I used to be afraid to voice my conservative opinions because I feared rejection from my progressive peers and family. In fact, I only started being open about my beliefs about a year ago, about the same time I registered to vote for the first time. I registered as a Republican, and I felt empowered doing so. Since then, I have been a lot more open about my opinions in real life and on social media. I no longer say what I think people want to hear in order to earn others’ approval. Here are 5 reasons why I love being “out of the closet.”

  1. It’s a lot easier to meet fellow conservatives

Within the last year, I joined my school’s College Republicans group, and I also applied to be an FFL Cabinet Member! Those were the best decisions ever because now I have a wide network of supportive and empowered conservative women. I’ve made lots of new friends and connections just by being honest about my beliefs.  

Pro tip: if you want to meet other conservative women, join the Future Female Leaders Network group on Facebook. You won’t regret it!

  1. I know that my friends accept me for who I am

My friends are real and won’t turn their noses up at me when they learn I have conservative beliefs! I don’t believe politics define a person, and I know my friends agree. They see me and love me for who I am.

RELATED: 3 Signs Someone On Your Campus Might Be A Closet Conservative

  1. By being open about my beliefs, I have the power to expose other people to conservative arguments and even change minds

When I have a chance to discuss politics in a friendly and civil environment, I no longer need to be silent about my opinions. I can speak my mind. Many people on the other side have never even listened to opposing arguments! I have been pleasantly surprised by how many times my point of view has resonated with liberals.

  1. I love dismantling the liberal stereotype that women, especially women of color, can’t be Republicans

So many liberals assume that the only Republicans are old white men. I’m a conservative Asian female college student. I love shocking people when they learn I am a Republican! By being open about my beliefs, I empower other women to think for themselves rather than adopt society’s narrow minded opinions. I’m also telling the world that the left doesn’t represent all women or all minorities.

  1. I really am proud of my beliefs, and I feel empowered being open about them

By being “in the closet” about my conservatism, I was actually silencing myself. I wasn’t being true to myself. Now that I’m “out” as a proud conservative, I really feel that I own my beliefs. I’m telling the world, “this is who I am, and I’m proud of that.” I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Jenn B
CABINET