Afraid of jeopardizing future job prospects, Shenika “Nik” Harris, Florida’s first LGBTQ consumer advocate, remained closeted through Florida State University law school.

But Harris, a graduate of the Bar’s Leadership Academy, has seen such a positive shift in attitude in recent years, she’s not sure it would be necessary today.

“I felt some concerns, could I have the same career if I came out?” she said. “What I will say about that is, boy have times changed.”