As Thursday marks National Coming Out Day, the LBGT Resource Center collaborated with campus neighborhood caucuses, student organizations and the LGBT Alumni Association to create an entire week of programs and activities to support the LBGT community during MSU’s National Coming Out Week.
Respecting Individuals on Neutral Grounds President Elliot Zirulnik said the goal of the week is to encourage LBGT individuals to be proud of their identities.
“It’s not aimed only at people still in the closet and encouraging them to come out,” he said. “It’s for people who are out and encouraged to be more out (and) more vocal about their identities to raise awareness and show people that your sexual identity isn’t something that needs to be hidden.”
Events began Sunday and will continue until Saturday, including speak-out opportunities and an “out of the closet” edition of The Amazing Race.
One event included a performance by comedian Dana Austin on Wednesday evening. Austin, who is 50, has been performing comedy for 13 years and has identified as lesbian for 30 years, said the events of MSU’s National Coming Out Week are an opportunity to network with other LBGT community members.
“Not for myself, but for all of us — so you can see you’re not alone,” she said. “There’s confidence in numbers. People see other gay people and realize they’re part of a humongous picture.”
During these events, allies, not just the LBGT community, play a pivotal role in Coming Out Week, said LBGT Resource Center Program Media Assistant Allegra Smith.
“It’s important to publicly acknowledge allyship and claim the name ‘ally’ as a supporter of the queer community,” Smith said.
Smith said she is most impressed with the “depth and breadth” of each event hosted by student groups this week.
“They’ve planned things ranging from educational panels to social events to scavenger hunts and (a) comedic performance,” she said. “It really speaks to the leadership and creativity within these student organizations.”
Austin said she’s performed at numerous events during past National Coming Out Days including the Midwest Comedy Festival and Motor City Pride. Prior to the event Wednesday, Austin said although it was going to be a challenge speaking to Spartans because of her roots in Ohio, she was excited to speak to college students.
“I’m gonna make you laugh,” Austin said prior to her performance. “I’m gonna laugh at (gay people), we’re gonna laugh at straight people and I want everybody to walk out feeling a little more empowered.”
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