Kayla Palmisano
contributing writer
To anyone who doesn’t know what National Coming Out Day is, or why it is important – you are not alone. While this day may be the shining light at the end of the tunnel for some, others may not even familiar with what the tunnel is or where it leads. I am here to announce to the Dominican Community that this day should be recognized by ALL – because it is a day for all to celebrate.
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, a day for the LGBTQIA+* community and allies to come together and celebrate “coming out”. “Coming out” is when people who are LGBT+ disclose to themselves or to the world about their sexual or gender identity.
Coming out does not have to be a huge event– it could be someone disclosing to a best friend that they are gay, or to a favorite aunt that they are non-binary. Coming out should be celebrated to the fact that a person may have been holding their true identify for some period of time. Whether they disclose this information to a group of people or just their closest friend, each and every time is a courageous act.
On Oct. 11, Dominican’s Gay-Straight Alliance, known as Common Ground, will be in the Lewis Alcove from 11a.m.-1p.m. to celebrate being fully true to oneself. There will be a poster for people to sign to celebrate themselves or others who have come out and are proud to be who they are.
Common Ground is also teaming up with the Wellness Center, who will present on the topic of LGBT+ sexual health, a topic not familiar to most students.
For those who have not come out – you are not alone. Just think, there are thousands of people celebrating this day. For those who have come out as LGBT+ or a straight ally, I thank you. People like you are the ones who bring a little light at the end of the tunnel.
*Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual
palmkayl@my.dom.edu