Meet the Interns: Robbie Dickerson

(Faith Outreach Intern - Based in Orlando)

1. Tell us a little about yourself...

My name is Robbie Dickerson and I'm a 5th year student at UCF majoring in Interpersonal Communication. I am both the Floor Manager and the Supervisor of Outbound Quality Control at Rifle Paper Co., the most beautiful stationery company you'll ever find. With whatever free time I have, I'll either be getting boba with my roommates or stuffing my face in my room.

2. Why are you involved with LGBT activism?

I was raised in a variety of both healthy, and not so healthy church and school environments. I've witnessed countless friends and individuals be made to feel less than human due to their sexuality or gender identity. My existence was once just pushing myself to get through the day, but I've been blessed by both personal relationships and the momentous strides forward in our country's heart for LGBT individuals. That said, there comes a time when "making it through the day" is by no means enough or equal. If I have to fight for equality now so others won't have to in the future, that's a reality I am happy to live in.

3. Why did you want to intern at Equality Florida?

Equality Florida was the stable voice of power, resolution, and love on my TV the day of the Pulse shooting. I was mortified picturing the fallout of that event and the lack of provision and care that could have occurred following that day. EQFL rose to heights that could have destroyed other communities and people groups. Equality Florida has proven both to our nation and myself personally, that they care for fundamental change for the LGBT community both here in Florida, and for the world abroad.

4. What are your plans after you graduate?

Within the next few years, I plan to get my master's and become a licensed mental health therapist. Therapy has been vital in my journey through my bisexuality as well as all other components of my identity, and one of the greatest gifts I could have ever wanted was to know that I was loved for who I was, and that I would truly be okay. To be able to give anyone else that luxury is all I want.