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In Out And About On The Hill Analysis

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Nickoloff’s In, Out, and About on the Hill demonstrates the power college has on personal growth and discovery. The personal stories of eight Holy Cross LGBTQ alumni chronologically showcase the struggles and achievements for LGBTQ visibility within the college. Reading these stories puts into perspective the power of personal narrative and it their lasting effects. Never before had I deeply pondered or analysed the history of the college or considered those who came before. In, Out, and About on the Hill reflects not only on the brave stories of Holy Cross alumni but on the power and the influence of legacy. Each narrative within In, Out, and About was essential to the overarching progression of LGBTQ visability within Holy Cross. Yet the stories of Meghan Sweeney and Jeannie Seidler personally stood out. Ms.Sweeney and Ms. Seidler’s stories demonstrated the strength of unrelentingly brave voices. Sweeney’s anonymous letter Outta Here to The Crusader sent ripple effects into Seidler’s own public coming. Both women showcased how one person’s courage can change the direction of the lives of others. Sweeney helped create a confidential meeting for LGBTQ students on campus, which went onto help alumni throughout the rest of the book, including Seidler. On the other hand, Seidler helped establish and run Allies, …show more content…

The fact that we have a class offering, focused and titled LGBTQ studies, shows how much the college has evolved throughout the years. Yet I do not think this means the college is finished evolving. Discussing and giving a face to these issues are the first steps but there must also be action. The college does not exist in a vacuum but in a world which normalizes heterosexuality while simultaneously marginalizing homosexuality. Reforming an institution which has been built on heteronormativity takes time but as I read the stories of these alumni, I believe Holy Cross is on its

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