National Coming Out Day RI

Saturday, October 09, 2010

GoLocalProv Features Team

"If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door." -Harvey Milk

Since 1988, the world has paused to celebrate National Coming Out Day, a time to recognize and celebrate civil rights relating to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues. This year, as the day arrives on Monday, events take on a special gravity and poignancy in light of recent gay teen suicides, including a student at Johnson & Wales.

How can GLBTQ and allies (encompassing all friends, supporters, and loved ones) engage on Monday and the days to follow?

Educate

A list is being compiled of anecdotes of anti-gay bullying in Rhode Island public high schools or middle schools in preparation for a request to the Board of Regents and Commissioner of Education regarding stiffer regulations to stop anti-gay bullying. Names and names of schools will not be included in the list. Anyone with knowledge of specific incidents is asked to e-mail [email protected].

Congregate

Go see “How To Be A Lesbian in 10 Days or Less”, written and performed by Leigh Hendrix, at 7:30pm at Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell St, Providence. $10 for adults, $5 youth. Proceeds will benefit Youth Pride. For more information or reservations, call 421-5626.

Organize

From 10-11am on Monday, Marriage Equality Rhode Island will organize volunteers and supporters to talk to their neighbors about marriage equality, and distribute postcards to sign and send to state politicians, lobbying for change. For more information, go to MERI. Call 941-2727 or go here.

Encourage Youth

On Saturday, October 23, Moses Brown School in Providence will host the annual GSA Leadership Conference. Presented by Youth Pride, Inc., this conference is part of the mission to support and educate Rhode Island youths who can be so strongly impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Various workshops will take place throughout the day, including "Healthy Relationships", "Nonviolent Communication and Organizing" and "Race and the LGBT Community –intersections and overlaps." These programs align well with MB's eight diversity identities that enrich the school community: abilities/disabilities, class, ethnicity, gender, language, race, religious preference, and sexual orientation.

These sessions are meant to be informative while also promoting acceptance of all people despite race, gender or sexual orientation. 9:30am-5:30pm, free of charge. Register at http://www.youthprideri.org. For more information, call 421-5626.

Stand Vigil

In response to the recent tragedies across the nation Roger Williams University's Gay Straight Alliance (SAFE) is raising awareness through a memorial service and candle light vigil on Sunday, October 17, on the steps of the Providence State House, from 7-9pm. Plans include student speakers, musicians, and photographers.

“Coming Out” Exhibit at URI’s Feinstein Campus

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