The University of Idaho Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Ally office hosted multiple events this week in connection with National Coming Out Day Thursday.
Amrah Canul | Argonaut
Erin Agidius, University of Idaho Student Affairs staff member, gives away prizes during the Coming Out Carnival Thursday at the Idaho Commons plaza for National Coming Out Day.
The events were held in and around the Idaho Commons, encouraging people to learn more about the LGBTQA community.
The first event of the week was Coming Out in the Commons, where people were able to come and get information, said Julia Keleher, Coordinator of the UI LGBTQA Office and Programs.
“The Coming Out in the Commons is an informational session for folks who don’t know about National Coming Out Day or (are) unaware of what is going on,” Keleher said. “We have a table providing information about our office and our carnival.”
UI sophomore Nickele Mainarick worked at the booth for Coming Out in the Commons and said she was pleased with the response.
“A lot of happy faces, everybody is just so supportive and it’s been amazing,” Mainarick said. “Everybody is just pumped and it’s really exciting.”
There is also a LGBTQA History Month wall display on the lower floor of the Commons that will be up until Monday, where people can learn about celebrities who have come out.
On Wednesday night the LGBTQA presented “Count Me Out: Coming Out and Being Out,” where a short documentary was shown and UI students told their coming out stories. There was also a presentation of an upcoming documentary, “Coming Out,” by Alden Peters.
All of this was in preparation for Thursday’s event, which was a carnival at the Idaho Commons Plaza. Keleher said the event is the penultimate event for National Coming Out Day.
Keleher said that coming out can be a very difficult time for someone and can be one of the hardest things a person has to do in our culture, and that the day should be one where everyone gets together and celebrates.
“National Coming Out Day is a really important day for the LBGT community because it’s a day where we get together as a community and celebrate coming out and being out, and being proud of who you are,” Keleher said.
This year marks the first year the carnival was held, and in the past the day’s events was called Allied Fest. According to Keleher, campus and community organizations were invited to show what type of resources are available and to show their support.
Erika Newman, president of UI VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood said the event is a great opportunity to support students.
“National coming out day and the carnival offer a great opportunity for our campus community to support our LGBTQ students and promote open discussions about LGBT issues,” Newman said. “This is an important event and VOX is pleased to have the opportunity to be a part of this discussion and help to raise awareness.”
The event also had speakers which ranged from Provost Doug Baker to others who told their own personal stories.
“The stories that some of the folks tell are so inspiring, and it’s really nice to kind of connect to them in that way,” Mainarick said. “A lot my friends are out here so it’s really exciting to share this day with them.”
Jacob Dyer can be reached at [email protected]