Friday, Oct. 11, the Elizabethtown College campus community celebrated the 25th anniversary of National Coming Out Day (NCOD). First observed in 1988, NCOD is a day of raising social justice awareness and celebrating individuals who identify as LGBTQ. Likewise, NCOD serves as an opportunity for straight allies to reaffirm their commitment to the queer community.

Several campus groups joined together to make NCOD a new Etown tradition. “Equali-tea,” a group of student LGBTQ advocates, created T-shirts, candy bags, informational posters and handouts. The students distributed information around campus, partnering with Allies (Etown’s LGBTQ-straight alliance), residents of Stonewall Hall (LGBTQ living learning community) and students from WGS370 (Queer Theory.) Nearly 50 campus community members were photographed holding “I’m an Ally!” signs; students, alumni and staff live-tweeted inspirational quotes and messages of encouragement with “#EtownAllies.” Over 80 individuals signed the Allies Pledge and students, faculty and staff contributed accounts of coming out or of being an ally to a handwritten scrapbook.

It is my hope that NCOD will continue to be a yearly celebration at Etown. As our community works to embrace all forms of diversity, events like NCOD represent positive growth.  The day after NCOD, we paused to reflect and recognize the 15th anniversary of the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard. Throughout both of these days, I was deeply moved as I watched students peacefully advocate for diversity and demonstrate love, acceptance and unity. I welcome further conversation with members of our campus community about supporting the LGBTQ community. Likewise, my office is a SafeZone for those who would like to talk about sexuality or gender identity.