[O@A & ASA] National Coming Out Day Fireside Chat

Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally. On Oct. 11, 2018, we will mark the 30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day.

Nearly 30 years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.

Coming out - whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or allied - STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.

Join Out@Anderson and ASA in celebrating National Coming Out Day with a lunchtime Fireside Chat featuring coming out stories from our diverse set of fellow students. Lunch will be provided :)

Our panelists this time are very excited to share their stories and we're happy to share a quick shoutout from them:

Alex Levine (FTMBA 2020)
"I believe that people have a right to love who they love. I believe that not only should this right be protected by laws, but that this right [should] be protected by society. Both forms of protection have their genesis in the successful creation of societal norms, which require the support of individual belief systems based on equal rights."

Andrew Waldman (FTMBA 2020)
"We're all incredibly fortunate to attend such a progressive university in a liberal city, but it's safe to assume we didn't always have that privilege. I went to a relatively conservative undergraduate university, then jumped into the world of management consulting where I had to retreat into the closet every time I started a new project. I'm excited for the opportunity to share my experiences with my peers to reiterate the importance of authenticity and the value of allyship in the workplace."

Diana Perez (FTMBA 2020)
"Although there has been significant progress on LBTQ+ issues in recent history, the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell being a legislative victory that personally impacted me in a big way while I served on active duty in the Air Force, there's still work to be done in the fight for equality. I hope my story makes a difference with LBTQ+ members and allies alike."

Adi Rajapuram (FTMBA 2019)
"It is important to understand the nuanced experiences of different people and our diverse classmates. I hope sharing my coming out story encourages acceptance of all LGBTQ+ identities."

Panel will be moderated by Haitham Haddad (FTMBA 2020)

Looking forward to seeing you there!

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Co-hosted with: Anderson Student Association

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