Temple’s annual National Coming Out Week began this week, with social and educational programs open to students of all identities.
The week of programming is organized and facilitated by the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership, also known as IDEAL.
Senior IDEAL peer mentor Abie Kamara believes these events are crucial for students in the LGBTQ+ community.
“For those who identify in the queer community, being able to stand in their truth and stand out loud to anyone and everyone and being emboldened to kind of share that with everyone as they see fit,” Kamara explained.
The week kicked off with a festival by the Bell Tower, featuring campus organizations that shared information on their LGBTQ+-friendly services. Later that night, students came together in the Game Room at the Student Center.
Ally Justine Harrison, a freshman at Temple, has used these events to support her queer friends.
“When I saw that National Coming Out Week was this week, I was like, ‘Hey Mia, we have to go do your stuff! This is for you! This is to celebrate you! We have to get you out there! Let’s do it, let’s support, let’s see what’s going on!” Harrison emphasized.
On Tuesday, two events were hosted simultaneously at the IDEAL offices. The first was Paint and Sip, where students gathered and created artwork together. The second was Speak Out and Speakeasy, where students performed spoken word poetry, songs, and a group discussion emerged.
Junior IDEAL student worker Joshua Wingate was happy to see programming targeted towards people like himself.
“This was something that I was very glad to at least like be able to see, especially as someone who not only is a person of color, but also someone who is part of the LGBTQ community,” said Wingate.
If you’re interested in participating in National Coming Out Week, there is one more event to come! On October 2nd, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, the NCOW Drag Show will take place at the Temple Performing Arts Center, featuring Temple students and local performers.
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