National Coming Out Day: Kalamazoo celebrates with open hearts and safe spaces

by Katie Sergent | News Channel 3Wed, October 11th 2023, 10:49 PM EDT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Wednesday marked National Coming Out Day, a day dedicated to supporting those in the LGBTQIA+ community in "coming out of the closet," according to Harvard University.

For Outfront Kalamazoo, Wednesday was an important day to let people know they can live as they are, according to Outfront Kalamazoo Director of Communications Grace Gheen.

Coming Out Day was first established in 1988.

The idea behind the day was "grounded in the feminist and gay liberation spirit of the personal being political," and emphasized "the most basic form of activism" in coming out to friends, family, and colleagues, according to Harvard University.

"You know people who are queer, you know people who are gay, you know people who are transgender, and we just want them to know that this day is for them being able to do that safely, if they feel safe to do it," Gheen said.

In celebration of Coming Out Day, OUTFRONT Kalamazoo's Faith Alliance hosted a Coming Out Social from 6-8 p.m. at Phoenix Community Church.

Those who attended could share their coming out stories, come out if they felt safe, and more, according to Gheen.

"When you're with other people who understand what you've gone through, what you're going through, or maybe you haven't admitted to yourself yet, having those people around allows you to feel better about yourself and who you are, and gives you permission to do it there without feeling judged or you won't be made fun of," Gheen said. "We are a safe space for anyone, regardless of how you identify."

Link to original article source: https://wwmt.com/news/local/national-coming-out-day-outfront-kalamazoo-community-lgbtqia-safety-holiday-celebration-faith-alliance-stories-family-friends-lifestyle-people-west-michigan