Coming Out Day at ETSU!

Tuesday, October 11th is Coming Out Day and there will be a vigil at ETSU at 7 p.m. at the Amphitheatre. Following the vigil, interested people are invited to the Presbyterian Campus House (1412 College Heights Road) to share coming out stories. Refreshments will be served.

Here is an article in the East Tennessean.

Every year, closeted LGBT individuals all across the country face a dilemma. Do I come out and risk losing my friends, my job, even my family? Or do I stay in and continue to live in a way that I do not want to live?

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, ETSU will host its first official celebration of National Coming Out Day to show solidarity and raise awareness for people who struggle to share their sexuality.

On Oct. 4, the SGA voted on emergency legislation to formally recognize the day as a university event. National Coming Out Day is being sponsored by the LGBTies and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

"The purpose of National Coming Out Day is to help LGBT people who haven't come out realize that things can get better, and that there is someone who knows what they are going through and how they feel," said Kayla Peterson, a co-president of LGBTies.

A candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Amphitheatre. Speakers, music, and poetry will also be featured at the ceremony. Following the vigil, students are encouraged to go to the Presbyterian House on campus to relax and talk about their experiences.

On Monday, Oct. 10, LGBTies will sponsor a meeting in Rogers-Stout 325, where students will have the opportunity to discuss the issues openly and share their coming out stories.

"All most LGBT people want to hear is: it's okay, I still love you and accept you for who you are," Peterson said. "Don't judge. Support your LGBT friends and promote acceptance."

Here is the Facebook invite.

It is nice that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has come out and ordained the first openly gay man to the ministry since changing its constitution this summer. The national news has picked up the story over the last couple of days.

• Re-ordination caps long journey
• US Presbyterian church ordains first gay minister
• Presbyterians ordain first gay minister
• First openly gay pastor ordained in the PCUSA speaks
  

Yes, it is a good day to come out.