Free Speech Plaza was abuzz with LGBTQ students, allies and other spectators participating in National Coming Out Day celebrations Wednesday.
Spectrum Vice President of Administration Kameron Kilchrist, a biological engineering senior, said the event will continue today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for students whose class schedules did not permit them to attend Wednesday.
Spectrum welcomed passersby to walk through a rainbow-colored door and announce what they were coming out as. Although students could announce their identity as an LGBTQ student, they were encouraged to describe themselves in any way they wanted.
“You don’t have to come out as LGBTQ! You could also come out as an ally, a human or however you’re feeling!” the event’s Facebook page stated.
Some students chose serious descriptions, while others took a humorous approach. One student announced himself as Batman. A few students came out silently.
After passing through the rainbow door, participants could dip their hands in paint and leave a handprint on a banner. The handprints were different colors of the spectrum and, together, formed a rainbow.
“It’s coming out as whoever you are and being accepted,” said Spectrum Vice President of Programming Ritu Roy. “We want to show LSU that we’re a safe space and that we’re here to accept everybody.”
Roy said one of the day’s biggest successes was the overall respect and cooperation of different groups tabling in Free Speech Plaza.
“At least one person from every table came up, even Jesus Talks,” Roy said.
While the National Coming Out Day festivities were fun and entertaining to onlookers, the celebration marked a transition in the lives of many University students.
“I’m out. To me, this represents being confident and honest about who I am,” said international studies senior Lillian Stewart.
Roy said events like National Coming Out Day make a difference on campus because students can physically see support from the community.
‘It’s coming out as whoever you are and being accepted.’
Different paint colors combine to create a rainbow on a hand Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, at Spectrum's table in Free Speech Alley. Spectrum, a student organization for LGBTQ students and their allies, is creating a banner of rainbow handprints in celebration of National Coming Out Day.
