Rasheeda

NC junior Rasheeda Hallum began considering she was different from her peers freshman year. Up until the summer of 2017, Rasheeda did not fully want to accept herself or understand what she wanted.

While at camp, she hoped to find a boyfriend, but ended up falling for a girl instead. This came as a wake-up call to her. She had to accept herself before she would find happiness.

By coming out as bisexual, another problem faced Hallum, the poor and “ignorant”, according to Hallum, stigma surrounding bisexuals in the LGBT community. People say they fear commitment to one sexuality.

“They do not know who I am, or what I am going through. I know who I am, and am secure with who I am, I am not confused,” Hallum said.  She believes that once people see that difference does not change the person, the world will feel safer and happier for everyone.

The support of Hallum’s friends also helps her confidence and pride in herself. “Rasheeda is a very beautiful person inside and out, and you can always count on her because she will always be there for you,” her friend, junior Norhan Hassan, said.