In the Beginning, There Was a March
On Oct. 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It was the second such demonstration in our nation’s capital and resulted in the founding of a number of LGBTQ organizations. The momentum continued four months after this extraordinary march as more than 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists from around the country gathered in Manassas, VA., about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. Recognizing that the LGBTQ community often reacted defensively to anti-LGBTQ actions, they came up with the idea of a national day to celebrate coming out and chose the anniversary of that second march on Washington to mark it. The originators of the idea were Rob Eichberg, a founder of the personal growth workshop, The Experience, and Jean O’Leary, then head of National Gay Rights Advocates. From this idea the National Coming Out Day was born.
Each year on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day continues to promote a safe world for LGBTQ individuals to live truthfully and openly. Here at Nova Southeastern University the Pride Alliance has partnered with S.E.A. Board, GLMA, PRISM, The Pride Center and many more organizations here at NSU and throughout the community to create National Coming Out Week. Starting Monday October 10th there will be events and workshops that will entertain and most importantly educate the NSU community about the LGBT community.
Monday October 10
- Sex Ed Workshop: Don Taft University Center 2nd Floor Lounge, noon – 1 PM
Presented by the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association at NSU HPD and The Fort Lauderdale Pride Center - Coming Out Week Backyard Kickoff Party: Don Taft University Center Flight Deck 6 PM – 8 PM
Music, Giveaways, University Organizations in Support of LGBT Community and Local LGBT Businesses
Tuesday October 11 (Coming Out Day)
- NOH8 Campaign: Don Taft University Center Spine Noon – 1 PM
Co-Hosted by S.E.A. Board; Come Have Your Picture Taken and Receive Giveaways and Chances to Win Prizes - LGBTQ History Seminar: Don Taft University Center 2nd Floor Lounge 6 PM – 8 PM
Presented by Professor Fred Fejes Ph.D. of Florida Atlantic University in the Multimedia Studies Program and in the Gender and Sexuality Program
Wednesday October 12
- Gender & Orientation Education Workshop: Don Taft University Center 2nd Floor Lounge Noon – 1 PM
Presented by The YES Institute - Diversity Panel: Don Taft University Center 2nd Floor Lounge 6 PM – 8 PM
Moderated questions to diverse panel then opened to floor
Thursday October 13
DIVAS LIVE: Drag Show Don Taft University Center Spine 7 PM – 9 PM
Professional Drag Queens perform live at NSU for the first time promoting diversity here on campus
Friday October 14
Trip to Wilton Manors: Don Taft University Center Shark Circle: 6 PM Shuttle Departs and Runs to Midnight
Tour will start at Pride Center, Equality Park, Stonewall Museum and Dinner and Nighttime Entertainment Planned
Please email NSUPrideAlliance@gmail.com to RSVP for trip
All Coming Out Week Events are free to NSU students and the public. Ask your professors regarding extra credit for attending events. For more information on events or membership please contact us at NSUPrideAlliance@gmail.com