Students walk on campus by the Talley Student Union. Photo by Marc Hall

NEWS FROM THE PROVOST

October 11th marks National Coming Out Day, a day when we celebrate GLBT identity and acknowledge the experiences, obstacles and barriers that may be associated. Across the nation, the GLBT community and its allies gather to honor the coming out process and to increase visibility. On Sunday, October 9, 2016 from 7:00-10:00 p.m., the GLBT Center will partner with the GLBT Community Alliance to paint the Free Expression Tunnel. This event aims to display the vibrant and rich GLBT community at NC State and to promote the visibility of the GLBT Community as a whole.

While National Coming Out Day aims to celebrate those who choose to be visible and self-identify as GLBT, it also recognizes and respects those who identify as GLBT but have not outwardly labeled themselves. The coming out process is a deeply personal experience that is influenced by a multitude of social factors including familial support, acceptance of peers and an understanding of how one self-identifies. As we celebrate National Coming Out Day, we must also think of the ways we support students, colleagues, friends and family members who may be navigating their own coming out journeys.

The GLBT Center will host a workshop entitled “Navigating the Coming Out Process” on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Talley 3285. This hour-and-a-half workshop will explore gender and sexual identity, examine factors to consider when coming out and assist participants in developing a coming out plan.

Preston Keith is assistant director of the GLBT Center.