Jamila Orso, Lesbian
Senior, Creative Writing
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Open Doors, UCM community service, Habitat for Humanity, and PassionWorks
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:
It is important to be out because it shows you are not afraid to be who you are and love who you are. Being out shows that you know you deserve human rights like everyone else, and you are not afraid to stand up for them. Being out is also important for others. Others who have not come out will look up to you, to see that you are out, and proud, and happy will (hopefully) encourage them to come out as well.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud to say I have an amazing group of friends who accepted me completely when I came out, and I am proud to have such a loving dad who also fully accepts me. I am most proud of myself, after being closeted for so long, it is amazing to see how far I have come by trusting in myself, not giving up, and having a support system that rocks!Ohio University is an amazing place to come out. I have never had so much love and support in one place, and I am lucky to have found it here. I would not want to be anywhere else!
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:
Accepting it within myself was the most difficult part of coming out. I went years not admitting my true feelings. I was ashamed, and hid it because I did not want others to know, and I did not want to be called out on it. I was afraid of what my friends and family would think."
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
For those coming out: Be confident! Know that there will be losses with friends, and even family members, but accept them. Sometimes they come around, other times they don'. Don't hide who you are, or who you love. Sometimes the world isn't so kind, but there are millions of other people fighting through a similar struggle. Everyone has a different coming out process. Remember it is not just a one-time thing. Coming out is something you'll do for the rest of your life, and remember-- it gets better.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
To non-LGBT people: Be sensitive, and consider what you say before you say it. Words you deem fine to say, may really hurt someone and you won't even know it. Be open -- no one is the same -- therefore, there is no reason to judge anyone based on who they are or how they identify.
