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| Coming out: something to talk about |
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| Written by By Jessica Mullins -Argonaut | ||||||
| Tuesday, 11 October 2005 | ||||||
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Coming out of the closet can be difficult. Just ask UI junior Marcy Smaha. In celebration of National Coming Out Day, Smaha told her story of admitting she was a lesbian on a video that will be played Wednesday in the Women’s Center. Growing up, Smaha said she always knew she liked girls but just had to admit it to herself. “The realization took a while because it is different,” Smaha said. “And no one wants to be different.” UI students and faculty will celebrate the universality of coming out and the increased awareness of gay, lesbian, bi and transgender sexuality issues through National Coming Out Day events today and Wednesday at the Idaho Commons pavilion. While much of the celebration has to do with homosexuality, “coming out” does not necessarily mean telling people one is gay. Anyone can come out in areas like sexual orientation or religious or political affiliation. The Women’s Center and other groups at the University of Idaho are trying to spread that message. Students and others are encouraged to wear pink clothing and felt triangles, walk through a large “coming out” door and attend UI Provost Doug Baker’s signing of a new policy of nondiscrimination for the university. UI President White was going to sign the declaration, but had to let the provost take over after suffering his third heart attack Friday. The new UI policy of nondiscrimination adds sexual discrimination into the current statement, which includes race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability and Vietnam-era status. Rebecca Rod, Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender program adviser at the UI Women’s Center, said the change in the policy diminishes the “separate but equal” position of sexual orientation in the previous nondiscrimination policy. Gay Straight Alliance co-chair Leah Cristaldi said she is excited for the signing. “It is hopeful and encouraging (that) this university is at the place where they are willing to step up and be more inclusive,” she said. To help universalize the idea of coming out, an 8-foot door and frame will be outside the commons from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students are invited to walk through the door frame and sign the door. They can come out any way or just show support for others. “Coming out is about being true to yourself,” Cristaldi said. “We wanted to make sure people know no one is alone in anything.” People feel empowerment when they know a group of people support them, she said. If people walk through the door it will provide the opportunity for others to experience that empowerment, she said. The theme for National Coming Out Day is “talk about it.” The felt triangles and the “Coming Out Stories” video were some of the ways organizers hope to get people talking about GLBT issues. That’s why Smaha participated in the video, she said. She said coming out is a continual process. Her coming out process began with admitting to herself she is gay. She first came out to someone her freshman year in college and gradually began to tell others. When Smaha came out to her parents they told her they already knew and gave her complete support. “They took it really well. I expected it to be more of a big deal,” Smaha said. Smaha said her coming out experience has been positive overall. “For some people it doesn’t go as well,” Smaha said. “I want to be kind of an inspiration and I want to show (coming out) can be a good thing and is doable.” Last week members and friends of the Gay Straight Alliance handed out felt pink upside-down triangles outside the commons. GSA members encouraged people to wear them all week, but especially today. Rod said she hopes the triangles will spark conversations. “Not everyone is aware of where (the symbol) comes from,” Rod said. The symbol of the pink triangle is originally from World War II. Men convicted of homosexually were required by the Nazis to wear a pink triangle for identification purposes. The pink triangle has since been reclaimed in the modern gay rights movement as a symbol of empowerment and remembrance. “If everyone wore them no one could single out who is gay and not,” Rod said. “We invite people who have gay, lesbian, bi and transgender friends and relatives, and people who ally themselves with GLBT individuals, to wear them.” Cristaldi said events for National Coming Out Day are more public this year. Last year there were no events that day. There was a mini-drag show in the UI Commons a few weeks after National Coming Out Day along with a few talks and conferences. “This year is much more artsy and informative,” said GSA member Carthey Sieverding. There will also be surprise “coming out” performances and art pieces around campus for further awareness.  Add as favorites (29) | Views: 1358
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