Coming Out Week finishes at The Heidleberg
Coming Out Week wrapped up at The Heidelberg Friday night with Queer Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m.
“The week went well,” Triangle Coalition President Erin Horth said. “We had a great event on Wednesday. I think a lot of people could relate.”
The big speaker of the week on Wednesday was Esera Tuaolo, who played nine seasons in the NFL and came out after he retired.
“A bunch of members from the LGBTQ community went out to Addison’s with him afterward,” Horth said. “We got to know him. It was enjoyable.”
Freshman Alfred Cox said Tuaolo was insightful.
“He talked about how isolated and alone he felt,” Cox said. “And now he’s a very proud gay man. He touched me because he related to what I went through.”
Cox said he also enjoyed the march.
“That was the first time I ever did something that anti-establishment in favor of my sexuality,” Cox said. “I felt like I was finally taking a stand against discrimination.”
TriCo Treasurer Emily Luft said there was more excitement on campus for this year’s Coming Out Week.
“There was excitement for the big speaker,” Luft said. “We had 100 to 125 people show up on Wednesday.”
Coming Out Week participants trickled in during the happy hour, going from two to 18 people in half an hour. Anyone celebrating the closing of the week was allowed to grab a quesadilla and conversation at the table.
Cox said he feels it’s a more open environment on campus.
“In St. Louis, homosexuality is very persecuted against,” Cox said. “Here there are people like me that know what I’m going through. It’s almost like a rebirth, if you will.”
