As a kid I was terrified of what lurked under my bed at night, and I was convinced that there were monsters in my closet to boot. But as I grew older and my fears were appeased by knowledge, I no longer had to check under my bed or in the closet for that matter.
Analogous to childhood fears, many straight people are scared of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people due to a lack of exposure and education. Unfortunately, this can lead to hatred and violence.
The Office of LGBTQ Life and Study is needed to end the lack of understanding
by catalytically promoting free speech and ideas of equality that will diffuse into the larger community.
Personally, I need the Office of LGBTQ Life and Study as a resource of knowledge that will help me learn more about the issues that affect the lives of LGBTQs and for a place of general acceptance.
However, I believe the long-term benefits of the office are making Chapel Hill a more friendly and safe place to live and
setting an example for other communities locally and worldwide.
I will go to sleep dreaming of a time when the world is supportive of my life and those that I love.
But I leave everyone with the question, "How long will you go to bed with monsters in your closet?"
