Why I’m interning at the Pride Agenda



Emily Cozzi, Center

In my final year as a student at Colgate University, I spent a lot of time thinking about (or perhaps agonizing over is the more appropriate expression) what I wanted to do with myself after I graduated. I also spent a lot of time (I’m talking weekends camped out in the library) doing research and writing papers for various classes about issues relating to gender and sexuality. It wasn’t until about halfway through the year that it occurred to me to transfer this relatively newfound academic interest and passion to my life in the real world. I applied to be an intern for the Empire State Pride Agenda because I decided it was time to take all of that thinking and writing and start actually doing. I wanted to take action and make a positive difference in the lives of LGBT New Yorkers.

When I tell people that I’m working at the Pride Agenda, their initial reaction (if they’re not too busy puzzling over what on earth LGBT stands for) is often: “Why?” I’m straight, so why do I care so much? Why am I here? Frankly, there are too many reasons to list them all right now, but allow me to offer a few highlights: I’m here because of the people I love who don’t enjoy all of the same rights as me, and because I’m a huge fan of Kurt and Blaine on Glee. I’m here because Judith Butler blew my mind and because you can’t write a 25-page research paper about the Lavender Scare without getting emotionally invested in the well-being of the LGBT community. I’m here because I know that self-acceptance is hard enough for teenagers without having to worry about being bullied or judged or rejected by their families. Mostly, I’m here because I think everyone should be free to love who they want and to express themselves in whatever way they choose. I’m so excited to be part of an organization that does such remarkable work towards furthering those freedoms.