I attended the LGBT Coming Out Table today (10/11/2012) from 10:15 until 12:30. The Coming Out Table is an opportunity for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer to celebrate “coming out” by walking through a “closed door”. It was sponsored by the SPECTRUM LGBTQ & Ally Alliance. During my visit I was able to observe a TV interview by KSPR 33, witness seven students walk through the door, and pick up literature on the topic.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I was nervous and uncomfortable at first, but after a few minutes that feeling went away. Most all the information I received today was new. I even took a pamphlet to read later because I want to have a deeper understanding of the difficulty or struggles that some of them may face on a personal, family, or social level.
What I learned today at the event (and after a long conversation with my friend Kerri) is that there is a universal want or need to be accepted. I’ve always thought that on some level, but today it really hit me and the tears just started to flow! The “black” kid in a white school wants to be accepted as a classmate and peer, the chubby teenage girl wants to be accepted as “normal”, and the older student wants to feel that she too belongs in college. A lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer person is no different.
I was able to see seven people more fully embrace themselves today…I consider that an honor and a privilege.
submitted by Michelle Fischer