National Coming Out Week kicked off its weeklong event series on Main Campus outside O’Connor Plaza on Monday, highlighting resources for the LGBTQ community and advertising the upcoming events.
This is the ninth annual NCOW hosted by several university and students organizations like the Queer Student Union, Queer People of Color and the Institutional Diversity, Equality, Advocacy and Leadership office.
The NCOW Launch Event offered students information about what the week has to offer, as well as provided free cupcakes, pins and Pride flags.
This event is also a precursor to Monday night’s 6th annual Drag Show at the Temple Performing Arts Center from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Other events this week include a screening of Ellen DeGeneres’ coming out story, town hall forums and Queer Bingo.
“Temple always says that it’s a diverse university, and I think having events like this that are devoted to a traditionally underrepresented community is really important,” said Quinn Heath, the president of QSU at the launch event.
“Students and faculty are saying that they want to see these representations through programming, dialogues and conversations,” said Nu’Rodney Prad, the director of student engagement in the IDEAL office. “I think it’s a very positive thing when people of like identities and allies can come together and help share and celebrate, as well.”
Many students stopped at the table to learn about the upcoming events, like Raven Clark, a freshman theater major.
“I like how Temple is supporting all students,” Clark said. “This will let you know that we have your back and nobody’s judging you.”
Be the first to comment