We met Ty Stacey at a Stonewall Democrats meeting a year or so ago. She grew up in Arkadelphia and now makes Little Rock her home where she is a full-time student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

We asked her to talk about some of the work she has done for the GLBT community.

“The most empowering work I have done is to just be out,” Ty said. “I have appeared in the Arkansas Times for a GLBT article, and worked at Choice USA out of D.C. to advocate reproductive rights for gays here in Arkansas. I have also volunteered for various organizations that support gay/lesbian rights in our community.”

What are your thoughts on coming out, advice to others, etc.?

“I think that it is a very empowering move to come out of the closet. It changes the role from victim to responsible human being. I do know that all situations are not as easy as simply outing oneself, so in that situation I would suggest tell someone. Being true to yourself is something no one can take away.”

What do you see in the near future and long-range for gay rights/equality?

“It is taboo for me to use the example of the civil rights movements for Afro-Americans, but I will anyway because I am an Afro-American and I see an overwhelming similarity in the two. I think that the future of gay rights will be resolved when something eye-opening happens and a lawmaker decides that gay people are humans, and they deserve the right to be protected by the constitution too!”

Profiles in Pride questions:

Date and place of birth? February 6, 1977

What is your favorite food? Anything with Cheese.

What food will you not eat? Caviar

What is the best job you've ever had? Working for Choice USA

What is your dream job? To be a Civil Liberties attorrney and continue to advocate for gay rights.

If you didn't have to work, what would you do with all of your time? I would spend time reading and socializing with people.

Who do you admire most (living or dead)? There are a lot of people that have influenced me, but I will pick Bayard Rustin.

Who would you lunch with if you could have anyone (living or dead)? Carl Jung

Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Mother

What one thing would you not have done if you could go back in time? Nothing, everything in my life has shaped me to be the person I am today.

What one thing would you have done if you could go back in time? Be more kind to people.

What is your favorite word? Epistemology

Least favorite word? Perfect

Favorite curse word? F*CK

What turns you on? Intellegence

What turns you off? Snooty people

What word would others use to describe you? Outspoken

What word sums you up? Ty