At John Jay College, we actively aim to create an environment that promotes inclusivity, celebrates differences, and fosters fairness and equality for all. In honor of Pride Month, we’re applauding the strength, talent, and unity of John Jay’s LGBTQ+ community by featuring some of its proudest members.

Josephine Kehm ’21, a former Q’onnections mentor who recently graduated with a master’s degree in International Crime and Justice, has been out and open about her sexuality since she was 17 years old. The pride she feels for herself and her community extends into her every interaction. But her willingness to be open and honest about her sexuality didn’t come easy. “The community I grew up in was very conservative, with mostly Catholic and very white, wealthy families. So, early on in life, being out and proud wasn’t an option for me,” says Kehm, discussing her upbringing in Mamaroneck, New York. “People weren’t outwardly homophobic, but being gay wasn’t talked about. There was also the fact that I had never seen a gay woman and no one in my school was out. I had no one I could turn to. I always felt very alone.”

Looking back at her youth, Kehm remembers feeling lost and isolated. “I would ask myself, Why is this happening to me? I felt such a lack of control over my life.” But with time and the support of her family, Kehm felt comfortable enough to be honest and speak her truth. “I realized I didn’t choose to be this way. I was born this way. Once I said the words ‘I’m gay,’ I felt such a sense of relief. I could finally be myself,” recalls Kehm. “If I could go back in time and talk to 17-year-old Jojo, I would tell her, ‘It’s going to be okay. There is nothing wrong with you. You are gay and you are going to have such a wonderful life.’” We sat down with Kehm to learn more about her journey and her hopes for the future of the LGBTQ+ community.

What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride means living your life and being your authentic self. I was 19 years old when I went to my first Pride celebration—my sister took me, she was the first person I ever came out to. I remember seeing everyone just so happy. I started crying because I had never seen so many openly out people who were happy and thriving. You could just feel the love and support within the community. It was so amazing.

How have you celebrated Pride so far?
I’m celebrating Pride this year by being visible. When I was a kid, I didn’t really see gay women who looked like me, let alone gay women who dated women that look like my girlfriend. There wasn’t much feminine representation within the gay women community. I try to be as visible as possible to show that there are different types of people in our community. I also celebrate Pride by educating those around me. I let people know that they can ask me questions because I want to have these conversations with them so they can become more knowledgeable about what it means to be LGBTQ+. 

You were a mentor with Q’onnections. What was that experience like for you?
Being a Q’onnections mentor was an amazing experience for me. Most of the students I spoke with just needed someone to hear them out, listen to their story without judgment, and be accepting of them. I think it was also important for them to know I was someone who had been through a similar experience. Some of the students would say, “You know Jojo, I’m so happy to hear you went through the same thing I’m going through. It makes me feel seen and incredibly validated.” Being able to be that person that gets to tell them, “You’re not alone. I went through this. It’s going to be okay,” is such a rewarding feeling.

Why is it important for our country to celebrate and acknowledge Pride?
I really do think that homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and hate come from a place of ignorance. The more you educate people about how the LGBTQ+ community is not that much different from their own community, the more understanding there is in the world. Everyone just wants love. Everyone just wants acceptance and feeling like they belong. At the end of the day, we all have that in common with one another. So, I see the acknowledgment and celebration of Pride as a way of spreading awareness and showing how totally healthy and wonderful life can be, even if it looks a little different.

What do you hope celebrating Pride Month accomplishes?
I hope, above all, that Pride Month helps educate people outside of the LGBTQ+ community and also within. As an openly gay person, I’ve learned a lot about the community by being a mentor and speaking with others, especially students from the trans community. Growing up, I had never been around trans people, and I had never experienced the feeling of questioning my gender identity, but because that was an experience I never had, I wanted to learn more. I wanted to become a better ally to the trans community, so I was proactive, asking questions, learning, and participating in a trans workshop.

There’s also a lot of gatekeeping in the community. My girlfriend is bisexual and bisexual people are marginalized by both the straight and gay community. She always tells me, “Jojo, my queerness is dependent on yours. I’m not accepted as a person within the LGBTQ+ community unless I’m out with you.” So, I really hope this celebration of Pride helps raise awareness and debunks those myths.

What can people outside of the LGBTQ+ community do to be a true ally?
Treat LGBTQ+ spaces in the same way you would treat a foreign place as a tourist. Appreciate the culture. Ask questions and educate yourself. But, remember that at the end of the day, you’re a guest in this space, so be respectful of the people, culture, and customs. And when you can, do your best to help uplift the community and amplify LGBTQ+ voices.

What are your hopes for the future of the LGBTQ+ community?
My hope for the future of the LGBTQ+ community is mostly to create an all-inclusive space where everyone in the community can feel welcomed and accepted. There is no right or wrong way to be queer, and I think visible representation and diversity are crucial to spreading this message.