Annie Russell, Lesbian                 
Resident Director - Department of Residence Life

INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: 
Residence Life, Advisor to Federation of United Queers, Various Committee work (First Year Experience Task Force, Division Strategic Planning) and SafeZone Workshop Facilitator.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
Being out or being an ally allows other people to identify people who may be able to help them with their struggles.  In addition, it shows the world that there are many LGBTA members in many areas of life.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? 
I am proud because I come from a small, rural, Midwestern town, and I came out and can support other people coming out.  Living in rural America is a hard reality for LGBT people sometimes, so I am fortunate that I’ve had the support to be out and proud.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? 
Telling my family members and working through issues surrounding my sexual orientation with my family has been hard at times.  Everyone goes through difficult circumstances in this area, I think.  However, talking and reading allowed me to be open and honest with people and through those efforts, my family is now very supportive and loving of me as a lesbian.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? 
Have faith – you can and will find the support that you need and deserve.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: 
Remember that you, too, can make a difference in the way that people perceive LGBT people.  Open your mind and get to know people at every chance that you get.