Posted June 2022
Coming out can be an important and wonderfully assuring step in the emotional journeys of many in the LGBTQIA+ community; however, it can also be a source of stress as people navigate how to go about telling others.
To celebrate Pride month and amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ Terriers, we’re asking our alumni to send us their coming out stories, as well as any advice you would give your younger self.
Not sure where to start? Read BU Today’ My Coming Out Story series for inspiration!
Submissions from our alumni
What is your coming-out story?
“I was 42 when I divorced from my ex-husband. My mother was a lesbian and I think subconsciously I didn’t allow myself to have those feelings, had a family—a daughter and a son—but the stress of being married was too much. I divorced and started dating women because that was of interest to me. After just a few dates I found my soulmate. Before she could come to my home in suburban Mass. I had to tell my children. My daughter ended up moving out for several weeks, I got pushback from my sister, but my mother and my friends were very supportive. We got married a year and a half later, my daughter ended up moving back in, and now neither of my children can imagine them being with my dad because they can see that I’m happy.” – Anonymous
How, if at all, did you celebrate Pride at that time of your BU graduation?
“Boston Pride March and dancing until well past my current bedtime at the 1270!” – Julia Chevan (Sargent’85)
“In 1988, my senior distinction project in the Psychology Dept was a social psychology experiment on negative attitudes toward the LGBTQ community. Dept leaders would not approve it until my academic advisor, Walter Batchelor, advocated for it.” – Matt Reidy (CAS’88)
“I did not celebrate Pride during my BU years. I am never a card-carrying type of person about myself. I do enjoy my privacy as an unconventional and unique Asian man, period. I did have Pride and Dignity about my unencumbered lifestyle and engaged in them openly on campus and around Boston.” – Anonymous
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Be true to yourself and love who you love. Don’t be afraid to try new things or experiences.” – Anonymous
“Keep being yourself. If people don’t like it, the issue is with them.” – Anonymous
How has your expression and celebration of Pride changed over the years?
“I don’t need parades and bars, my old dancing feet speak most clearly and loudly when I vote and when I pay attention to all injustices and inequities.” – Julia Chevan (Sargent’85)
“Steven Prieto (Questrom’17) and myself recently led the GE Aviation presence at the Cincinnati pride parade. While walking in the parade we realized it was pretty special that it was two Boston University alums leading the contingent for GE Aviation’s Headquarters. Both of us have come out personally and professionally after graduating from Boston University. We’d like to share that it really does get better and hope to encourage students at Boston University that you can be yourself.” – Brett Meyer (ENG’10)