Evan Young, Ally  Spiritual Director, UCM Center for Spiritual Growth & Social Justice
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
As a campus minister, I'm involved in programming and activities that promote spiritual growth and interfaith collaboration, engage students and others in work for social justice, and develop service/learning opportunities that lead toward embracing diversity and erasing artificial barriers in the community.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?
I think it's wrong to confer rights or deny privileges to some and not others based on who they are. And as a representative of two religious organizations, I think it's important to stand up for an understanding of faith that affirms, stands with, and advocates for our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, and relatives (which, to me, means all LGBTQ people).
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I'm proud of the brave pioneers who have gone before us to pave the way toward full acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation. And I'm proud of individuals and communities today who take the bold step of proclaiming their support for the historically marginalized LGBT community. And I'm proud of OU for the steps it has taken and continues to take toward equal rights for all, whether or not the granting of those rights is supported by the law.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
As an Ally I've had to push myself to educate myself about the history, struggles, and issues of Queer people and to examine my own heterosexual privilege. It's uncomfortable to recognize the ways in which I benefit from being perceived as straight.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Know yourself well and come out as a way of being more fully and truly yourself. Find allies (individuals and organizations) that will support you in claiming this part of your identity. And be bold--no social change has ever been accomplished by the timid and compliant!
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Show you care by educating yourself--go and learn about the history of LGBT folks and the pervasive discrimination they've suffered. Listen to the stories of LGBT folks non-defensively and with compassion. And make yourself heard--allies have a unique and important story to tell, and can be heard in different ways that make a difference.
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