Ohio University

John Frederick, Gay 

Senior, Pre-Foreign Service and Special Effects, Games, & Animation

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:

Phi Kappa Psi, Alpha Lambda Delta (former member), IFC, Open Doors and LGBT Center staff member (2009-2012)

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:

Being out is important because doing so sets the examples for one's peers. It shows them that it is ok to be out. Being a guy, I think it is important to show that you can be gay and not fit a stereotype.

WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:

I am proud of being out and involved at Ohio University. I am most proud of coming out to my parents. I swore my freshmen year that I would never come out to them and then did just that a year later. Coming out actually brought us closer together.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:

Coming out to my parents was very difficult.. This can be difficult for anyone but mine were what I term a "Fox News Family". My mom would fall asleep to conservative talk radio. Needless to say, I was sweating bullets when I came out at home.

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

My advice to those coming out is to take your time. Your education is most important. If you have a reasonable suspicion that your parents will stop paying for college and/or kick you out, then wait. Coming out is a life-long process anyway.

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

Don't offer to match us up with your friend, whether they are the same sex or not. Do a Google search or otherwise educate yourself before asking a potentially offensive question to an LGBT person to make sure you don't harbor any misconceptions.