New GSA president finds campus an accepting place
Demetria Stephens
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: Features
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"One thing you should know about me is that I try to be open and honest," said Jackson. "I am definitely gay and out as far as on campus and haven't had any issues so far."
He has encountered bad situations beyond the campus, though, such as being called names and receiving nasty looks.
Jackson, an economics major, plans to attend graduate school and to study urban developing and planning. He's from the Grandmont-Rosedale neighborhood of Detroit, but grew up through his teenage years in South Lyon.
At age 12 or 13, Jackson realized he was gay but didn't become fully comfortable with his identity until he turned 15.
"My parents are religious people and very conservative people," he said. "However, they don't accept the decision I've made regarding my sexuality. But they do love me because I am their child. But on campus I have always expressed who I am."
Jackson encourages everyone to join the alliance. The group is not just for gays, lesbians and transgendered students, he said.
"One of our biggest goals is to promote diversity and understanding," said Jackson. "When there's an organization of diverse individuals, you'll learn a great deal about other ways of life."
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cisco
posted 3/03/10 @ 12:21 PM EST
Good luck to Dustin. I pray that in time his parents will come along.
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