Columnist finds friends in community outside campus

Oklahoma could definitely be described as part of the “Bible Belt.” Furthermore, it has and continues to be known as one of the most conservative states in America.

Fifty or so years ago, Oklahoma City had a thriving gay community that spent every day fighting for their individual rights. For the first three years of my college career, I heard about this time, but was under the impression that this no longer existed. I was wrong.

If you drive down Pennsylvania Avenue and make a left on 39th Street, you will find yourself in a little area that is full of love.

The people that hang out in the “gayborhood” are not all homosexual. The people who hang out there are not all “partiers.” They are not all sluts. They are not all looking for quick hook-ups.

The people who hang out there are all friends.

These are the kind of friends you can go out with on a Saturday night and also sit down with to have a cup of coffee and discuss a recent book find. These are the people who show up to events like Broadway Fun for Funds, pride gatherings, and protests. These are the people who donate money to AIDS research and LGBT groups that fight hate. These are the people who are still denied their rights every day.

Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, heterosexuals, transgenders, drag queens, and drag kings all exist together in a little area free of pressure to be something you are not.

I walk into a bar or a shop in this area and I am greeted with a hug and a kiss. Everyone knows everyone. If for some reason they do not, they get to know you. All are welcome and all are loved.

If I ever feel alone, as a lesbian in a conservative community, or if I ever experience a moment of gay-bashing either to myself or someone else, I remind myself of these people. They give me courage every day.

Sometimes, I think I get caught in a world at OCU that feels very safe. As a performer, I am surrounded with like-minded thinkers and people who love unconditionally. I forget that the world is not exactly like this.

While I think it is extraordinarily important to be a part of a community as a whole, I also think it is important to find your home. Even if it is a dysfunctional group of forty plus smiling faces.
So if you’re ever looking to just have a carefree night out on the town, I have just the place for you.