Ryant Taylor, Gay
Freshman, Creative Writing
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
OU Little Monsters, Open Doors and F.A.C.E.S. Modeling
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:
Coming out shows people that sexuality doesn't really matter in a person's character, that people shouldn't be ashamed of who they are. I've fought hard to be happy and I'm not afraid to show it.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I'm proud because I love who I am and know who I am. I don't have to question that anymore.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:
The most difficult part for me was definitely getting past the denial phase where I couldn't accept my sexual orientation. I spent a lot of nights praying to God to make me straight and fearing my parent's reactions. Then I came out to my parents and their reactions just about broke my heart because they still don't understand. I'm just learning to live my life for me.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
I tell others to do it on their own terms. It's most important to be okay with yourself and you don't have to prove anything to anyone. Then come out to a very, very close friend or family member, someone you're just about positive will be okay with it.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
I think humanity as a whole needs a face lift. People need to start talking to each other and seeing what the real problems are in life instead of just skimming over them and not really getting to know each other. I won't even get into politics, that's a whole other ball game.
