Hey, I'm new!

[CagedBird]

I'm not really comfortable with giving out my name, in case someone I personally know happens to stumble across this... so you can refer to me as Bird.

I'm a newbie, and I was just looking around the forums, and you all seem like a great group of people. One of the main reasons I decided to join is that I'm going to be attending Oral Roberts this fall. It's something I'm terrified about. I'm only going because it is forced by my family. I'm not out to my family, and I'm not too thrilled about having to pretend to be something I'm not at home and at school. At least right now, I have a bit of freedom at my high school.

So, I'm hoping here, maybe I could find some awesome people I'll be able to talk to, and find support while I begin college in the fall.

I'm Bird, and it's nice to meet you!

[Pablo Rafael]

Hi Bird,

It tough to have to pretend to be something one is not. I did that for many many years. Sometimes we have no choice, however. It seems like right now you are in a position where things are not under your control. It is only for a time, however.

I wish you the best on your college experience. I hope you will join in on discussions here on the forums.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[bnmoore]

Welcome!

Live the truth of your being. Or not. The choice is yours. That is which we live and move and have our being has your back either way. It's all good.

[Gennee]

Welcome to the forums, Bird. I understand your situation. I discovered my transgenderism while in college. It was also a Christian college. Like Pablo says, not being able to be yourself for now is only for a time. What will you be studying?

Gennee

[celestial_rain]

I attend a very strict Christian college, so I also need to hide who i am for fear of being kicked out. It is not easy, but you will have the support of all of us here. good luck! I will be praying for you.

[CagedBird]

Thank you for the kind words! It's nice to meet you all!

Gennee, I plan on studying business. I think I'll be doing off campus studies in music industry courses, too, so I can get into music business.

[Gennee]

Originally Posted by CagedBird

Thank you for the kind words! It's nice to meet you all!

Gennee, I plan on studying business. I think I'll be doing off campus studies in music industry courses, too, so I can get into music business.

That's grreat, Cagedbird. I'm sure you'll do very well.

Gennee

[drobs]

Bethel College (now called Bethel University) Grad here. Wow Oral Roberts, that place is strict!

Bethel would be considered Liberal compared to that school. Good luck to you. I recommend you get an apartment off campus as soon as you can.

Tell the folks that it's a good way to save money.

[antiochian]

Dear Bird,

I will be graduating from a Baptist university this spring. It was, shall we say, an experience. I experienced a lot of homophobia, but on the other hand, some English professors in particular were very helpful and affirming.

I'm very sad when people treat each other as property. In trying to decide your future for you, instead of letting you decide for yourself, that's what your family's doing. If you really don't want to go to this university, you cannot be forced to. If that means paying your own way through the college of your choice, it may be more difficult, of course, and your family will be upset, obviously, but it's still your life.

On the other hand, you can do what I did, and I attended a Christian school as well. Make the best of it. Focus on your education and your future--you won't be there forever. And remember, just because someone has a PhD doesn't make him or her right. In your theology classes, you'll be inundated with "truths" about this and that, but the only truth that matters is yours, so hold it close.

I hope you can find a community of friends who will help and affirm you, if you don't already have that. That's important. You matter, and God loves you. NEVER forget that. Bright blessings.

[BrianB]

Greetings Bird,

I'm not sure if this group is active any more but there used to be a group called ORU-OUT. It's a group of ORU alumni that happen to be GLBT. It seem like I remember some of the people here also being members of ORU-OUT. Anyway, I know that there are several gay friendly churches in Tulsa if you are searching for one. FWIW, My cousin graduated from ORU. He's a very homophobic doctor in Tulsa now. I'm not out to him or that part of my family. They are very outspoken against gay people.

[CagedBird]

Thank you for your replies!

Antiochian, I thought long and hard about whether to go with it or not. It was a struggle, but I think now it's best if I do so. I plan to make what I can out of it. I like what you said though, that the only truth that matters is mine. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for what lies ahead, so that's definitely something I am going to try to keep firm and remember.

Brian, I also heard about ORU-OUT, but it doesn't seem to be active anymore. Maybe it is, but is still kept a bit secretive? I'm not sure. I've been researching for affirming places near by.

Thank you, folks, it's greatly appreciated