Lacey Rogers, Lesbian
Graduate
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
I'm an OU Commercial Photographer/WGS alum, currently working for AmeriCorps in Athens, OH, affectionately known as that girl that "doesn't even go here," but still remains highly active in various LGBT/feminist orgs on campus. I am still mainly involved with Empowering Women of Ohio, SHADES, serve on the board of United Campus Ministry and am one of your Faces of Pride photographers!
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:
It is important to be out so that people can learn that LGBT people are everywhere and aren't as scary as they think might think...well most of them. Basically, it's easy to hate someone you don't know, so the more people who come out, the less chance there is for people to use the excuse of not knowing anyone who is LGBT identified as a reason to think they don't deserve to be treated like human beings.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I'm proud of my continued involvement in Ohio University and community organizations even post-graduation. These organizations have causes I am passionate about and I'm proud that I have a job that allows me to have time to still be involved with these groups and often even find ways to collaborate with them.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:
The most difficult part of coming out was literally saying the words. I knew my parents, friends, etc. wouldn't care/already knew, but it was still hard to say.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Coming out is your decision. When, where, why, and how you do it (assuming you decide to at all) is your decision. There are a number of good resources (books, people, etc.) to help you do this, if needed, so remember this and that you are not alone!
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
