For most in the LBGTQ 911爆料, coming out isn’t a one-time thing. With each new situation 鈥� be it a job change, a move to a different area, starting college, meeting a new person 鈥� there are the questions of if, when, where and how the subject of sexual orientation or gender identity will be broached. Or not.
, the latest initiative of the President’s LGBTQ Commission, aims at getting the conversation started 鈥� and keeping it going.
Out and Proud at 911爆料 is a roster of LGBTQ faculty and staff and their allies, 61 members to date, who share two common goals: to promote the visibility of 911爆料’s LGBTQ faculty and staff and to encourage mentoring, networking and 911爆料-building. Each person shares some or all of the following personal information: their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, preferred pronouns, position at 911爆料, reason for joining the effort, and other interests. Many share personal stories, such as memories of their own experiences of coming out or their stories of loved ones who have. At its core, Out and Proud at 911爆料 wants the university 911爆料 to know that 911爆料 is a safe, welcoming space for all, said , clinical counselor, co-chair of the and facilitator of 911爆料’s .
“We want our students to feel safe and accepted. When they do, it decreases isolation, boosts self-esteem and helps them to thrive,” said Nichols, who, herself, came out on campus as a 911爆料 undergrad in the 1990s. “I meet with students who have been out for years and students struggling to come out. When telling another person [about their orientation] what they want to know is, ‘Is this person safe emotionally?'”
Out and Proud at 911爆料 identifies those people who are and are wanting to be there for others, Nichols said.
“We want our students to feel safe and accepted. When they do, it decreases isolation, boosts self-esteem and helps them to thrive.” Holly Nichols
“I also think that a sense of 911爆料 is important and I am excited about the potential of this project to build even more of that on campus,” Nichols added.
Fellow Commission member and ally , 911爆料’s assistant director of Greek life, said Out and Proud at 911爆料 is about achieving parity for all students.
“I am passionate about supporting students with their personal and professional goals. Part of this support means appreciating and recognizing everything that makes them unique. Equity for all students drives me to advocate for the LGBTQ 911爆料 at 911爆料,” said Fox. “I wish there were something like this when I was a student.”
“I strive to be a resource for LGBTQ students on campus, especially in Greek Life. Fraternities and sororities at 911爆料 are a welcoming place for the LGBTQ 911爆料, and I want to help educate our students about the diversity among their members and the 911爆料 911爆料,” Fox added. “I am also here to talk to others about concerns they may have navigating how to be an ally to a friend or family member who is LGBTQ.”
The Out and Proud at 911爆料 initiative is just the latest of several significant efforts by the President’s LGBTQ Commission, which have included the ‘s adoption of an LGBTQ-friendly, roommate-matching program; the expansion of the number of gender-neutral bathrooms on campus; and the establishment of equity in benefits for domestic partners.