Residential Coordinator, Residential Housing           
 
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
I am currently most involved with Residence Life and our international student organizations on campus, including OPIE and ISFS.  I work mainly with our large, and quickly growing, international population and enjoy learning about the many different cultures in my building and throughout campus.
 
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?
To be an Ally is to be a supportive advocate who is caring and open to those who struggle in living a lifestyle that is often times looked down upon by our society at large.
 
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am proud to be an Ally because I have the wonderful role of being the support system and advocate to the LGBT community through standing up for fairness, equality and tolerance of those who deserve to live their lives freely and with mutual respect from others in our world.
 
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
Helping a friend or relative come out is difficult because it is often hard to relate to the situation.  However, the key is to remain empathetic and understanding during a time of identity outreach in a person's life.  To me, their confidence in me meant I was the only one that person could truly trust and also the one that had to empower him or her to be themselves even when things seem impossible.
 
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Don't be afraid to tell someone who you don't think will relate to your situation.  
A true friend and close family member will be there for you no matter how you identify yourself.  Give credit to those who you least expect to understand…those are always the ones who surprise you and will be there for you through all the hard times.
 
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
For those who do not associate themselves as an Ally or a member of the LGBT community, please know that those who struggle with showing their true self hold a secret that can sometimes hurt them from the inside out and are often pushed to a point of no return.  Have a healthy disregard for the impossible and allow yourselves to be accepting and compassionate of those human beings just like you that you have been taught all your lives may be wrong or sinful.  You will find that you will not only open yourself to something new and enlightening, but to people as well, people who are truly your equals and deserve to be treated as your equals.  If you don't, you could miss out on some of the most wonderful family and friendships in the world.  "One love, one heart” - Bob Marley