NIQ Profiles - Mack Lewis IIAreas of Study:
Sociology, Women's Studies, LGBT Studies certificate
Expected Graduation Date: May 2010
Campus Involvement:
Prism
Straight Talk Speaker’s Bureau
TRiO Scholars
Neptune Hall Council
Spin
Future Plans: I hope to one day establish a career in LGBT health and activism. I want to work for a non-profit organization such as HRC. I plan to have one of my own non-profits one day. I also plan to become an entrepreneur since owning my own business has been my ultimate dream since childhood.
My favorite LGBTQ thing at NIU is … I remember my first year at NIU when I received a “Welcome Days” poster and that was when I learned about the Rainbow Ice Cream Social that is held in August. At that moment, I knew that NIU was the school for me. People greeted me with open arms and I automatically felt welcomed and that I belonged. Also, the Prism dances and Community Gatherings because they allow you to meet other potential LGBTQ people who have the same interests as you and the dances provide a time to have fun and socialize with friends.
My involvement on campus has helped me … becoming a leader and being a voice for those people who do not have a voice. Through my involvement with Prism and the Speaker’s Bureau, it has provided me a chance to show my leadership potential and to educate people about the LGBT and gender identity issues. I have developed strong communication skills by means of my many campus involvements. I feel more confident about myself and I am able to hold my head up high and come out of my comfort zone more.
NIU is a good school for LGBTQ students because … not only is it a very gay-friendly campus, but NIU is also accepting and has a wide support network of allies that are visible all across campus and resources available to you such as the resource center.
The LGBT Resource Center offers … a safe place to go for LGBTQ-related resources, support and people who may be questioning their sexuality. You can do homework, have lunch, socialize between a long days of classes or just hang out with friends.
The LGBT Resource Center has helped me by... providing me with a home based atmosphere and for mutual support. I love the resource center and I am an everyday visitor.
My experience as an LGBTQ student at NIU has been … by far very positive. I am out and about on campus. I have no problem with coming out and having to hide my true identity. People have come to accept me for me and as a result, they respect me as person for the simple fact that I am able to be open and true to myself and that is all I ask.
My advice to other LGBTQ students would be … to not hide your true self. Be who you are and say what you feel. Sexuality is a vital part of who we are as people. I believe that people’s hearts have to change and when someone meets a person who is LGBTQ that in turn makes them seem to understand and take on new and improved attitudes. I would also strongly encourage people to utilize all the resources that are available to them while they are students. In addition, get involved and be a voice for those who do not have a voice because voice is power and being a voice can bring about change and therefore, turn ignorance into understanding.