October 11 was National Coming Out Day, an annual awareness day observed in the United States to celebrate and support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people in “coming out of the closet.” This is only one day out of LGBTQ+ History Month, which is the entirety of October. National Coming Out Day was created in 1988 with the goal of destigmatizing coming out and instead celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Homophobia thrives in atmospheres of silence and ignorance, so when people openly celebrate being LGBTQ+, they are fighting against homophobic or oppressive views. The goal is that once homophobic people know they have loved ones who are in the LGBTQ+ community, they are less likely to maintain their intolerant views.
Liliana Delman, the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Division of Student Affairs, plans the National Coming Out Day events for Stevens each year in collaboration with student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion staff and LGBTQ+ student organizations, Torch Alliance and oSTEM.
Delman explained that in 2016, Stevens created the vibrant purple “coming out day door” as a way to spread awareness. Fittingly, purple front doors on houses are generally known to be a sign of open-mindedness. The same can be said for this door which enthusiastically welcomes each person who walks through it. It is mounted to the door frame used in DeBaun productions which allows the Stevens community members to literally “come out” by walking through the fully functional door. The panels of the door are also full of signatures, showing support from those who have previously visited the door.
The door was placed inside the University Center Complex gallery on National Coming Out day along with a table of other activities like LGBTQ+ history trivia questions with prizes. There was also free coffee to encourage a comfortable, social atmosphere. Members of Torch Alliance, oSTEM, LGBTQ+ staff, and allies attended to celebrate and share resources. The event took place both in the morning and early afternoon to allow attendance for as many students as possible.
LGBTQ+ History Month will be continuing for all of October with a variety of events and celebrations. Future events include a Safe Zone Allyship Training, LGBTQ+ Networking Event, and Lavender Luncheon, to name a few. To learn more, check out DuckLink or the Corq app. Information about LGBTQ+ events and life on campus can also be found on Instagram @torch.alliance, @ostemstevens, and @interculturalspace.
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