Events celebrate LGBT Coming Out Day

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11, will be celebrated at Western Michigan University with a series of activities Monday through Thursday, Oct. 10-13.

Events are open to the public free of charge, and are sponsored by WMU’s Office of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services. This year marks the 28th anniversary of National Coming Out Day, the National March on Washington, D.C., for lesbian and gay rights.

Activities

• Monday, Oct. 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Ace/Aro Movie Night, 1321 Trimpe Building. Short documentary and discussion are focused on asexual and aromantic identities.
• Tuesday, Oct. 11, 5 to 7 p.m., Polyamory Panel, 2028 Brown Hall. Informational session will focus on issues related to polyamory—the philosophy of having more than one romantic or sexual relationship at once. Included will be an overview of issues related to defining polyamorous terms and experiences, as well a discussion with a panel of polyamorous individuals.
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Coming Out with CARES, 1710 Sangren Hall. Office of LBGT Student Services and Community AIDS Resources Education Services, or CARES, of southwest Michigan will give an educational presentation about criminalization and stigma against people living with HIV. Additionally, CARES will offer free, quick and confidential HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the same day in 1321 Trimpe Building.
• Thursday, Oct. 13, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., LBGT ally training, Trimpe Building Multicultural Center. Free training for anyone on campus who is interested in learning more about how to be an ally to the LBGT community, how to create welcoming and inclusive spaces on campus, and where to find resources on campus and otherwise to keep up to date on identities, issues and experiences within LBGTQ+ communities. Open to all WMU and Kalamazoo community members.

For more information, visit WMU's Office of LBGT Student Services at wmich.edu/lbgt.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.