Coming Out Day Celebration | Photo by Emma Zarabaugh | The Wright State Guardian
On Friday, Oct. 11, many different students came together to celebrate something near and dear to their hearts: National Coming Out Day. Each of the students highlighted in this article has a different story related to what this day means to them, and why we must celebrate it every year.
What was offered
Upon arriving at the event, there were multiple tables set up for all to be a part of. There was also food catered by Quest, the food service here at Wright State University.
Thea Williams, an alumni adjunct for the Rainbow Alliance was the person who started this event. Starting this event was very important for her, as she has experienced coming out in her own way. She wanted to make sure there were many different activities so that everyone felt comfortable being involved.
“So we have custom flag making, Rainbow Loom, and trivia with lots of prizes,” Williams explained.
She then went on to describe how trivia would go, and how excited she was to hand out all of the prizes she worked hard to make.
Luna Syme, a student ambassador here at WSU added what kind of food everyone was able to share.
“It’s like a pot, there’s a veggie bar, pasta and chicken,” Syme explained.
The importance
Williams highlights the importance of the event and long term significance.
“Coming Out Day is really important because it’s a reminder that coming out is an ongoing process. People have this assumption that you only come out one time, and then it never happens again, but you come out so many times in your life to so many different people, and sometimes that can be really hard,” Williams said.
She went on to explain the many facets of coming out that she has personally experienced, and how that impacted her life greatly.
Syme also explained her love for events like the Coming Out Day Celebration.
“For me personally, I am pansexual, and it feels so nice to be a part of this since I am in a heterosexual relationship. Some people have a hard time believing I am a part of the LGBTQA community because of that,” Syme explains.
She goes on to share how it makes her feel bad that some people do not believe such an important part of herself. Many in the LGBTQ+ community experience this, so it is important for students to be able to come together and express that they are still a part of the community, no matter what their relationship looks like on the outside.
Mariah Paynter, a member of Rainbow Alliance, shed some light on why they attended.
“It’s just kind of feeling comfortable in your own skin, and being proud of who you are,” said Paynter.
They went on to describe that if you feel as though you want to feel accepted or included, Engage is a wonderful way to find more events that the Rainbow Alliance or LGBTQA Center puts on.
Other times
According to Williams, the LGBTQA Center in the Student Union, room 230, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.
She encourages people to stop by and visit so that they can feel embraced and loved for being exactly as they are.
