Show Your Pride: Its Coming Out Week at Temple University

This week is “Coming Out Week” at Temple University. The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership has organized five events for this week. Each event allows people to learn about the LGBTQIA+ community. Members and allies also have the opportunity to hear from professionals, who identify with the community, so they can gain knowledge and confidence before entering the workforce themselves. All events will be over before National Coming Out Day, which is Tuesday, October 11th.

Queer Connect

The first “Coming Out Week” event was this past Tuesday on October 3rd. At Queer Connect, three panelists were invited to share their professional experiences. Those who attended Queer Connect were given free t-shirts and bracelets at the start of the discussion. The goal was to provide advice for young members of the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically on how to advocate for representation of their identity in the workplace. 

The organizer’s provided the panelists with questions to answer for the viewers. Once these questions were answered, the floor was open for anyone to ask questions.

An Evening With Queer Artists

Another discussion took place this past Wednesday on October 4th. An Evening With Queer Artists gave students the opportunity to hear from local artists’ experiences. Author Kyle Lukoff, filmmaker, photographer, activist and advocate Kelly Burkhardt, and affirmation creator, writer and poet Queen Phierce were invited to share their stories. Each artist explained how to illustrate the queer experience in their respective artforms, as well as the importance of understanding the experience.

NCOWFest

The first “Coming Out Week” event was supposed to be the Come Out and Speak Out festival. Due to inclement weather, this event was moved from Monday the 3rd to Thursday the 6th. This outdoor festival gives students the opportunity to connect with LGBTQIA+ clubs and university offices. There were chances to win prizes and interact with students all throughout Temple. The two hour festival started at 1:00 pm, and it took place on 13th street by the Student Center.

Drag Show and Drag Bingo

“Coming Out Week” wraps up Friday, October 7th with a drag show and drag bingo to follow. The drag show will go from 7-9 pm, while drag bingo will be held in room 200C at the Student Center from 8-11:59. The drag show features a great lineup of dancers and performers, who will educate the crowd on the history and importance of drag in addition to performing. Once that’s over, everyone is encouraged to make their way for the student center for free food and a night of bingo.

For more information on “Coming Out Week” events, contact The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership, or check the links provided in the first paragraph. Come out, and show your pride.