Document Type
Audio
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Publication Date
2-24-2024
Abstract
Abstract provided by interviewer Drew Bell.
Bryan Bell attended Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas from 1992-1996 and received a B.S. Biology degree from the university. As a Church of Christ-affiliated private college, ACU was and still is known for providing a world-class Christ-centered education, and it has never wavered from this commitment. In this interview, Bryan provides insight into his experiences as a student, as well as the gender expectations and norms of the day, including dormitory regulations, expectations for dating and marriage, the dress code, and how these expectations were enforced. Bryan also talks about how discussions about gender and sexuality differ today versus the time when he was attending, and what ACU can do to better adjust for these changes. He explains the different roles men and women played in chapel, in classes, and in the local church congregations. He talks about what Christians can do to be more welcoming to members of the LGBTQ community, and how ACU can continue to love them and care for them, as well as offer the same world class education everyone else is expected to receive.
Recommended Citation
Bell, Drew and Bell, Bryan, "Oral history interview with Bryan Bell" (2024). ACC/ACU Gender and Sexuality Project. 25.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/univ_gender/25
Comments
The ACC/ACU Gender and Sexuality Project preserves firsthand accounts of alumni of Abilene Christian College (later Abilene Christian University), with particular attention to how students, faculty, and staff have experienced issues of gender and sexuality during their time at the institution. The collection began in Fall 2019 as a class project in HIST 340, Historical Perspectives on Gender and Sexualities.