As you may or may not know, National Coming Out Day 2010 is next Monday, Oct. 11. This is an internationally recognized day of civil-awareness that encourages discussion of GLBT issues. And recently, there has been much to discuss. (Just to name a few: Nationally, the recent disappointment in repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and on campus, AllianceND was again denied club status while the non-discrimination clause still excludes homosexuality.)
Due to midterms week, the Progressive Student Alliance is establishing the celebration of Notre Dame's Coming Out Day on Friday. Wear your ALLY pin and join us on South Quad to celebrate. Activities include decorating a closet, eating rainbow baked goods, learning more about campus resources, signing the Ally pledge and engaging in discussions on improving acceptance here at Notre Dame and throughout the nation.
To clarify, this is not a rallying-cry to expose those closeted on campus. We want Friday to be a day to celebrate self-identity, and we encourage anybody who wants to participate to "come out" of our closet in your own way. "Come out" as an Art History major, as a pacifist, as a cat-person, as gay, as straight, as a chef, whoever you are! Whether you're a member or a supporter of the GLBT community, be proud of who you are and show your support for equality next Friday.
To learn more about Coming Out Day — www.hrc.org
For more about the Progressive Student Alliance, find us on Facebook.
Joanna Whitfield
junior
Welsh Family Hall
Oct. 3
