Photo Story: MU LGBTQ Resource Center holds event for Coming Out Week

A rainbow pride flag lies on the check-in table along with various pride-themed stickers on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 at Memorial Union in Columbia, Mo. “Oct. 11 every year is National Coming Out Day,” senior student support specialist of the MU LGBTQ resource center Haley Strassburger said. “Here at Mizzou it’s a really great way for us to remind folks that we’re here as a center and that we’re offering good resources for our students but also just giving them a space where they can be themselves.”

Junior Rayne Schilmoeller (front) colors a mini canvas at Queer Fall Fling. Schilmoeller and his sister, senior Faith Schilmoeller (back) are vice president and president, respectively, of Aces & Aros – a student organization dedicated to supporting asexual and aromantic students at MU.

Clothes from The Center Project’s Clothing Closet hang on a clothing rack at the Queer Fall Fling. The Center Project describes itself as Mid-Missouri’s LGBTQIA+ Community Center and their Clothing Closet service provides free clothing to those in need.

Senior Nikki Yu picks out a bead to make a bracelet at Queer Fall Fling. Several crafts were available to attendees of the event including bracelet making, mini canvas art and decorating tote bags.

Folded t-shirts from The Center Project’s Clothing Closet sit on a table at the Queer Fall Fling. “We’re always trying to connect with college students here and just expand college students’ queer community to let them know that there’s resources off campus,” The Center Project volunteer Mel Constantine Miseo said.

Juniors Discord Paine (left) and Lizzy Andriano play baseball on a Wii. Free food and a variety of activities were available for attendees to engage with each other.