Rebecca 'Buxi' Iacobone, Queer
Junior, Environmental Geography
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Resident Assistant, Gamma Theta Upsilon (the Geography Fraternity) and Marti & Stewie Crafts
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:
When you are open about your identity, you assert that it's okay to be you. When you hide, you affirm negative attitudes against your identity, and that just doesn't feel good.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I'm proud of the confidence I've developed in the course of showing people who I am. Every time I tell someone my story, it gets a little easier. I've told it enough that I'm not scared anymore.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:
Dealing with my mother was the most difficult part of coming out. She thinks it's an unfortunate phase I picked up from my friends at college, and doesn't acknowledge all the deeply personal, long-standing feelings and experiences that play into my identity. But I would rather have her - or anyone - be upset with the truth, than content with a lie.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Don't let fear get in the way. If people in your life shun you, then they loved you for who they WANT you to be, not for who you ARE. There are plenty of people out there who will love you for simply being you - find them and let the rest go.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Remember that there's a lot more to a person than their sexual/gender orientation or identity. When you meet someone who is LGBT, allow them room to be passionate about that piece of their identity if they so desire - but, don't get stuck on it if they don't think it's a big deal.
