Students celebrate National Coming Out Day
On the Utah State University campus, National Coming Out Day was celebrated a few days early so students could get involved, Maure Smith, program coordinator for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Services ,GLBT, said. Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day. People around the United States will be participating in Coming Out Day in different ways.
The celebration, held on the patio of the TSC, included what Mitchell Watson, junior majoring in English education and a member of the Love Is For Everyone, LIFE Counsel, called an Outspoken Panel. It consisted of four members, two men and two women, who were invited to tell their coming out stories answered questions from students. Other activities included an open mic, for people to tell their coming out stories, or to share stories of friends and families that have come out. There were also booths hosted by Allies on Campus, GLBT Services, the Student Health and Wellness Center, Secular Humanists, Atheists and Free Thinkers, SHAFT and Sexual Assault & Anti-Violence Information, SAVVI.
Watson said he came out publicly when he was 12 years old. He said he was lucky that his family and friends were supportive and that he was never ostracized like many others are. Watson said the point of the celebration was to give people the support they need.
“I want more people to feel comfortable coming out. I’ve never felt unsafe or discriminated against. This is a safe environment,” he said.
Smith has worked at USU for 16 months as the program coordinator for GLBT Services. Smith said her office serves everyone, not just GLBT students. With more than 300 books and films on GLBT topics, her office is open to students, faculty, staff and the public.
“I think that coming out of the closet, admitting to yourself that your sexuality is not heterosexual is an act of authenticity and bravery. It’s courageous because of a willingness to be visible. It helps other people understand that there’s no such thing as a gay lifestyle – there’s lots of ways to be GLBT in this world,” she said. “Coming out is a process, something you have to do everyday.”
The SHAFT Club provided information about their club and activities, and tried to increase the visibility of their club. They said there is some cross-over of members in SHAFT and LIFE
A member of SHAFT who preferred to not give her name, said they were present to support National Coming Out Day. She also commented on the similar connotations that come with being and atheist and those that come with being homosexual.
“Atheism is one of those things people have to stay in the closet about,” she said.
GLBT students were not the only ones participating in National Coming Out Day. Allies on Campus is a visible network of volunteer students, faculty and stuff. According to information provided by Allies on Campus, Allies are “committed to providing a safe zone for anyone dealing sexual or gender orientation issues.” Allies can, and often are, straight students, faculty and staff who want to show their support for their peers, and offer them a safe environment in which to talk.
Bryce Draper, junior majoring in speech communications, is an Ally who supports civil rights and equality for GLBT students.
Draper said “I’ve seen a lot of negativity in the past,” Draper said. “It gets better every year.”
A message of support and love was the theme of the afternoon. Many students who were not aware of the events before coming to the patio stayed to show their support.
Matt Fife, sophomore in elementary education, didn’t know about National Coming Out Day, but sat on the patio to do homework and show his support.
“I think it’s cool that they have a day to come out, and a day to support it,” he said.
Jeanette Clayton, senior in liberal arts, was also sitting on the patio showing her support.
Clayton said “I support them. I don’t condone it, but I support the individuals,” she said.
Mike, undeclared sophomore who preferred to not give his last name, said “I think everybody needs to be recognized. I support what they’re doing. You’ve got to be a little open-minded, I’m sure I do things that other people don’t like.”
For more information on GLBT services, or for information on becoming an Ally, visit the GLBT office in TSC 316A. For information on joining LIFE for either GLBT or straight students, e-mail life.gsa@aggiemail.usu.edu.
–kandice.crompton@aggiemail.usu.edu