Jennifer Dronkers, Ally
Graduate Assistant - Office of Multicultural Programs
2nd Year – Master of Visual Communications: Photojournalism
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
OU Women’s club soccer team, pick-up soccer community, the Lindley Cultural Center and Multicultural Programs.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?
As an ally, it’s important to provide support to a community that is not always supported.
WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I’m a sister of a “PROUD” gay brother who shares his life with a wonderful man and does not keep it a secret. I’m a daughter of a mother who learned even parents also have to come out, have PRIDE in their child, and started Asian and Pacific Islander Family Pride, a non-profit organization that supports Asian families with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members through support, education, and dialogue.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
When my brother came out to me, I learned how naïve my junior high-aged understanding of what it meant to be gay. I remember not having any friends who I could turn to who would not make fun of me or my brother. I didn’t know what to do with myself when all the other kids were making fun of gay people on campus or making gay jokes in general. The most difficult part was not knowing what to say or do in a crowd that put down my brother.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Never live who or what you are not.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
If you have questions, ask. If you think you already have answers, ask anyway. The sooner you understand and can provide support, the better.
