QSA on coming out

October is LGBTQ History Month and last week’s Sack Lunch Seminar dedicated its Oct. 10 talk to the queer community at MSU. On campus, one of the most prevalent sources of support is the Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), a student organization that provides resources to members of the LGBTQ community. It also provides support for members of the community who feel alone or out of place on top of spreading awareness for the community as a whole. Recently, members of QSA held a panel discussion as part of the Sack Lunch Seminar series sponsored by the MSU Women’s Center, titled “Who are you Calling Queer?” Members recalled their own personal difficulties with coming out to their loved ones, and discussed how allies can support other members by sharing their own transition into becoming comfortable with their sexuality and gender.

Being a member of the LGTBQ community is, for many, a stressful experience. Coming out is a process and while some see it as liberating, others see it as a source of anxiety in their life. Arguably, one of the largest contributors to negative emotions is the process of coming out, particularly to those one cares about. It’s difficult as it’s impossible to tell how others will react but, luckily, those in the process of coming out are never alone. Support is everywhere, if you know where to look.

Coming Out Day is Oct. 11 and is recognized annually. In tandem with such, many allies have wondered how to handle or respond to someone coming out. They discussed this within the panel as well, asking “what advice would you give to an ally to ensure positive results?” One answer was “when someone comes out to you the best and only thing you can say is ‘OK.’ Another way to help is to be there for others. Both of these are good things you can say in response to a friend or family member coming out to you, if you are looking to give them support.

For LGBTQ History Month, QSA is hosting several events on campus. These events include the Walk-in closet, which was featured on the Mall, where students can enter and write something encouraging inside. Another event is the Coming Out Drag Show and Dance in SUB Ballroom A on Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. QSA appreciates any attendees, whether they may be an ally or members of the LGBTQ community. They also encourage anyone who is interested in joining to come to their meetings. The next Sack Lunch Seminar is held on Wednesday, Oct. 24 in SUB room 168 from 12 - 1 p.m.

Upcoming Sack Lunch Seminars:

Human Trafficking in Our Daily Lives Oct. 24

Mary Kassmeier, Midwife on the Upper Missouri Oct. 31

Women, Wake Up!: Buddhism, Gender and the Enlightenment Experience Nov. 7

Holy Fire Reiki Nov. 14

Mormon Feminism(s) Nov. 28