Kate Stevens, Queer
Graduate Student, College Student Personnel
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Student Personnel Association, Bobcatalina Synchronized Swimming and Graduate Student Senate
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT?:
What "queer" means to Kate: I don't identify as male or female, and exist in a genderqueer / trans* space. I prefer they / them / theirs as my pronouns.Being out is being honest with yourself. If it's part of your identity, you can't really show others who you are by hiding it completely.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I'm proud because I have no reason not to be! I'm proud of the work I've been able to do and the people I've been able to help because of my experiences.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:
The hardest part of coming out was the relationships that changed because some people suddenly saw me as a different person, even though I hadn't changed at all.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Do what's right for you. You don't have to give in to others who insist that you must or must not be out in a certain setting. Be ready to answer the questions of those you come out to.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Advice for non-LGBT people: It's okay to ask questions about something you don't understand, as long as they're with good intention. Being an ally is more about friendship and intention rather than having to know all of the facts and politics (although it's a great thing to know about).
