Pride invites all to celebrate National Coming Out Day with its annual speak-out event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the Library Quad.

Aiden Ethington, Pride president, said the event is an opportunity for people to share secrets or come out about anything.

“Even if an individual is not homosexual anyone can be involved and share stories or just support,”Ethington said.

These types of events have not only helped people feel better, but also have changed and impacted peoples lives, he said.

“Coming Out Day is a day for conversations from the heart,” Ethington said.

Anytime people can fester visibility by sharing stories is a great opportunity, he said.

Ethington said National Coming Out Day promotes awareness of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Nick Canaday, social director of Eastern’s Pride, organized this national event for the university’s campus.

“I am hoping that this will be a big event,” Canaday said.

Members from the organization will be asking students around campus to come and speak out, he said.

National Coming Out Day is not to force people to do something unwillingly. This is strictly voluntary, Canaday said.

“The organization stresses the message to never be afraid of being yourself,” he said.

The first National Coming Out Day was Oct. 11, 1988, to commemorate the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, held the exact same day a year prior.

Rashida Lyles Cowan can be reached at 581-7942 or rnlylescowan@eiu.edu.