WAY back when in August of 1976, I enrolled as a freshman at a liberal arts Texas University. I knew I was gay and looked forward to being in a less threatening atmosphere — even the dorm I selected was full of artists, musicians, and other “hippie” types, so I assumed that my sexuality, even as closeted as I was, would not be a big deal to my fellow dorm denizens.
Boy, was I wrong! During my first few days at college I noticed there were three VERY openly gay guys who ate in the dorm cafeteria together at every meal. They dressed pretty flamboyantly and didn’t seem to care what others thought. But to my alarm and distress, I quickly discovered that they were the official pariahs of the dorm, shunned by all. Other students insulted them, often making comments loud enough to be heard. NO ONE sat with these guys — NO ONE spoke to them and NO ONE would even acknowledge their existence! I was utterly HORRIFIED, thinking to myself “Oh my God, I know I’m gay, but is THIS what I have to look forward to the rest of my life?”
Fast forward a few years — I was still in college and out to a very select few friends but apparently the word was on me was “out” as well! If I posted flyers for a band I played in it took less than a day before there were “comments” added by my name — all those quaint phrases like “QUEER”, “FAGGOT”, and the perennial favorite “FAGS DIE!”
Now fast forward with me to the present — I’m now a teacher myself at the college level and I clearly see the amazing differences in attitudes toward LGBTQ folks engrained into today’s students! I’ve counseled students who missed classes because their partner was ill; I’ve seen the growth of support groups both on and off campus for those struggling with their sexuality; I’ve played at same-sex weddings and heard the cheers of the guests as they kiss!
So why did I post this story? Mainly to say “THANK YOU!” to this generation for opening your arms and hearts to the LGBTQ community! In the age of Trumpelstoolskin, young folks are the people who give me hope for the future! It would be easy for me to be bitter about my formative college years, but I’m not, and YOU ARE THE REASON WHY! Your generation deserves nothing less!
Bill in Waco, Texas
“If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” Will Rogers