As a freshman, Bridget Siegel listened and watched as Bernie Machen addressed LGBT UF students at Pride Student Union’s annual welcome assembly.
The now 21-year-old religious studies junior and Pride president said that moment was eye-opening.
“I had no real intention of being involved with Pride when I came to UF,” Siegel said. “But there, it hit me that this was going to be something really important in my life. Sitting there and realizing that for the first time was a huge deal for me.”
(Bridget Siegel, 21, is on the left)
Siegel identifies herself as transsexual – “I love what’s in your heart, not what’s in your pants,” she said, laughing.
But embracing her identity wasn’t always easy. Siegel wasn’t “out” in high school, and she said she wasn’t comfortable with herself either.
Coming to UF and deciding to be a part of Pride was a step she never saw herself making. After just three events with Pride, she applied and was elected to become a member of its executive board. Taking the presidential position last May, she is the youngest student to ever hold the position.
“Pride means family,” Siegel said. “It truly means finding a group of people who can be your home away from home. It’s a fresh start for a lot of people.”
Siegel says the most rewarding part of being Pride president has been having the ability to help others.
“The biggest thing I can do as president is make sure they’re comfortable in their own skin,” Siegel said.
Siegel is also involved with UF Hillel and served as the UF Quidditch team’s president last year. To younger students, Siegel said getting involved can be a vital part of your college experience.
“Latch on to the things you love and the things you’re comfortable with,” Siegel said. “Most importantly, if you think that there’s any chance you’re going to enjoy it, try it. The worst thing that can happen is you don’t like it.”