisexual, knowing that some people will turn their backs on me. Knowing that I have my "Pride" means the world to me because it shows that no matter what, I am able to accept myself for who I am at the end of the day.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
The most difficult part of coming out was worrying about losing people because they couldn't accept me for who I am. I most fear coming out to my parents because there's a long history of homophobia in my family. I know, however, that one day I will need to sit them down and tell them. When that happens, I'll be living on my own and won't be dependent upon them. I will always love my parents no matter how they see me. They raised me and gave me morals and values. If the day comes that I become disowned, I will never forget what my parents taught me, and I know I will love them until the day I die, no matter if that love is returned or not.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
If you feel it is not the right time, do not worry, this is not an easy decision. Showing your "true colors" is not easy and at times is very difficult. If you feel you must tell someone, go to a friend you have known for years and who you know will not think less of you. You will find that a two-ton weight will be lifted when you start being honest with those you love.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Drop the hate, and for those that never hated, thank you. People need to realize that we are all the same, but with some differences. It is like having a preference of where you want to work, live, shop, etc. Some people like to work in food, others like to work in retail, yet others just like volunteer work. We are all different and it is those differences that make us unique and human. In the end, we all bleed the same color.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
When I was back home in Pickerington, I had a small group of friends because it seemed like everyone was only living for themselves, not others. Then I came to Athens, met some really cool people, and was told about Open Doors. I have never met such a nice group of people in my life. They say that your friends are a reflection of you, to which I am happy to say that I have found a group of people who I can trust and share my time with. In the end, I would have to say that coming out and being who I am has changed my world for the better.
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