This week the student group Open Doors will celebrate coming out with more than 17 different speeches, forums and activities.
OUT Week, running from Oct. 7-14, is one of two weeks geared toward the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community, with PRIDE week in the spring, said Mickey Hart, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Center at Ohio University.
This year's theme is Come OUT! Get OUT! Stay OUT! The week is anchored around National Coming Out Day, which is October 11, Hart said.
OUT Week was created to celebrate people coming out said Jason Porter, co-chair of Open Doors.
The event is a key point for students new to OU because they are coming to a school to express themselves in a community where that is not only allowed but encouraged
said Jacob Jakuszeit, an executive member for Open Doors.
OUT Week is a good opportunity for LGBT students to familiarize themselves with the resources offered at OU, Jakuszeit said.
Some students don't want to get involved with an organization but this week they can choose from a smorgasbord of events and activities that are all about coming out and having fun he said.
Some events featured include a keynote speech by author Robin Ochs on Tuesday, a Hip Hop and Homophobia forum Thursday and a dance party at the Blue Gator Saturday.
This week
students can be out
be proud and raise awareness
Hart said.
Students may visit the LGBT Center on the third floor of Baker for a full listing of events and descriptions.
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Ashley Lutz
