Profiles in Pride
Angie Bowen
Angie Bowen grew up in a small town — River Falls, Wis. She said the only reason anyone may have heard of it is because it's where the Kansas City Chiefs hold their summer training camp. “I moved to Arkansas to help out some friends who had recently married, found out they were expecting, and had to move here (1,000 miles from all their family) — all within the span of 2 months. So I applied for and took a job with Youth Programs on the Air Force Base. I met my partner six months later, and we now live in Little Rock.
We asked Angie about her career.
“ I am currently ‘in between' careers and just have a job now, but am devoting all the time I can to our new non-profit venture. But I have always had a career working with kids in one capacity or another, most recently in the mental health field.”
Talk about some of the work you have done for the GLBT community.
“To be honest, until recently I have done very little. A few months ago I began working on something I've wanted to do for awhile now — the aforementioned non-profit endeavor. What we are doing is building an organization that will serve as an LGBTQ community center, as well as offer clinical counseling services specifically for our LGBTQ population. While we are in the VERY early stages right now, there seems to be a lot of enthusiasm and support from those we've spoken to in the community, as well as many of our allies.
“We are currently offering a referral source, consultations via e-mail correspondence, etc and eventually will have a building to house all of our services to support the LGBTQ population of Central Arkansas . There are many steps in between that I won't go into now, but it will be a progressive build which should lend itself well to stability and longevity.
“One very important aspect is the inclusion of community service. We would like for this group to come together and support and contribute to the community at large, not just to increase recognition for our organization, but to start to break down the stereotypes that are often (and unfairly) attributed to our community.
“For anyone who wants further information — has a concern, would like to help, wants to donate time or money, or just wants to check us out our new site is: www.arkansas-lgbtq-resource.org .”
What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?
“Coming out is such a personal process — and it's definitely a journey that's different for everyone. As we all know, you first have to come out to yourself and for some that's the most difficult part. And when you've become aware of your own reality, then you have to decide who else to ‘let in' — and that's where it sometimes gets difficult and even dangerous.
“I don't believe there is any universal advice I can give to anyone. Everyone's life and circumstances are so different; the individual is the only one who knows best. The only advice I would offer is that once you've decided to share your true self with those around you, keep yourself safe. I don't mean that in a paranoid hyper-vigilant way, I just mean be realistic and be prepared for the fact that some may not react well at all — and if you find yourself in that worst case scenario, be aware of the impact it may have on you and your life. Will you be thrown out of your house, will you be cut off financially, etc. — and can you overcome those circumstances?
“But in the end, the best thing you can do for yourself is to come out when the time is right. It is an incredibly empowering experience. You are allowing yourself to be your true self, there is no hiding and that is very liberating. That's when you can begin to combat stereotypes and prejudices, just by being yourself and letting people see a normal person who just happens to be gay.”
What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality?
“ In the near future, I see small steps and occasional signs of progress. We've already seen some in Massachusetts , other countries around the world, and most recently the ruling in New York (acknowledging gay marriages in other states/countries). Unfortunately, at this point I believe each small step will be followed with some backlash — more talk of ‘activist judges', more ballot initiatives, etc. But, that's all part of the process. I don't think any one of us doesn't expect resistance every step of the way, it's just our political and societal climate right now.
“Having said all that, my long-range outlook for gay rights/equality is much brighter. The next generation seems to realize that we're all just people, and that no group or orientation is any less worthy of the equal rights we were all promised by our forefathers. I truly believe that in my lifetime I will have the right to legally marry my partner and it will be recognized by every state we may choose to live in, and there won't be any asterisks or qualifiers to suggest that our union is any less than anyone else's.”
Profiles in Pride Questions
Date and place of birth? May 4, 1973, River Falls, Wis.
What is your favorite food? pineapple
What food will you not eat? That's a long list. Seafood and mushrooms for starters
What is the best job you've ever had? Soccer coach
What is your dream job? Coach of the US Women's soccer team
If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? Travel, hang out with family and friends, and save the world
Who do you admire most (living or dead)? My cousin
Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? My partner and my cousin — and we could invite Bill and Hilary, too
Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My cousin and LT (my dad)
What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? I try not to have regrets — they don't accomplish anything as nothing can be undone, and I think everything happens for a reason and teaches us something
What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? Played college soccer
What is your favorite word? respect
Least favorite word? Can't
Favorite curse word? Phrase, not a word “oh for f*ck sake”— it's a Yankee thing
What turns you on? Intelligence, compassion, humor
What turns you off? Lack of intelligence, intolerance
What word would others use to describe you? I got ‘funny, determined, and charismatic'
What word sums you up? genuine |
