Mickey Hart, Gay
Assistant Director of Campus Life for the LGBT Programs Center

LIST YOUR INVOLVEMENTS AT OU:
I have been involved in a variety of LGBT and social justice related efforts in Athens since 1990. Currently I serve as the Assistant Director of Campus Life for the LGBT Programs Center for the university.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE OUT or TO BE AN ALLY?
As Judy Shepard said during her visit to OU in Fall ’04, it is important for those who can be out to be out everyday and in everyway. While I know that is not easy to do, I do know until people with negative views about LGBT people actually know someone who is open and out, they never have to think about LGBT people as human…we remain just an “other’ to them. Since not all people feel they can be out, is important for those of us who can to be out to be very out as LGBT or out as an Ally. Non-LGBT supporters (Allies) are so important to our social justice movement. It is comforting to know that we have support, admiration and understanding. Also, I feel that for those who discount everything I say as a gay man, there is some hope that they may listen to and learn from an ally!

WHY ARE YOU “PROUD”? WHAT ARE YOU MOST “PROUD” OF?
I am proud of my life’s work to improve the quality of life for LGBT people, especially here at Ohio University.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO COME OUT?
Oh, I could talk about this at length and will if you want to. In the meantime, I would say that it is vital to have a support network in place and read about potential outcomes. Stop by the Center if you need any assistance.

THOUGHTS FOR NON-LGBT PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT PEOPLE AND CONCERNS:
In a place of higher learning, I feel that is most important to educate yourself and then to educate others.