Kristin Langner
University of Northern Iowa

When I came out at age 14, I was alone, scared, and had no idea that there were others like me out there. Luckily, I found the Iowa Pride Network and was able to network with other students like me. The isolation I felt went away and I started becoming an active student leader.

I am now co-president of the University of Northern Iowa’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). It has been a great experience and we’ve helped our campus climate improve by educating our peers on LGBT issues. Iowa Pride Network’s college coalition meetings have been a great resource for our GSA members. We’ve been able to network with other groups from around the state and create programming that can effectively bring about change.

I am thankful the Iowa Pride Network exists. It provided a life-line for me, as well as many others. Through their work, I feel that all children will find their voice and realize its ok to be out and proud.