Ohio University

Michael Pistrui, Gay 

Senior, Anthropology and Plant Biology

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:

Open Doors (Co-Chair)

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:

The importance of being "Out" relies heavily on visibility.  Being out is a proclamation to yourself and to others that you are comfortable in your own skin. It shows honesty and integrity in yourself and to your community at-large.

WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:

I am proud to be happy with myself, and accepting of myself. There are many LGBT people who never get that chance. I am also proud to serve at Male Co-Chair for Open Doors and to help guide people during a transitional period in their lives.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:

The fear of rejection, hate, guilt, and shame is the most difficult part of coming out.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:

There is no guidebook to coming out, or being LGBT. The important thing is to be comfortable with the way you come out. Go at your own pace, and understand that it is a never-ending process; both internal and external. It does get better.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:

Coming out is a choice, but being LGBT is not. Be supportive of any friends or family members who are going through one of the most important transitions in their lives. Avoid judgment and above all, if someone is coming out to you, you should feel privileged that the person who is coming out considers you important enough in their life to share that personal information with you.