Pride Month: Learn what pride means to three members of the CWRU community
Each June, Pride Month serves as a reminder to celebrate identity and self-expression, honor resilience and recognize the many ways lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queer individuals contribute to the communities around them.
At Case Western Reserve University, pride carries various meanings for members of the LGBTQ+ community—shaped by personal experiences, relationships and ongoing pursuits of belonging. The month also coincides with celebrations across Northeast Ohio, including Pride in the CLE, an all-day festival that brings together thousands of attendees each year.
To mark Pride Month, we spoke with three LGBTQ+ members of the CWRU community, who shared what pride means to them and how they celebrate and reflect on its significance throughout the year.
Read on to learn more.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Omie Meza
SEO strategy manager, University Marketing and Communications
For Omie Meza, an SEO strategy manager in University Marketing and Communications, the journey toward embracing their identity and self-expression has not always been easy. After coming out as queer at age 16 and nonbinary at 24, Meza faced opposition that ultimately strengthened their confidence and encouraged them to live more authentically.
"I felt like the world started to open up around me," Meza said. "I was able to explore new avenues of expression that I felt drawn to but had previously been too scared to pursue because of the box I was expected to stay in."
Since joining CWRU more than a year ago, Meza has found a welcoming environment—both in their professional role and as a rising second-year student in the Master of Nonprofit Organizations program. Outside of campus, they stay actively involved in Cleveland's LGBTQ+ community, participating in events hosted by organizations such as Plexus, The Buckeye Flame and Haus of Transcendent, where they recently modeled in the organization's Summerfest fashion show.
Meza also enjoys gathering with community members at drag shows, trivia nights and PERF, a monthly queer dance party that celebrates inclusivity, diversity and self-expression. They are also working toward publishing their first book with stories centered around the queer community.
“Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has influenced me to dream big and work harder than I ever have before,” they said. “I see so many people within the community achieve such great things and experience the world so beautifully, and I want to live up to that too.”
Q. What does pride mean to you?
Pride Month is our opportunity to celebrate the community, connect with others and advocate for our rights boldly and proudly. To me, it feels like the brightest time of year, where I get to see my fellow LGBTQ+ siblings shine and celebrate their journeys. As someone who is nonbinary, I want people to see me for who I am and less about my gender. Existing in a space outside of that gives me fluidity when it comes to expression and connection to others.
Q. What advice would you give to individuals who may still be exploring or questioning their identity?
Take your time, talk to trusted friends or family, research and learn more. Most of all, be kind to yourself. It might not make sense right away, but when you feel ready, you'll know it.
Q. What is your favorite thing about CWRU?
I love knowing that everyone here comes from an extensive background and has many different experiences that contribute to how they engage with the university and students. Whether it's professors from all over the world, staff with unique working experiences that help others grow and think outside the box, or students who come with bright and ready minds, everyone comes to CWRU to provide such amazing knowledge and wisdom, as well as pass it on to others who are so willing to learn.
Alyssa Morgan
Prospect research analyst, Office of Philanthropy
As a prospect research analyst in the Office of Philanthropy, Alyssa Morgan spends her days investigating, analyzing and prioritizing potential donors for the university. Beyond her professional role, she enjoys celebrating Pride Month with her wife, Katie, who she’s been with for 12 years and married for seven.
Unlike many members of the LGBTQ+ community, Morgan never had a formal coming-out moment. Instead, she simply began bringing her now-wife to family gatherings, and her loved ones quickly understood and accepted their relationship.
"I never really thought about being gay until my wife asked me out," said Morgan, who identifies as pansexual, someone who has sexual, romantic or emotional attraction to people regardless of their gender identity or biological sex.
"Looking back, I showed all the signs. I had gay best friends, preferred to wear men's clothes, was always interested in sports, never played with dolls and never had any 'oh man he's hot' type of feelings,” she continued.
A close friendship in high school with someone who is now transgender also helped broaden Morgan's understanding of identity and self-discovery, showing her that some people know they are LGBTQ+ from a young age.
