Proud to be an Ally!
Amelia Shaw, Ally
Junior, Sociology and Women & Gender Studies
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
Resident Assistant, Student Senate: LGBT Commission (2011-2012), LGBT Vice Commissioner (2010-2011), Athens Community Relations Committee, Student Senate’s Diversity Affairs Commission, SpeakOUT! and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
It’s important to be an ally because in the fight for equality everyone is needed, regardless of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. Allies show people that you do not have to be LGBTQ to be a part of the fight against homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud to be an ally because I know that my actions are helping make society a less discriminatory place. I am most proud when I meet someone who is homophobic or transphobic and am able to educate them in some way.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT AS AN ALLY?:
Every voice counts, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity. What matters is that you take a stand against what is wrong and fight for the right for everyone to be whomever they want. True justice and equality can only be obtained when all people receive the justice they deserve, regardless of skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and ethnicity.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
All privileged people in society need to realize the privileges they have and fight so that all people experience the same privileges. Don't be afraid to stand up someone else's or your own rights. When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. - Audre Lorde
Gary Coombs, Ally
Associate Professor, Management
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
Associate Professor of Management, Director of the Copeland Scholars and Fellows Program, Coordinator of the Integrated Business Cluster.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
It's important to be an ally because, in order for students of all orientations to take full advantage of the educational opportunity at Ohio University, there must be those willing to demonstrate, by example, what it means to both accept and appreciate diversity, to confront bigotry or simple ignorance, and to provide a safe environment for LGBT students in the classroom.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud of my son and the relationship he has with his partner and how he has navigated his life as a gay man in today's society.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
Be aware of the language that you use and how it might convey an anti-LGBT message. Beyond being inter-personally insensitive, in organizational life it could create a hostile work environment with consequences for both the organization and for you.
Judy Piercy, Ally
Associate Director, Residential Housing
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
University's Sexual Assault Response Committee, Residential Housing's Special Populations Committee and many pro-diversity efforts at OU over the years.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
Openly being an ally helps our community know that it IS okay to be who you are, that all are valued and supported, and that there are administrators on campus who champion institutional support for LGBT students.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
Recently, I am most proud of gender neutral housing on our campus!
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT AS AN ALLY?:
It was easy saying I'm an ally because of all the wonderful LGBT people in my life.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
To those who are not out: Seek support; we want to help you be brave.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
We all understand the need to be loved or at least feel valued. No one should be shut out; therefore, it's important that we "shed a little light.
Kyle Triplett, Ally
Senior, Political Science and Student Senate President
INVOLVEMENT AT OU:
Ohio University Student Senate (President) and Christ the King University Parish
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AN ALLY?:
I feel that at an institution of higher learning everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
WHY ARE YOU PROUD?:
I am proud to be a student at Ohio University. The first time I learned about Matthew Shepard or the Stonewall Riots, it was at Ohio University.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT COMING OUT?:
I would say the most difficult part of coming out would be dealing with family and friends.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?:
Talk with your loved ones first; you should not hide who you are.
THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND THEIR CONCERNS:
No one should be uncomfortable in public or in private
Ohio University Contact Information:
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