National Coming out Day
Every year on October 11th, LGBTQA individuals and supporters celebrate National Coming Out Day as an opportunity to spread awareness about their civil issues and to provide a supportive environment in which closeted members of the community can embrace their alternative sexualities and gender identities. Although it is a national event, it is held outside of the United States as part of the larger Human Rights Campaign which sponsors the event, and with the except of in the UK (October 12th), it is held on the same day across the globe.
At Ursinus, the Gay-Straight Alliance holds a multi-event celebration of National Coming Out Day, although our date may be different due to its close timing with fall-semester break. The night before Coming Out Day, we chalk the campus with positive messages of love, equality and acceptance. The following day, we have a social event where people, should they feel comfortable, can tell their coming out stories, happy or sad, in a safe and supportive environment of friends and allies, or, should they feel so inspired, to come out themselves.
Coming Out Day 2008
It is unfortunate that in an election year, with tension and emotion running high, our outward display of pride was targeted with hate speech and demeaning Leviticus quotes on a day when a supportive community and a safe zone are so critical to our message. What's wrong with love, acceptance and equality? The following links include as much information as we could compile about the events that transpired and various campus responses. Any additions are welcome- just e-mail the webmaster, as usual.