Founded 32 years ago in 1988, National Coming Out Day occurred to disrupt the oppressive silence and homophobia associated with being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ). Coming out is a powerful display of personal agency, pride, and representation. Coming out happens repeatedly throughout one’s lifetime with friends, family, and coworkers. Providing a supportive and affirming response to anyone coming out helps to reduce harm, change homophobic or transphobic ideologies, and interrupt negative stereotypes. Cultivating an environment where equality is valued and everyone can feel proud of who they are is vital to a healthy, respectful campus community.
To learn more about how to support LGBTQ friends, students, and colleagues at WU, register for a virtual WU SafeZone training. Students and employees are welcome to attend.
- When: Wednesday, November 11th, 2020 from 12-1:30PM
- RSVP here
For students interested in building community, join the student organizations Rainbow Alliance or Queer Trans People of Color (QTPoC). Email for meeting times and program information.
For an inspiring read from Black Lives Matter Co-founder Alicia Garza about the power of living free read: http://www.newnownext.com/letter-myself-alicia-garza/10/2017/
To understand how allies can support National Coming Out day year round read this: https://medium.com/@jeanetteleblanc/if-you-are-an-ally-11-ways-you-can-recognize-national-coming-out-day-all-year-long-523920f73b1c
Advice about coming out as Bi, Pan, Queer, or Fluid: https://www.hrc.org/news/five-pieces-of-advice-for-coming-out-as-bi-pan-queer-or-fluid
