Coming Out As An Ally

A coalition of local groups encourages “Coming Out as an Ally” during National Coming Out Week, October 5 through 12. Offered throughout the week are events designed to dispel myths about gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people, and to raise awareness about GLBT rights, culminating in a candlelight vigil to observe the tenth anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s murder.

Events include:

· October 6 & 7: Informational tables in YSU’s Kilcawley Center

· October 8: Two showings of the film For the Bible Tells Me So, in Kilcawley Center’s Presidential Suites from 12-3 p.m. and at the First Unitarian Universalist Church on Elm St. from 6-9 p.m. A panel discussion with local religious leaders will follow each showing of the film.

· October 9: Denim Day. Members of the GLBT community and allies wear denim in a show of unity.

· October 9: Two showings of The Laramie Project, in Kilcawley Center’s Presidential Suites from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and in its Gallery from 5-8 p.m. A discussion session will follow each showing of the film.

· October 10: Two showings of the documentary Freeheld in Kilcawley Center’s Gallery at 12 p.m. and at the First Unitarian Universalist Church at 6 p.m.

· October 10: A Night “Out” at Utopia Video Night Club at 10 p.m.

· October 12: Candlelight vigil honoring Matthew Shepard at 6 p.m. on the steps of the First Unitarian Universalist Church. A dessert pot luck will follow the vigil.

All events co-sponsored by YSUnity (YSU’s gay-straight alliance), Campus Recreation and Student Programming, Mahoning Valley Pride Center, Youngstown PFLAG (Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians and Gays), Utopia Video Night Club, Partners for Workplace Diversity, and the First Unitarian Universalist Church.

For more information, check out our website www.mvprideweek.com or contact Brian Wells at bpwells@ysu.edu or at 330-941-2308.