Several members of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s LGBTQIA+ community celebrated National Coming Out Day on Friday, Oct. 11.
National Coming Out Day is held each year on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, held on Oct. 11, 1987. This year was the 31st annual celebration. SIUE’s observance of National Coming Out Day concluded weeklong events celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month.
“It is important to hold this event at SIUE, because it promotes a safe campus for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to live truthfully and openly,” said Miriam Roccia, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It allows LGBTQIA+ individuals, who have already come out, to step up and speak out. It allows those individuals, still grappling with coming out, a space to do so. It also offers allies a chance to provide advocacy around LGBTQIA+ rights.”
“By celebrating National Coming Out Day, it is our hope that LGBTQIA+ individuals, who are part of the SIUE community, will feel supported and seen,” added Roccia. “We hope that SIUE students, faculty and staff will celebrate together and demonstrate their commitment to protecting LGBTQIA+ rights, and that members of the SIUE community will recognize there is still much work to be done to break down the myths, stereotypes and distortions that exist.”
SIUE celebrates Diversity Day, Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 14-15 on all three of its campuses, which also includes Alton and East St. Louis. It will involve educational and active engagement sessions.
A complete Diversity Day schedule of events, including details on the array of engagement sessions, is available at siue.edu/institutional-diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-day.
Photos:
SIUE freshmen Lilly Fleming makes her entrance through the rainbow curtain.
Callie Finley, a junior majoring in psychology, comes through the rainbow curtain in style.
Emily Sterzinger, a freshman majoring in English and Theater Education, graces the audience with cheerfulness.