For Taylor Bailey, coming out was becoming “a part of the world.” Taylor came out during his senior year in high school and is now a sophomore at a state university that recognizes inclusiveness and diversity, strongly supporting the LGBTQ campus community. He’s a volunteer at the LGBT Center and an active member of SAGA – the campus Sexual And Gender Alliance. His long-term goal revolves around college student development through administrative leadership. Being gay in America is changing as greater community awareness moves beyond mere tolerance to full acceptance and equality. Often, that process begins in college.
From High School to College
Taylor admits that he was “picked on” on high school but that this decreased after he came out. Unlike other gay high school students that wait to come out in college, the transition to a large university that was welcoming and proud of its diversity provided Taylor with existing avenues to explore LGBT issues and work with other students struggling to come to terms with their own sexuality; Taylor’s minor will be LGBT Studies.
The Goals of Campus LGBT Programs
Taylor is one of many students at Appalachian State University actively involved in campus and community programs designed to educate as well as celebrate individual uniqueness. That support comes from student-driven and led organizations like SAGA, comprised of students representing all sexual preferences and built upon respect and equality.
Taylor “loves the atmosphere” of the sprawling campus and the “open door” policy of professors that support the mission of diversity. He’s an RA and a volunteer in a number of organizations, pursing a double major in sociology and dance. Taylor remembers the candlelight vigil held on campus one year ago after Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi took his own life. It was a somber moment and one of extreme emotion.
The Coming out Process is Seldom Easy
For a variety of reasons, many gay teens in high school choose to remain closeted. Perceptions of peer pressure and lingering social stereotypes impact sincere desires to come out. In some cases, teachers and administrators are still wedded to archaic views of so-called masculinity and femininity. Some studies have demonstrated the role of religion and erroneous views of gay promiscuity.
Taylor's friends and his mother were supportive when he came out; his father died earlier. Once at Appalachian State University, he became involved in LGBT programs. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the university is the heart of the community which is, according to Taylor, very friendly and supportive of campus diversity.
Taylor admits that STDs are a big concern, but not just within the gay community. Promiscuity is as much an issue for heterosexual students as it is for gay students, despite unsupported charges and centuries of stereotypes. The campus addresses all student wellness concerns and provides education and assistance.
On the “Appstate” campus, awareness and diversity is supported, in part, by student volunteer programs. SAGA’s funding is completely membership driven such as the annual drag show event.
LGBT programs help students to become self-accepting and, in the process, enable students to realize their full potential. Student diversity also challenges social intolerance and discrimination. Taylor’s willingness to share his experiences is a testament to his courage and commitment. That too is part of the college process: honest inquiry and self-dedication.
[Interview with Taylor, September 22, 2011]
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