Evan Robinson, Gay
Sophomore, Business Administration and Social Work

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Founding President of SHADES, member of the LGBTA Leadership Council, SpeakOUT, UNIFY, ALLY, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB), “FACES” Modeling, Black Student Business Caucus, NAACP & LINKS.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
It is important to be out because I believe it is unfair and taxing to oneself not to walk and talk everyday as your true self. I have found that people respect and appreciate that greatly. Who knows, you being out might serve as an impetus to someone else finally feeling comfortable enough to come out or being an active ally themselves.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am most proud of every family member and long-term friend of mine who didn’t retreat or show any less love towards me when I finally came out to them.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
Being a black gay man raised in a southern Baptist family, I felt as if I were alone, I wouldn’t be fully accepted in the mainstream white gay community for being a racial minority or be accepted fully by those in the black community and family for being gay. My entire life I had battled with my identity, and taking that first step in the coming out process (self-acceptance) was by far the most difficult part of coming out. You have to come out to yourself before anyone else.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
People come out whenever they feel they are ready to come out, but I would advise anyone to tell those around them who they have a fairly good idea that will be accepting such as friends, a counselor, or even out members of the community to build a support system. 

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Without the help and support from our non-LGBT allies, the efforts for acceptance, nurturance and equality of the LGBT community would be nearly pointless.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
My Grandmother told me to “Be no one, except ‘I’ ” and I intend to do just that where ever I am and whoever I am with. We can’t be afraid and attempt to cover up or hide who we truly are; it is simply being unfair to yourself and to those loved ones surrounding you.