Editorial:

Coming Out Week offers acceptance

Published Oct. 6, 2009

Throughout the week, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning community will be trying to make it easier for people to come out in honor of Coming Out Week. A variety of events, from crafts to informative panels, are being held until Friday to coincide with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.

The process of coming out is different for everyone. Some people live in a more supportive environment and do not have as many problems with it. Others might never come out to their loved ones.

The LGBTQ community on campus being vocal about their cause, especially with the help of allies, is really wonderful. For people who do not have to go through such an emotional process to fully announce their sexual orientation or gender identity, it can be difficult to understand where the LGBTQ community is coming from.

Coming Out Week is an excellent way for LGBTQ students on campus to learn where to find various resources they might need in their process to come out and deal with the potential ramifications of it.

The LGBTQ Resource Center provides information not only about coming out, but also on a variety of issues relevant to LGBTQ life on campus. Students can get information on legal rights, homophobia, transgender topics and a number of other related topics. Students can also check out books and movies to help them with the coming out process.

Sadly, the process of coming out is fraught with emotional stress for many people. Some lose their battle with this stress and ultimately commit suicide. Every five hours, a LGBTQ person will commit suicide and 20 more will attempt it, according to the documentary “For The Bible Tells Me So.” Depression and substance abuse are also very common in the LGBTQ community.

Every student who pays the student health fee gets four visits with a licensed psychiatrist and four visits with a therapist at the Student Health Center each semester. One of the counselors on staff, Dr. Deborah Wright, specializes in issues relating to sexual orientation. Having so much mental health coverage provided in the student health fee is really astonishing and people should take advantage of it if they need it.

Do not be afraid to reach out for help. For those who have not yet come out, use this week to see there are people who have been in the same position and have made it through. Go to the events this week and get involved with the LGBTQ community. Use the people in the community as a resource to get moral support and answers to questions you may be afraid to ask a counselor.

The events this week are not just for the LGBTQ community. Any straight person who is sympathetic to the issues surrounding the LGBTQ community should try to attend these events as well. Allies are important in the coming out process. Knowing there are people in the heteronormative majority who are sympathetic to LGBTQ rights can create a more comfortable environment in which people can come out.

Allies also have to go through a bit of a coming out process. For every straight person who has been in a situation where he or she has been surrounded by people who are unsympathetic to LGBTQ issues, there is that moment where he or she can speak up in support or stay quiet. Speaking up in those situations is a form of coming out, even for straight people. Being an ally by showing support is an way to encourage others — gay and straight — to come out in support as well.

The most important thing to remember this week is to be sympathetic and understanding to the LGBTQ community. Coming out is a very personal, difficult decision for each person who does it. Stay supportive if you have a friend who is considering coming out.

For those who might come out this week, we commend you. You are brave role models for LGBTQ community members who have not yet come out.