What does identifying (or not identifying) with the BGLTQ community mean to you? 
Nothing and everything. Yeah, I know that doesn’t make sense but let me try to explain. Simply put, I am gay. Always have been. From wanting to play ‘make believe’ Star Wars on the playground at Elementary school just so I could be close to other boys, and belting out the soundtrack of Evita (Elaine Paige, not Madonna!) when no one else was home, to not letting the parade pass me by without marching in it, and traveling the world with the hapless Arthur Less. It’s simply who I am and not something I think about all that much….anymore. All that being said, there was a difficult journey to get to that state of self-acceptance, and (sadly) we are living in times where we are squabbling over who can use a toilet, where people can lose their jobs/lives for being gay, and where people don’t feel they can be their authentic selves. For these reasons, and many more, being out, open, and counted means everything. 

How, if at all, has your identity shaped your academic and/or professional journey? 
I don’t think it has. The organizations I have wanted to work for have always been diverse and inclusive environments. 

What advice would you give to yourself when you were an undergraduate? 
Hmm…I was an undergraduate in my 30s so this is for my younger self. There are many people in your life who love you, and will continue you love you, and you can trust them. Your feelings are valid despite what the world is telling you. You are not alone. 

What support or advice can you provide to current undergraduate BGLTQ students? 
I am an excellent listener with a lifetime of experiences, chances are there will be some guidance I can offer. I have also completed Safe Zone training. 

Remember to be you and stay the course. 

What are your areas of expertise? 
- University Administration 
- Study Abroad