To the Editor:
National Coming Out Day (NCOD) was established to celebrate coming out, the process of sharing one's sexual identity with others. A milestone for many lesbian, gay and bisexual people, it is the experience of affirming one's self, one's identity, in spite of a society that denigrates and scapegoats that identity. Even today, some individuals who come out face social isolation, rejection by friends and family, verbal assaults, or physical violence. National Coming Out Day is a celebration of their courage and strength.
Each coming out experience is unique. Some choose to come out to family or friends. Others choose to come out by becoming politically active. Some simply take the important step of coming out to themselves. Whichever way you choose, by coming out on October 11, you tell others the truth about gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Realizing that one's friend, brother, sister or colleague could be "that dyke" or "that fag" personalizes issues of sexual orientation, enabling one to see through screens of prejudice and stereotypes. Thus, National Coming Out Day is a celebration of human sexual diversity, a call for authenticity, and a challenge to society to recognize all people as humans first and sexual entities second.
From dance parties to academic presentations, there is something for everyone! So come on out (forgive the pun) and join us! You need not be lesbian, gay or bisexual to attend any of Dartmouth Rainbow Alliance's planned events. I formally invite everyone to share in this week's festivities, if not for yourself for someone you love.
