There is Not Enough Room in the Closet for the World: National Coming Out Day
October 11th is observed worldwide as National Coming Out Day, as established by Dr. Robert Eichberg and politician Jean O’Leary in 1988. The event promotes awareness of LGBT issues and celebrates the presence of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and communities. It is a day of recognition of those who have been killed, tortured, or otherwise discriminated against, simply because of their sexual orientation. In addition, it is a day for straight allies to show their support of LGBT issues and persons within their communities.
Here at Clarkson, the theme is “There is Not Enough Room in the Closet for the World,” signifying the importance of feeling free to express yourself and supporting others in being free to express themselves.
Our Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) will be providing various informative displays about campus, showing Dangerous Living in Cheel Commons, and hosting speakers, Jennifer Ball and Louise Tyo, after the film for a general question and answer session. Dangerous Living is a 60-minute film, which outlines the persecution of LGBT persons in southern, developing countries. It will be shown in Cheel Commons at 6:15 with the speakers hosting a question and answer session immediately after the screening. The GSA will supply pins for the 740 faculty and staff members of Clarkson to wear in celebration of National Coming Out Day. We invite the community to show their support for this event by displaying a symbol of their support, attending the screening and staying for the question and answer session afterwards.
Friday, October 12, 2007
