A kind-hearted soul, Rylan is a strong advocate for LGBT+ issues, and is a great mentor to not only his friends but anyone who needs a helping hand. He’s a smart, strong, and wonderful individual who not only has a huge heart, but also a wise mind. I’ve luckily had the pleasure of knowing him for over 2 years, and he has such a positive effect on everyone.
Rylan O’Day is a junior here at Framingham State and an active member of the community. If he’s not in labs or classes, he’s hanging out with friends or being a wonderful leader to the Pride Alliance and participating in Wet Feet. He’s an active member in LGBT+ issues, and out as a Transgender male to the FSU community.
Do you like being a biology major?
“Most of the time! I feel like any student, in which I love my major, but I hate it at the same time. Being a biology major is difficult and takes a ton of work. I don’t think I realized how much time it would take, until I really jumped into it. I do love my classes, and my professors. They recognize who you are and are super friendly. I still talk to some of my professors that I haven’t had since my first semester at school.”
If you could go back and change your major, would you, and to what?
“I honestly don’t think I would change it. I cannot see myself doing anything other than Biology! I have loved science and animals since I could remember!”
What is your guilty pleasure?
“Chick flicks. Definitely.”
What are you involved in?
“Honestly, I am not involved in much due to my crazy and hectic schedule. I am a biology major with a wildlife concentration and that takes up most of my week. I am the president of Pride Alliance, which is a huge passion of mine. I also have a job as an SDA, and I’m a Wet Feet Leader. Other than that, I find myself pretty boring.”
What do you like to do for fun?
“I love just going out an exploring. I love walking around places and just looking at all of the things around me. Stores, people, nature, doesn’t matter to me!”
What’s it like being president of Pride Alliance?
“It’s stressful at times, but it is also rewarding. Pride Alliance is my family and I love seeing everyone each Tuesday night. I like that there are people on campus who look up to me. I have always hoped I would inspire people one day and I believe Pride Alliance has allowed me to do that.”
Do you like your job as an SDA?
“It’s not bad! The hours are crazy because I work overnights during the week. I don’t sleep much anymore, but I like watching the sky change colors during my hours. I’ve enjoyed working for the campus!”
You are openly a transman, how do you think coming out has affected your life?
“Despite all of the ups and downs, I like to think that coming out has made my life significantly better. Depression hurts and that was a big motivation to fight for my identity. I love having the freedom to express myself and to be recognized as the crazy and silly man that I am. “
When did you know you were transgender?
“I questioned my gender-identity around my junior or senior year of high school, but my living situation didn’t allow me to go further than just questioning. It wasn’t until I started my freshmen year here at FSU that I was able to explore myself. The defining moment in which I knew who I was happened after a Safe Space training with Kim Dexter. I realized I had the opportunity to be free, to be a man, so I ran with it.”
How’s the transition been so far?
“Overall it has been empowering. I have learned how to fight for myself and I’ve learned how to love myself. It hasn’t been the easiest experience because I have transitioned without my parents support. I have paid for almost every article of clothing I own, which might seem silly, but for me it has been a game of balancing school costs and personal costs. I do not regret anything I have done. The pros of being my true self outweighs everything negative.”
I know you’re an artist, what do you like to make/do the most?
“I wouldn’t call myself an artist! I just do it for fun, because it calms me down. I like to paint on canvas shoes and hats a little too much. Mostly, I like to draw though. I haven’t actually drawn anything in while. I have mostly drawn animals. I used to work with digital media for a bit and I would love to get back to that.”
How have your friends helped or hurt you with your transition?
“I cannot say that any of my friends have hurt me. My friends have been my only support for a long time. When I first came out, my friends basically said “Okay? You were pretty much a dude anyways.” My friends were the first to call me by my real name and my real pronouns. They have been the ones to help me find the right clothes when I was lost in the men’s section of stores. My friends are my family.”
What’s been the most difficult thing about coming to college?
“The lack of free time or honestly the negative effects it has on my body. I think my lack of free time has really caused me to lose focus on my health. I will be honest and say that I have gained a lot of weight since starting college and I am not okay with that. I wish I had more time to do something other than just try and eat healthier, but at this moment I don’t.”
What’s your favorite thing about FSU?
“The people I have met for sure. I love walking campus and having people pass and wave to me or call out my name with a smile. It warms my heart. I didn’t get that much in high school, so I love having it here.”
If you could tell everyone one thing about being transgender, what would it be?
“We are human. We are people with feelings, with hearts, and we deserve to be seen for who we are. Being transgender is not easy, but with love and understanding, we can find ourselves a lot easier. Help us, don’t hurt us.”
Favorite Book?
“I wish I read more than I do now. I think my favorite book would be White Oleander by Janet Fitch. It’s a whirlwind of a story, but it is absolutely beautiful.”
What’s your favorite movie?
“Don’t laugh, but I cry every time to “A Walk to Remember” starring Mandy Moore. What guy likes romantic movies right? This guy! Haha.”
If you could talk to your high school senior self, what would you say?
“Screw it and just do it! I would tell myself that I have become the person we hoped to be, and that I should stop doubting myself and just do it.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Thank you for picking me! I’ve been secretly hoping I would be picked! I really hope this interview can bring some awareness to the transgender identity and helps people see that my label does not define me. I am just a goofy, artsy, friendly guy!”