GSA Celebrates National Coming Out Day

This past weekend brought the attention of a national holiday to campus celebrated by many students on campus: National Coming Out Day held annually on October 11.On Friday, the annual symbol of a white door, courtesy of the Gay/Straight Alliance club (or GSA,) stood open on the academic quad, honoring those who have “come out of the closet.”With a theme of “Coming Out Still Matters,” this holiday hardly went unnoticed by the Exeter community. The holiday celebrates the National March that took place about 25 years ago, in Washington, D.C., for lesbian and gay rights.The message posted on the door, sourced by the Human Right Campaign, stressed the importance of awareness and the positive effects it can have. “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,” the poster read. “When people know someone who is LGBT, they are far more likely to support equality under the law.”Some may have noticed other posters around campus that read: “I’m coming out as…” around campus. Students who are involved with GSA posted these in celebration of coming out.“The point of all the posters is to remove the stigma that is often associated with the words “coming out”, GSA Co-head and senior Maria Fernanda Martinez said. “The door is similar to the posters in that it is supposed to reduce the stigma, but it is also a physical representation of the supportive community that exists on campus and a way to inform those on campus who may not know about National Coming Out Day.”GSA co-head and upper Robert Connor agreed. “They are trying to lower the stigma on the idea of coming out by having lots of people of various views ‘come out’ as fun or non-serious things.”Lower Chris Vazan, after his decision to come out, expressed his gratitude towards the holiday and the role it played in making this decision. “I definitely like the idea of Coming Out Day,” he said. “I don't know if it's helpful for those who are hesitant; I had decided to make a post a few weeks prior, then I realized Coming Out Day was coming up soon, so I thought it would be a good date to settle on.”The GSA club, known primarily for their successful conference last year that invited guest speakers and collaborated with schools in the New England area, serves as a support and social group that offers all students the opportunity to discuss topics and issues relating to sexual orientation, as well as current legislation affecting the rights of many across the country.For many students, the presence of the LGBT community on campus fosters an open environment and is welcomed by the Academy with open arms. “I think Exeter is remarkably accepting towards the LGBT community as a whole,” Vazan said.“I think if there's anything we need to work on it's trying to avoid slurs like “faggot” or “that's so gay”,” he added. “Even if they are not meant seriously, and they barely ever are, it's remarkably intimidating and confusing for closeted LGBT trying to reach out.”Fernandez expressed similar thoughts. “I think Exeter is pretty open to students coming out, but there is a difference between accepting/tolerating and welcoming, and that is something that as a community we definitely need to work on.”Overall, students felt that acknowledging this day was crucial to its impact on the Academy.“I think it lets them know that there is a community willing to support them throughout the process, whenever they decide to embark on it,” Martinez said. “It may not be on Coming Out Day, as in they may not choose to come out on Coming Out Day, but it could be one of the assisting factors in the future.”The notice on the white door made the message clear, “Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and creates new advocates for equality.”