Friday is National Coming Out Day, a day for LGBTQ individuals to celebrate and express who they are.
For the occasion, EIU’s Gender and Sexual Diversity Center decided to host an event Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr University Union. Due to Fall Break, they decided to host the event early so more people would be able to attend.
Originating in 1988, National Coming Out Day has become staple day in the LGBTQ community people where people tell their friends, family and the world their identity, according to the Mendoza Exchange from the University of Notre Dame.
Alongside this, the site said, the day stands to raise awareness of the LGBTQ community and the fight for equal rights.
As people walked into the event, they could immediately see a door painted like a rainbow featuring signatures from LGBTQ students on campus through the years. There were craft tables and a sand art station around the lounge along with free cupcakes and drinks.
Throughout the room, there was bracelet making and mini-LGBTQ flags free for people to take.
Courtney Klaers, a political science major at the event, said they felt a lot of support on campus.
“There’s definitely still like mistakes that people make and everything, but as whole I feel more so much comfortable with myself than at my last college,” Klaers said. “I found a group of friends who I feel like reflect myself a lot better in everything, so I really enjoy it.”
While Klaers said they were comfortable now, they said they have had some struggles in the past trying to come out.
“I was in denial for like a long time,” Klaers said. “It definitely took me a while to come into terms with it.”
On the other hand, there were people who faced a different path trying to come out, said EIU student Toni Thomas.
“I’m bisexual, and, technically, I don’t think I came out,” Thomas said. “My mom just laid it on me, and I told her. So, I guess that solves that.”
As people celebrate, there are still many who have not come out and fear what comes with the action.
Theo Edwards, graduate student of the EIU GSD Center, is in their fifth year here at EIU, and said they would love to see more people comfortable with who they are.
“Reach out for support; I’m always available for the GSD center if anyone needs help or just coping with emotions,” Edwards said.
The GSD center on campus is a resource that aspires to create a community for those who are in the LGBTQ community and serves to create a safe space in general.
They provide movies and books, Safe Zone Training and the “Trans*formation station,” a service providing students with a confidential and safe way to get clothing and accessories that align with their gender identity free, according to the GSD’s website.
The GSD center hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Edwards can be contacted by email at teedwards@eiu.edu.
Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.
