Heyy Everyone =)

It is an honor to start writing for the Campus Pride Blog, one of my favorite ways to advocate is to just pick up a pen and start writing, in this case start typing. My name is Jonny (yes, without an 'h'), for the last twenty-one years I have grown up on Long Island in New York State. I currently go to the University at Albany, where I am studying Environmental Sciences and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies. Transferring to Albany gave me the jump to actively participate in a new location of the LGBT movement setting that is different where I grew up. Now at Albany I have the opportunity to excel because of my position as Vice President at my University’s, LGBTA group, the Pride Alliance.

I got a chance of a lifetime to go to attend a leadership camp called 'Campus Pride Leadership Camp' which was a five day conference setting that was open to all student leaders nation-wide, it was hosted by Towson University. The experiences and people I have met there, faculty along with other students alike, were as if nothing similar to what I have ever seen or been near. Over sixty active student leaders, traveling to Maryland from California, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Texas; even a student originally from South Africa! Over the short weeklong camp, the time I have spent with other campers got me to appreciate, learn, laugh and grow as a human being to striving for change on my campus as well as the several communities that I live in.

In New York State LGBT people, like me, are second class citizens living in a constricted realm. One of my goals is to help promote, educate and reach out to other youths who want to see their and other people's rights to be equal with no prejudge in that world. I remember many times, especially when I was younger that I use to be belittled or bullied for what I stood for. I was pressured to fit in with the all ‘American Standard’ and hold back my natural rights, to live closed at work or even high school. After working and volunteering in numerous organizations for about four years I have realized that equality in the LGBT community is where I belong.

My hope is that everyone reading these blogs each week will write back, by commenting blogs of that from myself and other Campus Q Team Members. Each week I will be posting new blog on different topic that I want to share with you to help relate the problems with everyone out there by inspiring leaders to create chance on your campus and community.

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."