Proud to be an Ally!
Samuel Norris, Ally
Junior, Philosophy
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
President of Freethinkers of OU, Honors Community Council, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law Fraternity, and Big Brother Big Sister- Athens.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
In general, many social groups that are “normal” tend to be very aggressive against others who do not fit the norm. I think this is human nature. In addition, there are many rites of passage everyone must face growing up in society. Unfortunately in the US, being anything other than heterosexual qualifies an individual to be an out-group, which creates superficial barriers between members of society.It is disgusting and appalling to think that such a difference is sometimes (and often) generally accepted as being "wrong" in society, which seems to end up promoting hate towards individuals instead of just accepting each other for who we are.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud to know that we are on the right side of history. If one looks at the past progression of discrimination in the US, as well as common sense, then with some time and work this "issue" will eventually be...well, not an issue!
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT AS AN ALLY?:
I think there is a stigma among certain types of people that says "since you're an ally, then you're actually just afraid to come out." It seems that those who say these things are those who are afraid to get in touch with themselves and really know who they are. They're the insecure ones.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
In terms of allies - the more the merrier!
Graduate Student, Sports Administration and TechGROWTH Business Consultant
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
Bobcat Club Representative, Performing Art Series Patron and Past-President of Ohio University Women's Club
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
Being an ally among straight friends affords me the opportunity to raise their level of awareness regarding the LGBT community. Plus, I think it's important to be nice to everyone. That's what my mom taught me anyway. Yours probably taught you that too.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
It is in witnessing moments of complete trust, comfort and joy that I am reminded how important it is to shine a light of truth on ignorance, hatred and fear. One of my proudest moments was reading a poem at the wedding of one of my closest friends when he married his husband. I was honored to be a part of the ceremony. I am proud to be an ally so I can fight for all people to enjoy the equal rights.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:
I can't imagine the fear that some face at the thought of coming out. I hope that my friends know I love and support them no matter what!WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
I can't pretend to have advice in this particular circumstance. I can imagine it is important to find a friend with whom you feel safe. Know that your true friends want you to be happy.THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
Everyone needs someone who believes in them, regardless of their battle. Be that someone today! It only takes a smile and an open heart.
Emilia Alonso Marks, Ally
Professor, Modern Languages-Spanish
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
Ohio University Women's Club, International Student Union, Christ the King University Parish (Peace and Justice Ministry), Indonesian Student Association (Permias), Spanish Conversation Hour and Safe Zone
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
It is important to be an ally in order to be a voice for students and colleagues; a support system for students who may feel lonely, afraid, or discriminated against.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud of being a genuine person, true to myself. I am also proud of being a very passionate person - passionate about my values, about life. I am also a very compassionate person. I am very altruistic, I believe we are all connected. We are all travelers on the road and we need to give help to one another. For me life is love, and love is life.It was not difficult for me to become an ally. I have family and friends who are members of the LGBT community. I am happy to serve as a resource, an advocate, a true friend.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Do not be afraid to come out! People need to be educated about who we are. If we do not say anything, how are they going to find out who we are?
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
Do not be afraid to speak out for yourself, for your rights and for the rights of your community. Do not underestimate the power of love! We all need to respect, support, and love one another. We are all interconnected.
Tracy Kelly, Ally
President, Graduate Student Senate, Graduate Student, Public Administration
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
Graduate Student Senate (President) and the Center for Student Legal Services Board of Directors (Chair).
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
Being an ally is important, not only as a way to show support for the LGBT community, but as a way to combat the culture of homophobia on college campuses.To me, being an ally represents the necessity of taking an outspoken stand against hate and discrimination.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud of my LGBT friends and loved ones, as well as of every opportunity to show my support for LGBT-inclusive policies on campus and in the community. The only regret that I experienced with regard to coming out as an ally was that I did not know how to do it sooner!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Never be ashamed of who you love and trust that friends and allies are here to support you.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
All people deserve to love, and be loved, in a culture of justice and equality.
Celia Joyce, Ally
Senior, Social Work
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
Social Work intern at the Gathering Place
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
It is important to be yourself and to love who you want to love. It sounds a lot easier than it really is but that is why it is important to stand up for equality, a job any ally can do.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud of implementing social justice.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss The good people in your life will stay in your life. You may need to give them time but you deserve to be true to yourself and feel comfortable."
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Get involved!
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
Speak out! I want to get married but I refuse to until marriage equality happens in Ohio so let's make it happen!
