When I was a student, it was rare for professors to share their sexuality (unless they were straight), and the assumption that everyone’s gender was obvious prevailed. Have things changed now that marriage equality is legally protected and parenthetical gender signifiers are not unusual? But for opportunities like this campaign, it’s still uncommon to speak about things that many would consider private.
Publicly identifying with groups that so many people shame and belittle is easier said than done. Our authentic identities should never be barriers for professional success, yet it feels like a privilege – instead of a right – to be out and visible in our college community. I’m a gay cis-man with three university degrees and a unionized job; my privilege helps me feel safe, and I wish this could be the same for everyone. The freedom to be yourself is so important. If the world has taught you otherwise, it’s time to start unlearning those lessons.