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LGBTIQ Faces
An interview with John Jackson, a LGBTQ office
volunteer, leads to a discussion about everything from
J. Crew to Martha Stewart.
By Eliana Ziri
After a great deal of communication, I
finally sat down to get a one-on-one with
the real John Jackson, a UNC first-year
student. During our meeting at Strong’s, a
local coffee shop, I couldn’t help but notice
how well dressed he was. Jackson’s attire
certainly gives some credence to
the stereotype that all gay men
have a fabulous sense of style.
After exchanging pleasantries,
we got right down to it, and here
is what I have learned about
“Jackie,” as his close friends call
him.
Jackson was born on
April 30, 1985 to Cynthia and
Charles Jackson in Winston-
Salem, N.C. However, he spent
most of this childhood in Pilot
Mountain and later moved to
Advance in Davie County.
Jackson is a French and
Women’s Studies double major.
He plans to attend law school
after graduation.
Photo by Michael Jerch
LAMBDA: As an LGBTIQ student, how
do you feel about the UNC campus?
JJ: The UNC Campus has been very
institutionally welcoming. It was heartening
to see the LGBTQ office represented at C-
TOPS and to know that there was a support
system in place for students.
LAMBDA: What organizations are you
involved in this semester?
JJ: I’m involved with the Unity Conference
Steering Committee, Pro- Choice USA and
the Carolina Culiaary Club. The CCC is my
favorite because there’s never any politics
or drama, just good food and nice people.
LAMBDA: Tell me about your hobbies.
JJ: My hobbies include cooking, crafting
(especially making stamped cards), reading
and sewing. I’m domestic, what can I say?
LAMBDA: What’s your family like?
JJ: My family is very Southern but very
liberal and easygoing. They definitely let me
do whatever I want and don’t give a rat’s
ass about my sexual orientation, which I’m
very grateful for. I enjoy spending time with
them and look forward to their visits. My
brother, who’s also gay, and I are best
friends. I care more about him than anyone
else.
LAMBDA: Where have you met most of
your friends at school?
JJ: hly best friends on campus have been
made, with a few exceptions, in my dorm.^
Spencer is tres gay and that’s been very
helpful in forging new relationships. I’ve
also met friends on the P2P, from SHAH,
and in classes.
LAMBDA: You have a very nice sense of
fashion. Where do you usually shop?
John: I’m basically a preppy boy with a love
of J. Crew and “Nana republic, but I’ve been
known to shop at GW Fashions
(Goodwill, for those of you who aren’t in
the know) for some street cred.
LAIvIBDA: What do you like to read?
JJ: My favorite book is Naked by David
Sedaris.
L.\MBDA: Now, what’s this I hear about
your mad obsession with Martha Stewart?
JJ: I am obsessed with Martha like whoa!
I’ve always loved her since, like, seventh
grade. I taped her show religiously in
middle and high school, was a call-in guest
on Ask Martha, and visited the corporate
headquarters in 2001 on a shadowing trip-
This legal mess she’s in now doesn’t detet
from my love one little iota. Save Martha! •