Stephanie Thompson, Bisexual    
Manager - Alumni Budget and Strategic Analysis

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU: 
Past Co-Chair of Open Doors.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY? 
If this country is ever going to accept other life realities, then they need to be exposed to them.  Many people are biased against LGBT people just because they have never been around them.  If we are proud of who we are and educate others, then we are making steps in the right direction.  It is important to be an ally because sometimes a straight person standing up for LGBT rights will have more of an impact on others than a member of the LGBT community might.  

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF? 
I think that not being proud of who you are in any sense, whether it be sexuality or otherwise, is being untrue to yourself.  And if you are untrue to yourself, then you can never be truly happy.  I am most proud of the accomplishments of the gay community on this campus over the last 3 years…the LGBT Programs Center becoming full-time, and getting the lounge space; domestic partner benefits; and also all the amazing programming that has been put on. 

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT? 
Coming out to my parents.  Most of us value our parents' opinions to some degree, and don't want to be rejected by them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT? 
Be brave!  Coming out is a process and you have to start somewhere.  There are all kinds of resources on this campus and elsewhere that can be there for support.  Be true to yourself.  Even if people react in a negative manner, you will ultimately be happier if you not hiding who you really are. 

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS: 
Educate yourself!  Hatred and prejudice is often borne out of ignorance, so the more you know about LGBT issues and the more you share that information with others, the better.