The

Day Carthage College Came Out

By: Nicholas Cottrell On October 11, 1987, a group of people identifying as, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered, along with many allies (straight men and women who fight for gay rights) marched their issues with their unequal status, and non existent rights in America, right to the front door of Uncle Sam. In textbooks it is forever known as the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, but what the history books didnt record, was the impact it would leave, and the legacy it would grow to. So when a psychologist from New Mexico by the name of Robert Eichberg, and an openly gay politician from Los Angeles, Jean OLeary, collectively gathered their thoughts, concerns, falters, and triumphs of the LGBT community, they founded the National Coming Out Day (NCOD). The NCOD was established so that young people could feel ok with whom they were, regardless of their sexual orientation, and that someone out there cared for them. 24 years, 50 states, and 11 countries later, NCOD is being celebrated by many, young and old alike, and even right here on campus at Carthage. This year the Carthage College Allies decided that they were going to expand on the NCOD and celebrate it over the course of a week, instead of just on Thursday, October 11. Carthage Allies E-board member, Sean Engelbreit 14, felt that, making it a week instead of just a day tells people that the [LGBT Community] is willing to communicate who we are. Discussing more as to the purpose of Carthages Coming Out Week, Engelbreit later went on to say, The week opens the door to let people come find out more, and to communicate with the community. When asked whether or not the week was necessary, or if more of an emphasis should be placed on NCOD itself, Tanna Freed 16, herself an ally said, I wish that there was a bit more emphasis on the day itself, but [we] need to keep the week because it draws more attention to the [LGBT] issue. With 120 active clubs and organizations on Carthages campus, Allies and 10% (a group for only those identifying as LGBTQ) are the only two that openly discuss and support LGBT issues. However, theyre not the only groups that care about the issue. Kevin Hauber 16, an openly gay member of the Carthage Gospel Choir, and Allies, said with a huge smile on his face, Carthage is definitely a safe place to be open, and even if youre not ok with being open about your sexuality, youve just got to find the right people, and it will all just click. Ally, and Club Water Polo member, Cory Perlman16, echoed Haubers sentiments stating, People are pretty accepting here. And even if people arent accepting of the idea of [LGBT], they dont go around saying negative things. Many LGBT youth wait to come out until they are in college. Many say that its just because the environment is safer, and less judgmental. For Maia Cocallas

16, she finds that, stereotypes go away in college. People dont have to hide behind themselves to be someone like they did in high school, they can just be themselves. There is still much progress and acceptance many seek in the LGBT community. With 4 states listing gay marriage during the general election, its clear that America has a human concern on their hands. The progress can even be seen on smaller levels. Where Holly Hanson 16, comes from, her senior snowball king was gay and as she put it, Its because he has an amazing personality, it had nothing to do with his sexuality. And thats how it should be. In summary, the Carthage Community is a mix of people. And regardless of who, you are, it would seem there are many fellow Redmen and Lady Reds there to support you. And in the words of Emily Johnson 16, Do what you wish, be who you are, and love who you want.