A “Mixed Nuts” theme dance will kickoff MSU’s 2000 National Coming Out Days celebration at 9 p.m. today in the Union Ballroom.
Political science senior Alexis Bastedo, co-director of the Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay and Transgendered Students, said the Coming Out Days celebration provides awareness and recognition to the university’s LBGT community.
“This is basically a way for people to get together and become more aware about the different issues of being LBGT,” she said. “We tried to make the week’s events emotionally supportive, diverse and fun, but we wanted to make sure that we reached out to all different ends of the sexual spectrum.”
Brent Bilodeau, MSU’s assistant for LBGT concerns, said National Coming Out Days are a time to celebrate the LBGT community.
“The reality is we live in a society that still sanctions the harassment and murder of LBGT people,” he said. “There are still many places where it’s OK to hate, and homophobia and heterosexism still exist at MSU. In supporting NCOD, the university sends a message to students that they matter and they have a place on this campus.
“We, as a university, want to help you in your struggle.”
MSU’s first observance of National Coming Out Day commemorated the 1987 March on Washington for LBGT rights and the first showing of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The day has since become a weeklong celebration including a football game, nationally known speakers and a candlelight vigil.
This year’s celebration will also include the observance of Indigenous People’s Day, which occurs each year on Columbus Day. Bilodeau said the week’s events show the LBGT community that there are numerous resources to support them.
“The good news is that there’s more support for LBGT students than ever before at MSU,” he said. “There are supportive residence hall organizations, the Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay and Transgendered Students, and programs through the Women’s Resource Center and the Counseling Center.”
Doug Copeland, president of Spectrum, a caucus group that represents the east campus LBGT community, also emphasized students who come out don’t have to worry about being alone.
“Students should know that if they do come out that they will be supported,” the interdisciplinary studies in social sciences senior said.
