National Coming Out Day

Sunday, Oct. 12 was National Coming Out Day and Sacred Heart University celebrated with two separate events on campus. A National Coming Out Day rally was held on Sunday, Oct. 12 on the university chapel quad and a Heart Challenges Hate event was hosted on Monday, Oct. 13 by Reverend Sara Smith.

This year marked the first time National Coming Out Day was celebrated with on-campus events.

“It has become more apparent that in today’s society as a university, we need to reach out to different demographics, and that includes the LGBTQ+ community,” said Keith Johnston, Director of Performing Arts.

The event on Sunday, sponsored by the Multicultural Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, SHU Gender Sexuality Alliance and Performing Arts, was filled with musical performances, speeches, food and inspiration.

“I hope that these events serve as an example to everyone hesitant to come out or afraid of coming out,” said senior Carlos Ruiz. “It’s not always an easy thing, but I want people to know that you’re able to be yourself and achieve great things.”

Both events aimed at creating a safe environment where LGBTQ+ students feel included, embraced and important.

“I told everyone at the rally I wanted them to hear three things,” said Reverend Sara Smith. “You are loved, you are not alone, and you are a child of God.” 

There were few people in attendance, but that did not stop the enthusiasm at these events. 

“Whether there were two people there or 1000 people there, just the fact that we did this is a huge step,” said Johnston.

The event on Monday, held in the Multicultural Center, served as a time for any student, regardless of their sexuality, to have a one-on-one conversation with Smith.

“I want LGBTQ+ students to know that they have allies on campus,” said Smith. “There is so much hate in the world. What we need to do is counter that with love.”

These events were not just for the LGBTQ+ community; they were also held for straight students to acknowledge and celebrate their fellow students’ sexuality. 

“National Coming Out Day is not just for gay people,” said Smith. “It’s for straight people to stand up and say that’s my friend and I support them no matter what.” 

Ruiz, who spoke at Sunday’s event, recognized people who have helped him continue to be himself on campus. 

“Sacred Heart’s faculty and staff, my friends, and my teammates are my biggest support system,” said Ruiz. 

He also recognized that his openness may not come so easily to others, which is why it is important that Sacred Heart holds these events.

“By having these events, it will hopefully allow students who are struggling or feel as if they don’t have a place for them on campus to know that they have support and that people will stick up for them,” said Ruiz.

Sacred Heart is encouraging allies to stand with LGBTQ+ students and continue to make Sacred Heart a safe place for them.

“I am truly a believer that visibility matters and that we grow as people when we are together and share in our experiences,” said Johnston.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion plans to continue to hold events supporting LGBTQ+ students, the Black Lives Matter movement, women’s rights and other important movements.

“We’re just getting started,” said Smith. “We are going to keep doing all kinds of events.”

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