Coming Out Week 2007
 Coming Out Week celebrates the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities and their straight allies. |
SCHEDULE
Gay Jeans Day!
Thursday, October 11th
Kick off Coming Out Weeks by wearing your blue jeans in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community. Don≠t forget to join us at 4:30 PM in the 1962 Room for some snacks and a recap of the day!
LGBTQ Support Pins
October 11th √ 25th * Information Desk, Balfour-Hood Campus Center
Pick up your LGBTQ support pin and wear it throughout Coming Out Weeks.
Zanna, Don't!
Saturday, October 13, Bus Leaves at 6:30PM
Tickets $5, on sale Wednesday, October 10 * 6:00pm, Balfour-Hood Campus Center
Zanna, Don't! is a hip musical fairy tale about a matchmaking teen who turns relationships upside down, challenges our point of view and changes the world forever. With a little magic and a fresh pop score, Zanna celebrates the discovery of true love.
Coming Out Stories
October 15th - 20th *Atrium, Balfour-Hood Campus Center
It is important for both LGBTQ people and allies to understand what coming out means to different people and the diversity of coming out experiences. Please stop by and check out the display of the coming out stories of Wheaton faculty, staff, and students as well as some celebrity coming out stories.
ACT OUT: Toward a Practice of Radical Queer Activism & Advocacy
Monday, Oct 15th * 12:00pm * Weil Faculty Lounge, Emerson Dining
ACT OUT will begin with a dialogue about the constructions of the closet and the need for a Coming Out Week, both for queer people and allies. Facilitator David Glisch-Sánchez will further the discussion by asking what kind of activism it will take to liberate the queer community and further a social justice agenda.
Mi Testimonio: A Queer Latino Activist In The (Re)Making
Monday, October 15 * 6:30pm * 1962 Room, Balfour-Hood Campus Center
Queer Cuban activist, David Glisch-Sánchez, knows what it is like when a young, queer person of color is dismissed by others in the ability to participate or lead social change within ones community. He will share his personal story on his leadership experience and civic participation while also presenting the many lessons that have been passed onto him and those that he has learned on his own.
Esera Tuaolo: Creating a World of Tolerance
Tuesday, October 16th * 7:30pm * Cole Memorial Chapel
One of only three former NFL players to ever come out, Tuaolo will share his experiences as a gay man in the hyper-masculine culture of professional football, as well as share thoughts on how to make this world a better place. His autobiography Alone in the Trenches, will also be available for purchase.
Daily Show Clips
Thursday, October 18th * 7:00pm * New Yellow Parlor
Join the Alliance in watching excerpts from the Daily Show which cover topics on LGBTQ issues.
Gay Activism: What does it mean? How has it changed? How does it affect you?
Saturday, October 20th * 4:00pm * Kresge Experimental Theatre, Watson Fine Arts
Join students, alumnae/i, faculty, staff, and allies as we discuss important questions. Today while there is greater acceptance of lgbt people and issues, highly charged public and political discourse still rages over rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. In this climate, what is the role of gay activism? A reception will follow in Watson lower lobby.
Solidarity Event
October 22nd, 7:00pm in front of the Chapel
Coming out and being out is not easy. Members of the LGBTQ community can face discrimination and rejection on a day-to-day basis. Please come and show these brave individuals that they are not alone. We will be processing around the dimple, reading the names of those who have signed a pledge of support (look for a pledge-signing tables in Chase and Emerson in the preceding week), and joining in an interfaith prayer of support for the LGBTQ community and its allies.
Coming Out Discussion
Tuesday, October 23rd * 6:30pm * Meneely 207
A group discussion for students in the process of coming out to family or friends. Facilitated by staff members of the Counseling Center.
Bisexual Event
Wednesday, October 24th * 5:00pm * Media Center, Balfour-Hood Campus Center
A focus group to discuss the needs of bisexual students on campus and how those needs can be met.
Lost in Translation
Thursday, October 25th * 7:00 pm * New Yellow Parlor, Balfour-Hood Campus Center
A presentation by Gavi Ansara, founder and executive director of Lifelines Rhode Island, a groundbreaking grassroots advocacy, education, and support initiative that serves the needs of transgender, transsexual, Two Spirit, genderqueer, and intersex people.
Brought to you by the Coming Out Weeks Committee with support from the Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning, Student Life, Safe Zone, Athletics, Dean of Students, Office of the Provost, Counseling Center, Interfaith Alliance, LGBTQ Alumnae/i, Alliance, SSSR, ICB, Speaker Fund, and Venture Fund. Please contact Liz VanDerMeiren '08 or Pamela Dicent '10 if you have any questions.