The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Resource Center is celebrating “coming out” with a week of events aimed at highlighting the challenges and rewards of coming out.
The Resource Center began the week with an InsideOut meeting Monday night. The LGBTQ issues discussion group talked about issues related to coming out.
Triangle Coalition communications officer Paul Reeves shared his story of coming out to his high school through a newspaper article.
“For me, newspaper was the one thing in my high school that I loved beyond anything else,” he said. “I was not a stranger to writing controversial topics. It was a good experience.”
For InsideOut Coordinator Alyx Marema, Coming Out Week is “an opportunity to foster visibility and to show people just how many people there are who are LGBTQ identified and support LGBTQ people.”
The yearly coming out photo is planned for 5 p.m. Tuesday on the steps of Jesse Hall for all LGBTQ community members as well as allies on campus. Truman the Tiger will also be in attendance.
The LGBTQ Resource Center encourages straight allies to attend all of the events during Coming Out Week.
Daniel Myers, a straight ally, attended the InsideOut meeting Monday night.
“(Coming Out Week is) to celebrate what is usually a struggle for (LGBTQ) people and it’s a chance for people like me to say ‘Hey, we’re here for you,’” he said. “I think they need to hear that. Most importantly, it’s a chance for (LGBTQ people) to celebrate being a part of this community.”
Myers said he was looking forward to walking through the Coming Out Door on Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. MU students can walk though the door and come out as an ally or a member of the LGBTQ community.
“It adds a cool little ceremony to a life event that is typically faced with struggle,” Myers said.
Later in the week, the Center is putting on “Live Queer Acts!” to illustrate LGBTQ stereotypes. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lowry Mall.
Another highlight of the week is Safe Space Training, which will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Resource Center.
Safe Space Training is for anyone in the MU community to learn about being an effective LGBTQ ally.
The Resource Center will have an open house for alumni and students to visit Friday. Special speakers include alumni who helped start the LGBTQ Resource Center.
To finish out the week, there will be a Homecoming parade watch party as well as a tailgate in The EndZone lead by the Triangle Coalition, another LGBTQ advocacy group at MU.