As the years go by, things change and grow. For sophomore Grayson Campbell, one of these changes was sexual orientation.

Campbell transferred from a private christian school to Thomas Harrison Middle school in 5th grade, which helped him realize who he is and what he stands for. That same year was when Campbell came out.

“I believe people should be allowed to be what they are without being ridiculed,” Campbell said. “I do feel like it is important to self-express.”

Campbell has noticed opposition to the LGBTQ community, but has built an optimistic opinion about how it will go in the future.

“It is completely unnecessary [for people to be disrespectful towards the community]. I understand that sometimes it may be a religious thing, but sometimes it still isn’t necessary,” Campbell said. “I think people will be more accepting as the years go by. It is already getting better as it is, from generation to generation.”

Changing his sexual orientation has been a great feeling for Campbell.

“I made a lot of friends in the community. I am a lot more open to people. I am not afraid to be myself… I feel like people know who I am now,” Campbell said.

Sophomore Jessica Lawson, close friend of Campbell, has been supportive of his decision.

“He was pretty much the gay kid. Nobody ever complained about him and the way he acted,” Lawson said. “I tried to be as supportive as I could. When he told me I just answered with a smile on my face.”

Lawson believes the environment Campbell is surrounded by and the Harrisonburg community has made his transition easier. She also believes it has made it easier for others to come out and show pride.

“Definitely when he got to middle school, he was so open to everything,” Lawson said. “Harrisonburg is also very supportive. I think it helped, especially because of how respectful staff and peers are.”

One of the biggest pieces of advice Lawson would give to a friend of someone who is coming out is to not change yourself.

“That is why I don’t understand people who end their friendship because of the transition. Why would you not want to be their friend over something so little?” Lawson said. “I would say to not treat the person any differently; act as if everything is normal. Treat the person as you normally would.”

As for raising more awareness about LGBTQ+, Campbell looks forward to playing a bigger role in the Gay-Straight Alliance club to educate others in the community and to be more open about his story.

“I do wish people were more accepting and educated. As of right now, not a lot of people are educated to the point where they fully understand,” Campbell said. “I am a part of Gay-Straight Alliance, but haven’t met recently. As a rising junior, I do look forward to stepping up, leading it and encouraging others to be a part of it.”