Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan

Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan

Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan

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Hannah Baker: Profile of a Winona State student who embraces her sexual orientation

Senior Hannah Baker shows her pride button that she wears on her backpack to remind herself who she is. (Photo by Sarah Murray)
Senior Hannah Baker shows her pride button that she wears on her backpack to remind herself who she is. (Photo by Sarah Murray)

Dana Scott/Winonan

Senior Hannah Baker, a communication studies major at Winona State University, has recently opened up to herself and close friends that she is a lesbian. Baker shared her journey and advice to others who may be in the same position.

Baker shared an experience that occurred when she was in fourth grade that still impacts her to this day.

“I kissed a girl,” Baker revealed. “I didn’t know what I was doing.”

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Afterwards, her classmates locked her in the bathroom and told the teacher on her. Being raised in a religious household, after this traumatic instance Baker thought she had sinned and could never talk to girls again.

“I never had friends who were girls,” Baker said. “I was afraid I would try to kiss them.”

However, all of that changed over her time at Winona State. Baker came out about a month ago after watching a YouTube testimony of another woman coming out.

“She felt like she was living a life in her head,” Baker explained. “She had another life to live, and I realized I did too.”

Baker shared her knowledge of the resources on campus that could be beneficial, which included the KEAP center, located in the lower hyphen of Kryzsko Commons. KEAP stands for knowledge, empowerment, advocacy and pluralism, and it is a safe space for anyone on campus to go to. Also, Full Spectrum, Winona State’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, is an organization that promotes diversity and equality for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Full Spectrum holds meetings every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in Minné 110.

Baker has not taken advantage of these resources because she is fortunate enough to have a group of friends who accept and provide support for her. She feels she has her own community.

“I have the best friends in the world,” Baker said. “They just want me to be happy and they don’t care.”

Baker said it takes a lot of effort to tell someone that you have not been honest with them about who you are.

“Try not to turn anyone away,” Baker said. “You don’t have to like me; I’m going to make my own choice.”

Baker shared that it’s a learning experience for her and her loved ones, and she just wants to help others feel comfortable with themselves. Although Baker has only been out for a month, she still has advice for others.

“No matter what you do and what you are looking for,” Baker said. “Nothing will ever feel as good as being your true self, and not being able to hide who you are.”

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