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<\/a><\/p>\nTell us your coming out story<\/div>\n
I \u2018came out\u2019 whilst at uni: after a 3-year school relationship with a girl, uni opened my eyes to what accepting my sexuality could bring, and so I kissed a boy (and I liked it!). I came out to my mum drunkenly on the phone shortly afterwards, and to my Dad two weeks later. I still feel like I\u2019m coming out every time I tell people I don\u2019t know about my husband though, so it\u2019s never really stopped.<\/div>\n
Did you have any LGBT+ role models growing up? Who were they and why?<\/div>\n
No! Like literally none! I wasn\u2019t wildly into any of the out gay pop stars when I was growing up and we didn\u2019t (knowingly) know any gay people. I think this is why I\u2019ve made it my unofficial life\u2019s mission to be a role model for other gay people.<\/div>\n
Have you suffered prejudice in your job or personal life and, if so, can you describe what effects it had on you?<\/div>\n
I have… and without giving any detail it almost broke me. Thankfully I found the strength to turn a huge negative into a positive and I can honestly say that I\u2019ve never been happier in my life. What the experience did teach me though was how much prejudice I had already faced without even realising it\u2026 and now I can\u2019t help but spot it, which can be hard, but it spurs me on to do something about it!<\/div>\n
What would you say to those who may be facing difficulties regarding their LGBT+ status at work?<\/div>\n
The first thing is much easier said than done, but it\u2019s to remember that the law is on your side; discrimination against LGBTQ+ people is illegal and indefensible. If it\u2019s insipid bullying you\u2019re facing, just ignore it, or complain about it; they can\u2019t do anything concrete! The second thing is \u2013 if you have the confidence \u2013 speak up. If we remain silent, nothing will change.<\/div>\n
What can we all do to make University of Kent a better place for being an LGBT+ member of staff?<\/div>\n
ENGAGE! It\u2019s so easy to \u201clet other people\u201d do things, but in numbers we have power! Let\u2019s show the rest of the community that we are legion, and that we won\u2019t let injustices go unchallenged!<\/div>\n
What do you think of being LGBT+ in Kent?<\/div>\n
It can be a bit tough in such a large county, given that our diverse communities are so dispersed. But being close to London really helps, and the rise of some of our really inclusive Pride events means that things are slowly changing.<\/div>\n
Why do you want to be an LGBT+ role model? Why is it important?<\/div>\n
When I was growing up, I had zero gay role models. I spent ten years as a secondary school teacher and saw how important it was for young people to have positive role models in all aspects of their life. Since then I have made it my mission to be a positive gay and queer role model for those who feel less empowered to live their sexuality as openly as me.<\/div>\n
Bob is happy to be contacted by email: B.McKay@kent.ac.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Student Success Manager Kent Business School Tell us your coming out story I \u2018came out\u2019 whilst at uni: after a 3-year school relationship with a girl, uni opened my eyes to what accepting my sexuality could bring, and so I … Continue reading