Guest Commentary: Coming Out As An Ally

After my time volunteering with Campus Pride, I think it’s time to finally address something that has been on my mind for a long time. I’ve been around a lot of people who identify within the LGBTQ community. I’ve had a lot of time to learn about LGBTQ issues and figure out my place in the community. I feel very strongly that the way that I am is something that cannot be changed and I will always feel this way. The more I learn, the more comfortable I am with my identity. I’ve not particularly tried to hide how I feel about this to people, but I have never explicitly told anyone that I identify this way.

This past week has made me feel so comfortable in the way that I have always felt and I think that now is a great time to finally announce it to the rest of the world.  I can’t see why this would change anyone’s opinion of me as a person; I am the same person today as I was yesterday. I am a cisgender, heterosexual female who also is an ally to the LGBTQ community.
What this means for me in the future:

  • I will recognize and affirm the experiences of those who identify in the LGBTQ community and respond by demonstrating support in any way I am able.
  • I will strive to be an agent of social change for the LGBTQ community.
  • I will embark on a journey to becoming a better LGBTQ advocate.
  • I will promise to use my voice and actions to reflect the movement towards equality for the LGBTQ community.
  • I will challenge all norms, beliefs and values that conflict with what I believe.
  • I will continue to learn and educate others about the LGBTQ community.

Holly Amanda Moore is an undergraduate Honors Student at Central Michigan University serving as a volunteer for Campus Pride. Holly is majoring in Sociology and minoring in Psychology and hopes to pursue her masters in Library and Information Sciences.

Campus Pride is the leading national educational organization for LGBTQ and ally college students and campus groups building future leaders and safer, more LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities. The organization provides resources and services to thousands of college students and nearly 1400 campuses annually. Learn more online at CampusPride.org.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *