Know an HRC Intern: Matt Steele
Name: Matt Steele
Hometown: Salem, OR (map)
School: Reed College
Major: Sociology
HRC Department: Executive and Board Relations
Why intern at HRC?
The struggle for LGBT equality is one of the big fights of our age. I really wanted to find a way to get involved, and HRC was a great way to do that.
What do you like most about working at HRC?
HRC is full of fun, inspiring and passionate people. It has been so inspiring and so much fun getting to know them and getting to work with them.
What has been a favorite project you've worked on?
As the Executive and Board Relations intern, my primary project over the summer has been planning the summer board meeting. It was an excellent experience. I got to put a face to some of the work that goes on behind HRC and to meet some of the heavy hitters that put a lot of time, energy and resources into doing the work that we all benefit from and see.
What issue is most pressing for the queer community on your campus?
Reed is a very liberal and progressive campus, and I think it is very accepting of LGBT individuals. However, I don’t think we have a great sense of community among LGBT individuals and that is one of the most important things to empowering ourselves and making change. Another problem that is very prevalent on my campus is apathy. I love you to death Reedies, but a lot of times I think we get absorbed in our work and, as a whole, we forget to be continually fighting for LGBT equality and staying active, involved and passionate every step of the way.
What do you do when you’re not out being an activist?
I love to people watch and sit around and absorb my environment. I’m also a big outdoorsy person, so I enjoy going to the beach, swimming, biking and running.
What was the last song you downloaded?
I’m not really up with the whole technology thing. I don’t have one of those music-making instrument things, so I don’t really download music. I listen to music on YouTube, usual movie soundtracks that go with my really intense life. If I were to download a song, it would probably be the theme song from Last of the Mohicans.
What upcoming events are you most excited about?
Sadly, my internship is coming to an end in the coming week, and that’s a little sad. But, I’m really excited to go back to my community and bring back the skills, inspiration and passion I’ve gained here and see what I can do to change my school, local community and hopefully spread beyond there.
Who would you like to have dinner with?
There are a lot of people I would love to sit down and have a good meal with. Among them are Elbert Einstein, Thoreau, T. S. Eliot, Jesus, Mary Magdalene (to learn her perspective) and Harry Potter (if he existed). I’d also like to meet with Ann Coulter; I think she’d really spice up the event.
What advice would you give to LGBT students?
One of the key parts of being an activist is that it is a 24/7 role. It’s something that no matter where we are – at work, home, school, the movies or hanging out with friends – it’s imperative that we are always living in a way that supports our values and promotes a respectful and empowering environment for everyone around us. I think one of the most important things is to know who you are, know what you stand for and throw yourself behind that 100 percent. It is important to be creative, keep your integrity and, most of all, have fun. Be yourself, live life and enjoy the ride!