Deaf Interpreter David Cowan on Coming Out at Age 14 and Making Sure the Deaf Community Isn’t Left Behind

David, born deaf and a professional ASL interpreter, describes his journey as a gay man.

Transcript

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[MUSIC PLAYING] DAVID COWAN: Before I went to college, I didn't even know sign language. I went to Gallaudet University.

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It's the only liberal arts college for the deaf in the world. I started as a deaf interpreter in 1984.

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I really get tired of the deaf community being left behind with what's happening in the world.

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Now, especially with this emergency situation, this pandemic, this is a very, very bad time

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to be behind the learning curve. I came out when I was 14, and my parents were not surprised at all.

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And I was fortunate growing up. I came out before high school, before college, before all these major life events.

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I did receive some bullying and was picked on, but I was able to ignore it and just carry on.

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For our class reunion at Gallaudet University, our 25th anniversary, at my table, I was with all my friends from college.

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They all said, thank you so much. You stood up for yourself. You showed us what it meant to be a proud gay person,

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and that it was OK. That was very touching to me. They came over and hugged me and said, thank you. Thank you for standing up for who you are.