The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance presented "Out Loud and Proud Speakers Night," featuring two members of MTV's reality television show, "The Real World," who spoke about their experiences with homosexuality, college and their time on television.
Chris Beckman from "The Real World: Chicago," and Danny Roberts from "The Real World: New Orleans," who were known only by their first names on the show, addressed a packed house of students at Slee Concert Hall Tuesday night.
"We are here tonight to listen to two distinguished individuals who are committed to the same goals as our club - breaking down stereotypes, creating more unity and having more pride," said LGBTA President Cory J. Hill.
The former cast members spoke briefly about themselves and their experiences in college.
"During my first year of school, I felt like maybe thinking I was gay was just a phase," Danny said. "When I was 19, and still preferring guys to girls, I realized that the so-called phase was never going to end."
Chris focused on his extensive drug and alcohol use during school and the recovery that followed.
"I was one of those people who just couldn't stop drinking, and now I'm still a sophomore, and I still have two years left," Chris said. "It's terrible to realize how much time I wasted trying to escape from reality."
Danny shared his story about difficulties he experienced when deciding to come out to his family on Christmas Eve, before he leaving his home for New Orleans. According to Danny, MTV required him to inform his family of his sexual orientation before filming began.
"I was really looking for something that would force me to do it, because I wanted to tell them so badly," Danny said. "There was so much missing and so much they didn't know about me and the life I was living."
According to Chris, his great-grandmother was the most difficult person for him to tell.
"When I first told her, she asked me, 'Can't you go to the doctor and get that cured?'" Chris said. "I mean, this is my 92-year-old great-grandmother, she's my heart and soul, and that just made it that much more difficult."
Both Chris and Danny updated the audience on what has become of their lives since their stints on the Real World.
"For about a year after the show, I went crazy trying to please everyone, and I realized I was losing my identity again," said Danny.
According to Danny, he is still together with his partner, Paul, and the couple recently purchased a home. Paul appeared in some episodes of the New Orleans season with his face censored, due to issues regarding confidentiality and the opposition to gays in the military, since Paul was a member of the armed forces.
Chris said he is keeping himself busy touring and speaking to young people about the challenges he has faced, not only as a homosexual, but as a recovering drug and alcohol abuser.
Many topics were touched upon during the open question and answer forum following the presentation, including religion.
"There are a few churches that are opening their doors up to everyone, and not discriminating, which is what they should be doing," said Chris.
"And you know, if Jesus were around today, he'd be chilling with gay people, just like he chilled with prostitutes back in the day," Danny said, chuckling. "Religion is not about judgment, it's about accepting everybody."
According to both of The Real World veterans, the show provided them with a learning experience they will never forget.
Many of the comments from the audience indicated that Chris and Danny served as great examples, because they were the only gay members of each of their casts.
"It was nice to get to know them on a personal level," Thomas Hill, a freshman undecided major, said. "They're really positive role models."
After the presentation, Danny mentioned why he particularly enjoys talking to college students.
"I think it's more important to talk to young people than anyone else," Danny said. "Their minds are so malleable and it's very important for a positive message to get out."
Members of the audience said the most impressive part of the lecture was not Chris and Robert's celebrity, but their honesty.
"They didn't say what they necessarily thought we wanted to hear," said Lorenzo Guzman, Special Interest, Service and Hobby Council Coordinator. "They were honest, and they were themselves, and that is what made their presentation great."
"I think this program showed more so that they're normal people, living normal lives," LGBTA Vice President Rachel Parrino said. "Hopefully, because of people like them, our generation is learning."
According to Hill, the club is trying to bring other speakers, such as Margaret Cho and Betty Degeneres, Ellen Degeneres' mother, for future events like "Out Loud and Proud."
