Ohio University

Emma Hayford, Bisexual 

Junior, Special Education

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:

Treasurer of Campus Red Cross and a member of Women's Chorale

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:

It's important to be out to show that we aren't afraid of who we are. We aren't worth less than someone who is straight. If we hide our sexual orientation then we're hiding who we are as a person. Sure, sexuality doesn't define us, but it is a part of us, and we need to not be ashamed. Our fight is far from over, and allies will help us immensely.

WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:

I'm proud because of the accomplishments I have made in my life. I went through torture because of my sexual orientation in high school, and I survived. As hard as it was, I made it. I'm a good student, a good friend and a good person.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:

When I came out, everyone told me that bisexuality wasn't a real thing. I had to choose either men or women. People also told me I would never be happy with one person because I would always want the opposite sex. And every time I would come out to one of my female friends, they would almost always immediate ask me if I had a crush on them. They always assumed that because I like girls, I like every girl in the world, which isn't true.

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

Coming out is one of the scariest things you will ever have to do. There's no easy way to do it, and you will always have those people who will not be able to handle it, or will try to convince you to be someone else. Don't let anyone change who you are, ever.

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

We don't like everyone of the same sex, just like you don't like everyone of the opposite sex. We won't try to make you gay. We won't terrorize your children and we aren't perverts. We're people, just like you. We may just fall in love with different people than you do, and that's okay.