鈥淲hen I think of what it means to be proud, for me, it鈥檚 being a good person, a kind person, and that I can be a good representative of this amazing community,鈥� said Alex. 鈥淪upporting my students, regardless of how they identify, is so important. I want to continue learning more and incorporate that into my teaching as well as my own personal journey.鈥�

When Alex first found the terms they identified with, it was 鈥渁 lightbulb going off to self-acceptance and pride.鈥� Alex feels lucky that they have been open to sharing their identity for most of their adulthood, allowing that visibility to shine amongst and inspire students.

Many of Alex鈥檚 students have confided in them or felt comfortable to be their true selves in class. As Alex notes, this is why visibility is so important.

Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Alex didn鈥檛 have school groups or clubs that welcomed them and the way they identified. In fact, they dropped out of school due in part to a feeling of isolation.

鈥淚鈥檝e been discriminated against, insulted, and told to keep my identity quiet, even in workplaces that were supposedly progressive,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淚 was told I was wrong, evil, and should be institutionalized.鈥�

Alex appreciates the open and accepting environment of WCU and the ability for everyone to be themselves.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important for everyone to show respect and understanding in both our work environment and the classroom,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淓veryone, regardless of how they identify, should love themself and be kind to themself as well as others.鈥�

Alex also notes that LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues value the ability to be seen and heard, and for their identity to be visible when they feel safe and comfortable sharing that. Access to information on various identities can be a helpful tool for those seeking to understand this, and Alex points to the GLAAD Media Reference Guide as a great resource to learn material on a multitude of LGBTQIA+ topics.

鈥淲ords must be backed up by policy and remembrance, not just for Pride Month, but all year long so everyone feels supported,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淚t also helps to remind others of the role models in all identities to show that we are just people, mostly good people, and many religious faiths do support LGBTQIA+ persons.鈥�

When asked about LGBTQIA+ role models, Alex has looked up to several, including Harvey Milk, Alan Turing, Silvia Rivera, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, Suzy Eddie Izzard, and Del LaGrace Volcano.

鈥淟GBTQIA+ individuals want to live their lives as everyone does,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淗ating others because of their identity has no positive side; it just hurts others, particularly youth. I also think allies are extremely important, as allies can cause others to change their minds for the better.鈥�

Alex plans to celebrate Pride Month working on some creative ventures, including writing fiction genre stories, creating art, and visiting LGBTQIA+ artwork and cultural events. As they reflect further on what Pride Month means, Alex gives some sound advice for those struggling with their identity.

鈥淯nderstanding yourself takes time, as it is a personal journey to be part of self-actualization,鈥� Alex said. 鈥淩ead about identities, reflect on them, and give yourself space. What you understand now may grow and change, which is simply human. There is no 鈥榦ne鈥� way to properly be a particular identity, and no one should gatekeep how to be LGBTQIA+鈥攋ust be a good person.鈥�

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