Michael Gonzalez knew he was gay when his first crush happened to be a boy. At age 13, he came out to his mother, but was wary of telling his father.
Gonzalez, a tourism sophomore, shared his coming out story Monday to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies community. ASU LGBTQ Services held an open dialogue in University Center, called “Revolving Door: Coming Out/Staying Out” in honor of National Coming Out Day.
National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11. This civil awareness day was created for LGBTQ members and their supporters to recognize the struggle many face when coming out.
“My mom fully supported me and eventually things got better,” Gonzalez said.
When he came out, Gonzalez’s mother took it well, he said. She recommended he get counseling to help him better understand his realization.
“She wanted me to go to counseling, not because she wanted to change who I was or ‘fix me’ but because she wanted me to be sure I understood what I was doing at such an early age,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez founded Advocates for Downtown Equality because he felt the Downtown campus had a need for more LGBTQA student groups.
Gonzalez spoke at the event, giving advice to members of ADE, LGBTQA and others who attended. He encouraged them to share their experiences with others when they felt safe and comfortable.
At the event, LGBTQA students were given an open, safe environment to reflect on their experiences and help others who may be struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“National Coming Out Day tends to be a day for individuals to celebrate being open about their sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Chris Schlarb, services specialist for LGBTQA.
Schlarb said he wanted participants who attended the event to learn more about the LGBTQA community and how to be an ally.
ADE Vice President Robbie Lopez, a nonprofit leadership and management junior, attended the event to provide support and help create a welcoming community.
“There should definitely be more groups like ADE on the Downtown campus,” Lopez said. “It’s important to be inclusive.”
For those who weren’t able to attend Monday’s event and want to become involved with the LGBTQA community, SafeZONE training sessions will be offered on the Downtown campus Oct. 25 and Oct. 27, where individuals can become an official ally for the LGBTQA community.
Contact the reporter at cehester@asu.edu