Today, Morgan enjoys attending pride events, where she feels welcomed and connected to the broader LGBTQ+ community. Her favorite parts of Pride Month celebrations are parades and seeing the many organizations and companies that show support for LGBTQ+ individuals. For a confidence boost, Morgan turns to artists such as Paramore and Tegan and Sara—soundtracks that have accompanied her journey of self-discovery and pride.
When it comes to being an ally, Morgan encourages people to speak up when they hear derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community rather than remaining silent or laughing them off.
Q. What does pride mean to you?
To me pride means not having to worry about whether I need to say “my spouse” versus being able to freely say “my wife.” It lets adolescents know that they are not alone and even if their family doesn’t accept them for who they are, there is a whole community out here with arms wide open for them. It gives me hope that one day with enough representation through events such as [Pride Month] and queer characters leading normal lives in the media, it will be seen as normal.
Q. What advice would you give to individuals who may still be exploring or questioning their identity?
Don’t be afraid to let it be known you’re gay especially if married. That is something many people aspire to be and it shows it is possible to have a long-term marriage in this community.
Q. What is your favorite thing about CWRU?
I love feeling like people genuinely care about my wellbeing here. CWRU seems to be a very understanding and respectful place to work and I’ve never had an issue about being gay. Everyone has embraced my wife throughout the years. I feel very recognized as a part of CWRU when I receive emails about LGBTQ+ events happening on campus and I have gay coworkers who make me feel accepted.
Jason Steckel
Director of Employee Engagement, Office for Campus Enrichment and Engagement
Jason Steckel (CWR ’92, MGT ’26), director of employee engagement at the Office for Campus Enrichment and Engagement, identifies as bisexual and genderfluid, but it wasn't until his early 50s that he publicly came out. After years of wrestling with his sexuality and navigating the tension he felt between his identity and religious beliefs, a visit to his first LGBTQ+ bar while traveling in 2021 became a turning point.
This experience opened the door to a deeper understanding of himself. A few months later, he got his first tattoo, incorporating the colors of the pride flag. Although he initially described it as a symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community, it also represented a growing acceptance of his own identity. The following summer, he officially came out at Sandusky Pride.
"For much of my life, I harbored a lot of self-hatred that made it difficult for me to build meaningful relationships and connections," Steckel said. "Over the last decade of therapy, self-work and discovery, I have learned to love and accept myself in ways I never could have imagined. The healing I have experienced and the hope and joy I have discovered have transformed the way I show up in the world."
Learning to love himself and heal from past trauma better prepared Steckel to love others more fully, such as his wife, Martha Nieset, assistant director of facilities data management, visualization and analytics at the Campus Planning and Facilities Management office.
“She accepts me fully, remains curious and teaches me how to love better,” said Steckel, who joined CWRU in 2023.
Steckel also credits the LGBT Center, his colleagues, and fellow LGBTQ+ community members and allies on campus with helping him build connections and feel seen. Today, he is a proud member of the CWRU Pride Alumni Network and leads the 200 Days, 200 Conversations initiative, which aims to amplify employee voices across the university. In his free time, Steckel can be found dancing or listening to his favorite band, OneRepublic.
Q. What does pride mean to you?
As a staff member of CWRU and a recent graduate, pride means being connected to and supported by a community where you can be your authentic self. Events like Lavender Celebration and Pride in the CLE help me feel connected to that community both here at CWRU and in the broader Cleveland community. Right now, I am especially excited about the recently formed LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association Employee Resource Group here at CWRU.
Q. What advice would you give to individuals who may still be exploring or questioning their identity?
I would recommend they start with being loving and patient with themselves. I have learned that discovering your identity can sometimes be more of a journey than a destination. The other thing I would recommend is to find a few people you can invite into your journey of discovery. It could be a therapist, a few friends or family members you trust and feel safe with. Acceptance happens one small step at a time.
Q. What is your favorite thing about CWRU?
The people. My coworkers and other colleagues across campus are some of the finest human beings on the planet. Their passion, love for people and dedication to making the world better lift my spirits on a regular basis. The students here are just amazing people. Their curiosity, energy, compassion and desire to do great things is inspiring.
