Straight from a graduating gay
By: Jared Fox
Issue date: 5/7/09 Section: Opinion
JARED FOX '09
COLUMNIST
From glass bottles hurled at my head to a Homecoming King crown placed on it.
The juxtaposition of these two images is startling, and as I think about the way the campus has changed in only my four years, I get goose bumps.
I came in as an outspoken first-year student, using the slogan "I'm gay, but I'll be straight with you," to win the seat of Student Government Secretary. Many said that my sexual orientation had nothing to do with the campaign, and I should have kept it out. I faced harassment for it, and in the end, it only fueled my desire to make Lake Forest College the open and accepting place I imagined it could be.
Throughout my subsequent years, I have had incredible opportunities to work with the talented and amazing people who call themselves Foresters. I've written a series of letters and articles for The Stentor similar to this one, called Straight from a Gay. I've produced and performed in the annual drag show. I've coordinated the Collegiate Fortnight of PRIDE as the President of PRIDE. I worked with another student to write, pass, and implement Gender Neutral Housing. All of these things have one unique thread tying them together: They are gay.
The fact is, four years ago I ran a campaign based on my sexual orientation because it is something important to me. It is a part of me. Others have written Straight from a Gay articles and said that being gay is low on their list of identities, but that is not the case for me. I am not only a gay man, but a proud gay man.
And as I make the preparations to graduate, I've got a lot to be proud of. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth may comprise 30% of the suicides that happen every year. They are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide. I'm fortunate that I made it to the day where I can walk across the stage in my black gown. Others have not been so lucky.
Just a couple weeks ago I heard of an 11-year-old who hung himself with an extension cord because of the harassment he faced at school. This is only one of many recent cases of teen suicide because of anti-GLBT harassment.
And as I graduate from Lake Forest College, I know I do not graduate from the intolerance that plagues the world. We all must continue to fight for equal rights, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We must come out and affirm our identities, make friends, and show the world that there is nothing to fear.
It sounds silly and simple, but we need to affirm the fact that being gay is okay. I've done that at Lake Forest College. I think during my four years, we, as a community, have come a long way - and it is not just lip service. We need to continue this commitment to understanding and respect. Learning and living, respecting and loving - these are lifelong commitments.
COLUMNIST
From glass bottles hurled at my head to a Homecoming King crown placed on it.
The juxtaposition of these two images is startling, and as I think about the way the campus has changed in only my four years, I get goose bumps.
I came in as an outspoken first-year student, using the slogan "I'm gay, but I'll be straight with you," to win the seat of Student Government Secretary. Many said that my sexual orientation had nothing to do with the campaign, and I should have kept it out. I faced harassment for it, and in the end, it only fueled my desire to make Lake Forest College the open and accepting place I imagined it could be.
Throughout my subsequent years, I have had incredible opportunities to work with the talented and amazing people who call themselves Foresters. I've written a series of letters and articles for The Stentor similar to this one, called Straight from a Gay. I've produced and performed in the annual drag show. I've coordinated the Collegiate Fortnight of PRIDE as the President of PRIDE. I worked with another student to write, pass, and implement Gender Neutral Housing. All of these things have one unique thread tying them together: They are gay.
The fact is, four years ago I ran a campaign based on my sexual orientation because it is something important to me. It is a part of me. Others have written Straight from a Gay articles and said that being gay is low on their list of identities, but that is not the case for me. I am not only a gay man, but a proud gay man.
And as I make the preparations to graduate, I've got a lot to be proud of. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth may comprise 30% of the suicides that happen every year. They are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide. I'm fortunate that I made it to the day where I can walk across the stage in my black gown. Others have not been so lucky.
Just a couple weeks ago I heard of an 11-year-old who hung himself with an extension cord because of the harassment he faced at school. This is only one of many recent cases of teen suicide because of anti-GLBT harassment.
And as I graduate from Lake Forest College, I know I do not graduate from the intolerance that plagues the world. We all must continue to fight for equal rights, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We must come out and affirm our identities, make friends, and show the world that there is nothing to fear.
It sounds silly and simple, but we need to affirm the fact that being gay is okay. I've done that at Lake Forest College. I think during my four years, we, as a community, have come a long way - and it is not just lip service. We need to continue this commitment to understanding and respect. Learning and living, respecting and loving - these are lifelong commitments.
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