Kristen Norris, Ally
Senior - Middle Childhood Education       

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: 
Residence Life --Jefferson Hall. This is my second year with Residence Life. During my first year, I made a bulletin board on “How to Be an Ally” and why it’s important. I’ve been in some shows for the Lost Flamingo group: Rocky Horror Picture Show last fall and The Vagina Monologues currently. I was also in the Unify Variety Show last quarter.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? 
To show others that it’s okay to be who you are and express that, whether you like people that are of the same or different sex than you.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? 
I’m proud to support people who stand up for themselves in the face of adversity, especially with women’s issues and LGBT issues. It’s empowering and serves as a source of inspiration and motivation to become more active in promoting the deeper level of understanding that being “out” can bring.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
The most difficult part in being more outspoken as an ally was the viewpoints of my parents, specifically my mom. Recently my mom and I were talking about one of my best guy friends from high school who came out after high school (and attends OU). There have been a few more guys from my high school that have come out as well and she said, “Oh my God, what’s happening?!?” I tried to explain that there was nothing wrong with coming out and that it’s probably a big weight to get off their back. Then she said to me, “I don’t think I would be ok with it if [my sister or I] came out.” I’ve been trying to get her away from her preconceived notions of homosexuality and question why she feels the way she feels. It’s not going to be an easy process but I think it’s worth it. I want to relate the information on a human level next we talk about this.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? 
Don’t be afraid! There is a growing community of people who will be there to support you. It’s important to find that support system though. Friends and family might be disapproving at first but they probably just need time to get used to the idea.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
Don’t say “that’s gay!” I cringe every time I hear that just like I cringe when I hear people say, “That’s retarded.”