Post by Anonymous USD Student on Mar 7, 2011 15:21:04 GMT -8
Welcome Thread
Welcome to the USD Closet Project!
This forum was created to provide a resource for a population of students on campus who are constantly overlooked. It’s not because people don't care about them, but because people don't know about them. I'm talking about the men and women who walk the halls and sidewalks of USD and are currently in the closet.
Being in the closet has many meanings. To most, it's a reference to people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and the list goes on. People who, for whatever reason, have chosen to withhold that part of their identity from others. They may be afraid of what their families might say or what their friends will think, and to them, keeping their sexual orientation a secret guarantees them safety from the possible discriminations and prejudices of others.
But think about it: Why should these men and women suffer by living a lie their entire lives? As we grow up, society bombards boys and girls with negative portrayals of the LGBT community, causing young teenagers who are questioning and exploring their sexuality to be terrified of who they really are.
With that said, this forum will try to reach out to the men and women at USD who are still in the closet and may feel alone in their struggles like I did. The USD Closet Project will show closeted men and women on the USD campus, or people questioning their sexuality at all, that they are not the only ones dealing with this. You are not alone. As an individual, coming out may seem like an impossible task, but with the support of people living through the same trials as you, your sexual identity will slowly appear more and more conquerable!
I’m well aware that for closeted men and women, anonymity is vital. Most of you are probably most fearful of how your friends will react if they ever found out your secret, and for that reason, I will never ask you to reveal your name or any other information that could hint to your identity.
The USD Closet Project will allow us to share our experiences and stories and help bond us together as members of the USD community with a common secret that we want to overcome. However, the forum is not only open to closeted individuals, but also members of the LGBT community and our allies. We can all learn so much from each other. In our minds, we like to think that we are the only ones “unlucky” enough to have to deal with certain issues, but the reality is that there is always someone who understands and can relate to your pain.
This familiar quote sums up our struggle: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
We are who we are; that cannot change, but the way we view ourselves can. Let’s wise up and accept the men and women we are born to be.
So EVERYONE, take part in the USD Closet Project! Share your stories, start various discussions, and spill your hearts out. Everything is anonymous and just know that we are all friends here.
Welcome to the USD Closet Project!
This forum was created to provide a resource for a population of students on campus who are constantly overlooked. It’s not because people don't care about them, but because people don't know about them. I'm talking about the men and women who walk the halls and sidewalks of USD and are currently in the closet.
Being in the closet has many meanings. To most, it's a reference to people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and the list goes on. People who, for whatever reason, have chosen to withhold that part of their identity from others. They may be afraid of what their families might say or what their friends will think, and to them, keeping their sexual orientation a secret guarantees them safety from the possible discriminations and prejudices of others.
But think about it: Why should these men and women suffer by living a lie their entire lives? As we grow up, society bombards boys and girls with negative portrayals of the LGBT community, causing young teenagers who are questioning and exploring their sexuality to be terrified of who they really are.
With that said, this forum will try to reach out to the men and women at USD who are still in the closet and may feel alone in their struggles like I did. The USD Closet Project will show closeted men and women on the USD campus, or people questioning their sexuality at all, that they are not the only ones dealing with this. You are not alone. As an individual, coming out may seem like an impossible task, but with the support of people living through the same trials as you, your sexual identity will slowly appear more and more conquerable!
I’m well aware that for closeted men and women, anonymity is vital. Most of you are probably most fearful of how your friends will react if they ever found out your secret, and for that reason, I will never ask you to reveal your name or any other information that could hint to your identity.
The USD Closet Project will allow us to share our experiences and stories and help bond us together as members of the USD community with a common secret that we want to overcome. However, the forum is not only open to closeted individuals, but also members of the LGBT community and our allies. We can all learn so much from each other. In our minds, we like to think that we are the only ones “unlucky” enough to have to deal with certain issues, but the reality is that there is always someone who understands and can relate to your pain.
This familiar quote sums up our struggle: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
We are who we are; that cannot change, but the way we view ourselves can. Let’s wise up and accept the men and women we are born to be.
So EVERYONE, take part in the USD Closet Project! Share your stories, start various discussions, and spill your hearts out. Everything is anonymous and just know that we are all friends here.
