Coming out can be a very personal experience. For some, it can be a very public declaration with a social media post, a conversation with close family and friends or a personal acknowledgment to oneself. There is no one way, correct way or correct time to do so and we want to honor that. This year’s theme addresses this declaration for those who have been, will be, or are still on their journey with freedom. “In your own way and in your own time, take flight.”

LGBT History month started when Rodney Wilson decided he wanted to be inclusive with his curriculum and educate his students about the legacy of the LGBT in 1994. This month was chosen because of the second march on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights, which was later celebrated as National Coming Out day on October 11. Join us in celebrating the GLBT community.

Events

Monday, October 7
National Coming Out Day Tunnel Painting
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Free Expression Tunnel

Come celebrate National Coming Out Day by painting the Free Expression Tunnel. This year’s theme is “Take Flight” and the design will feature a set of rainbow wings.

Monday, October 7 – Wednesday, October 9
“Take Flight” National Coming Out Display
8:00 – 5:00 p.m.
GLBT Center, Talley Student Union, Suite 5230

Visit the GLBT Center to see the display.

Wednesday, October 9
Student Lounge Workshop Series – “Navigating the Coming Out Process”
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
GLBT Center Lounge, Talley Student Union, Suite 5230

“Navigating the Coming Out Process” explores the nuances of identity in order to increase students’ comfort with their identities, discusses key things to consider about the coming out process, and helps students develop a coming out plan.

Thursday, October 17
Paris is Burning Film Screening and Discussion
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Witherspoon Student Center, Room 201

Explore a snapshot of the history of “voguing” with the GLBT Center. This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City’s African American and Latinx Harlem drag ball scene, from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia and transphobia, racism, AIDS and poverty

Thursday, October 24
Triangle LGBTQ+ Community History Panel
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Witherspoon Student Center, Room 356

Hear from leaders of Triangle LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses and agencies as they offer their perspectives of the history of the Raleigh area.

Tuesday, October 29
Upstairs Inferno Film Screening and Discussion
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
GLBT Center Lounge, Talley Student Union, Suite 5230

On June 24, 1973, a gay bar in New Orleans called the Upstairs Lounge was deliberately set on fire, an event that for over 40 years was considered the largest gay mass murder in U.S. history.

Workshop Offerings

• Tuesday, October 1, Project SAFE Ally workshop, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Talley Student Union, Room 4270
• Thursday, October 3, GLBT Advocate Program Lunch and Learn Series, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Talley Student Union, Room 4280
• Monday, October 21, Interpersonal and Sexual Violence in the GLBT Community workshop, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Talley Student Union, Room 4280
• Tuesday, October 22, Not Driven by Desire: Asexuality and Aromanticism workshop, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Talley Student Union, Room 4280
• Wednesday, October 30, Trans 101 workshop, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Talley Student Union, Room 3285