Know an HRC Intern: Patrick Ahern
Name: Patrick Ahern
Hometown: Roanoke, VA (map)
School: University of Virginia
Major: Nursing
HRC Department: Family Project
Why intern at HRC?
I chose to intern with HRC because, as a gay student, I am passionate about the issues the LGBT community face and wanted to be involved in the exciting movement towards equality. I specifically chose the Family Project because, as a nursing student and aspiring pediatric nurse practitioner, I have a special interest in healthcare equality, LGBT adoption rights and child advocacy.
What do you like most about working at HRC?
Working at the HRC has been an excellent experience because everyone here is so passionate about the work we are doing and excited to make the world a more welcoming place. I have gained invaluable work experience and perspective interning at such a large and organized non-profit. Also, unlike some internships, I have been involved in a great deal of substantive work and have had many educational and social experiences both within the HRC through brown bag seminars and throughout the city.
What issue is most pressing for the queer community on your campus?
Overall, I have had a good experience being out at my school. However, I think there are a variety of pressing issues on my campus: UVA does not currently provide domestic partner benefits, transgender students are not protected under our non-discrimination policy, there is no queer studies major or minor despite interest (though we do have some queer-related courses), and there is just an overall lack of awareness about LGBT issues. Also, there was recently a hate-motivated crime in the Charlottesville area, so safety is still unfortunately an issue for the community (though my school did respond well to it).
What other issues interest you besides LGBT equality?
I am very interested in healthcare reform, specifically ensuring that every single American has access to quality healthcare. I am also passionate about women’s rights, HIV/AIDS issues, child advocacy and education as well as gun control.
What do you do when you’re not out being an activist?
At school, I spend most of my time with activities such as nursing school, the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Peer Health Educators and serving as the LGBT Health Coordinator on the LGBT Resource Center’s operating board. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, running, keeping up with current events and hanging out with friends as much as possible. I also love movies, music, seeing concerts in Charlottesville, eating and getting coffee downtown with friends and playing with my puppy, Rizzo.
What was the last song you downloaded?
The last album I downloaded was the new Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. Great album!
What upcoming events are you most excited about?
I’m excited for school to start up again. I’m doing my pediatric clinical this semester and cannot wait to learn more about that. Also, I look forward to being more involved with the LGBT community at my school.
Who would you like to have dinner with?
It would be an honor to have dinner with Dave Matthews. I think he is an amazing person with remarkable talent and a very interesting life story. We seem to share extremely similar values and beliefs and I love that he believes in equality and is not afraid to stand up for it. He also lives in Charlottesville (convenient, right?!) and just seems like a really fun guy!
What advice would you give to LGBT students?
I believe the most powerful instrument in the LGBT equality movement is simply living our lives openly and being honest about who we are and who we love. Each time we come out to our family, friends, classmates and coworkers it is harder for them to deny us the basic rights we deserve. You don’t have to devote your life and career to LGBT advocacy to make a difference – do what you enjoy and are good at, but always find ways to make the world more welcoming and fair for everyone through your own career and day-to-day life. Don’t settle for even the slightest injustice – fight until every person and every family is truly equal.