The Thrill is proud to feature personal narratives courtesy of Project Open Voices, a coalition of students providing a platform for open dialogue on campus. Today’s essay is titled “On Feeling Like a Phony Queer” and was authored anonymously. POV is now accepting new submissions for its gender and sexuality special edition, so if you want to share your story, email openvoicessubmissions@gmail.com. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can submit by signing into a second email account: projectopenvoices@gmail.com (password: kenyoncollege).

I should begin by saying that I’m blessed to know many wonderful people in the queer community. As a whole, I have been met with widespread acceptance, even at the times that have been most confusing in the process of coming to terms with my sexuality. But I’m writing this now as more of a reminder to everyone, even those in the queer community, to be empathetic of the experiences of those that identify differently than you. Continue reading →