Supporters Speak: Educate Yourself

Awareness of the Issues Lets Us Make the Most of our Opportunities

by Mitchum Owen of Murray

As I approach college graduation, I am already dreading having to leave my close group of friends. While I enjoy our movie nights and social outings, the one thing I will miss the most is our discussions.

I’ve been very lucky to have a group of friends who are eager to educate themselves. They educate themselves in their field of study, they keep up with local and national politics, they digest information from international news sources, and they never tire of debating various issues. Through our discussions, we have all become more aware of the happenings in the world and the opportunities for us to make a difference. 

It was actually one of these friends who introduced me to KFA and the statewide newsletter. Through this publication, I have been able to keep up-to-date with political activities in Kentucky - and this semester, there have been several headliners.

Unfortunately, many of the conventional news outlets in rural parts of Kentucky have not recognized the significance of these events, so many GBLT individuals in our community have no idea their families and job security are being attacked so ferociously in Frankfort.

So needless to say, I am very appreciative that my friend introduced me to KFA and their informative newsletter. I can’t begin to tell you how beneficial its information has been to me during my various discussions: with other students, faculty, and politicians...that’s right...politicians.

Recently, I was in Louisville for a two-day conference with some of the key business and community leaders from throughout the state. Gov. Fletcher attended the event and even presented a speech - at one point highlighting his appreciation of diversity in Kentucky.

Afterward, he walked out of the conference hall and had a short television interview. When he finished, I approached him, introduced myself, and said I wanted to hear his side of the story on why sexual orientation had been removed from the state anti-discrimination policy.

While he pre-empted me by stating that he was in a hurry and late for another engagement, he was very pleasant in his response, stating that the situation with the University of the Cumberlands was difficult. I then reminded him that my inquiry related particularly to the state anti-discrimination policy. Unfortunately, he was unable to reply because his security officer was pushing me away, so the governor could leave for his next appointment.

As requested, I gave my business card to the officer and expect a staff member’s response in a few days.

Even though I was unable to get a satisfactory answer from the governor, I do believe something was achieved that afternoon. First of all, the governor heard one more voice of reason relating to the state’s anti-discrimination policy. Second, our conversation was videoed and photographed by a handful of local media. My interaction with the governor didn't make it on the air, but at least I gave the press another pro-fairness voice for their archives.

Ultimately, I am very pleased that I was able to express my concerns to the governor, but I would not have been able to approach him on these issues unless I had educated myself first.

With anti-fairness sentiment running rampant in our communities, it is very easy to shrink back into our safe little corners and wish the world were different. I encourage you to fight this crippling fear and go make a difference. Educate yourself on the issues in our community and share your experiences and opinions with others. You will definitely learn something new and will most likely end up making a difference.

Ask yourself...If we don’t do it, who will?

Mitchum is a senior Electronic Media major from Murray State University.