#18 Belonging as a Gay Leader

Jun 20

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In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with guest Dr. Mel Johnson-Norwood, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Associate Provost at Winston-Salem University.

To begin, Dr. Johnson-Norwood explains that he didn’t go to college expecting to have a career in student affairs. He planned to be a math teacher before falling in love with career and technical education. Being an orientation leader in undergrad introduced him to the work of higher education student affairs. He graduated with a doctoral degree from Auburn University and took his first job at a university in Michigan working in student housing and multicultural affairs. Since then, he has traveled through Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina for his work, where he has remained for the last 6 years. Then, he expands on his experience as a gay Black man in higher ed. At the university in Michigan, he was the only Black man on the staff and felt immensely out of place. From there, he moved to Florida to work at a historically Black university, where his sense of belonging was much greater.

Dr. Johnson-Norwood did not publicly speak of his sexuality at work until he and his husband got engaged in 2021. He does not consider that as “coming out,” because the concept of “coming out” can be othering for queer folx as straight people do not need to “come out.” He was merely naming who he is, embracing every part of himself, and showing up unapologetically with no filter, and he continues to do so in his work.

Working at Winston Salem State University, Dr. Johnson-Norwood has found a true community among his colleagues who genuinely care about him and how he shows up as his true, whole self. Finding peace while being uncertain if he will be accepted after showing his authentic self comes down to age, maturity, and security. If someone at the leadership level doesn’t accept Dr. Johnson-Norwood, he feels peace in knowing that he is representing an identity that some students may need as a role model. This has given him the courage to show who he really is to the world.

Next, Dr. Johnson-Norwood shares how his identities have impacted his leadership. He now leads with his gay identity because there are far fewer gay people in similar positions compared to Black people or men. He sees it important that all identities are represented. The learners on campus need Dr. Johnson-Norwood to exist so they can feel comfortable to exist as themselves too. He clarifies that allyship is not equal to identity. Championing people from one identity does not mean that people will automatically think you are part of that identity, too.

A number of historically Black institutions have done a great job in supporting LGBTQ+ learners. We should continue celebrating these accomplishments in hopes that even more changes will be made. We are still seeing colleges and universities push gender norms. It is up to the students and faculty to call out this behavior and help rewrite the narrative. Although we do still have a long way to go, Dr. Johnson-Norwood believes that it is an exciting time to be in the higher education space.

In closing, Dr. Johnson-Norwood shares his own definition of belonging: finding the freedom to show up in any way you choose without fear of violence, retribution or retaliation.

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0:20 - Dr. Mona introduces today’s guest, Dr. Mel Johnson-Norwood.

2:50 - How Dr. Johnson-Norwood became a school administrator.

6:05- Dr. Johnson-Norwood’s experience being a gay Black man in higher education.

17:15 - Discussing tokenization of minorities.

18:56 - Finding peace in not knowing if you will be accepted for who you are.

24:11 - How Dr. Johnson-Norwood’s identities have impacted his leadership.

27:28 - Explaining allyship vs. identity.

32:25 - Calling out gender normative behaviors on campuses.

39:10 - Dr. Johnson-Norwood defined belonging.

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Learn more about Dr. Johnson-Norwood: www.nourcounseling.com/mel-johnson-norwood