Daina Wollam, Bisexual                
Freshman - Telecommunications
                          
INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
The Resident’s Action Council (tRAC), Sargent/Wilson Hall Council, Lost Flamingo Company, Friday’s Live, and Open Doors.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
It is important to be out or to be an ally because being LGBT is part of who we are.  We need to understand, appreciate, and nurture this part of us in order to be able to appreciate ourselves and others.

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”?  WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am proud because I know that I am a good person with a caring heart.  I aim to be myself, and to have others respect who I am and my lifestyle choices.  I am most proud of the amazing support that I give and receive from the LGBT and Ally community

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF COMING OUT?
The most difficult part of coming out for me was the fear of what others would think of me.  I knew that coming out would change the way that most people looked at and thought of me.  I wanted to be able to maintain my dignity but still feel comfortable sharing who I was with other people.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
There will always, always, ALWAYS be someone there who will support you.  Seek out those who you know will support and accept you first, such as close friends or a support group.  Coming out to others will be so much easier if you know that you have someone behind you all the way.  Also, don’t be afraid.  If someone doesn’t accept who you are, that’s their mistake.  You are a beautiful person, and you shouldn’t let anyone else make you think otherwise.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
You don’t have to join groups and march at rallies and be extremely involved in the LGBT community in order to make a difference.  I’ve found that the most helpful actions from non-LGBT have been simple things like letting me know that you accept me as a person, and that you support my lifestyle.