I always knew that my sexuality would bring me to a point in college where I felt I had to make a choice. It seems like I’ve heard the saying “stand in your truth,” one too many times this past year. I don’t believe I should have to choose, because what that communicates to me is subject to what everyone ELSE thinks is best for me. I’ve done that so many times it’s often automatic when I make choices in my day-to-day life. I say to myself “I wonder how this person is going to look at me because of this.” I know outside opinions shouldn’t matter, at the end of the day, but I still fail to take it into acknowledge that in real time.

Last summer I was challenged to stand in my truth and disclose who I am. In front of 5,000 students plus family and staff I outed myself, “I, Reggie G. Patterson, am Bisexual and proud.” I wasn’t really proud that I did it, in fact I’m not sure I am to this very day. However, I knew that this wasn’t just for me…it was for the thousands of Freshmen students who needed to experience my story and feel connected. My school has taught me that it’s not always about me, and that we all need someone to lean on. Blessed is an understatement for how I feel to be apart of this institution. There has been much work in supporting the LGBTQ community and a number of recent changes to create a safe space for everyone, especially LGBTQ students. With, a larger pride center, gender inclusive bathrooms, and school pride, there appears to be a system of support for our community.

Though that’s great, I couldn’t help but notice there are not many queer people of color who have a sense of community on campus. This worries me because I still feel marginalized so I expect they do too. The cultural groups on campus are under different guidelines as far as what’s to be supported and who should not. My time on this campus is coming to an end as of May 2016, but the least I can do is make sure that something changes. I didn’t know how important it was for someone like me to have support system for the life I live, and I’m quite sure the other QPOC student’s don’t all know it either.