PRIDE Plans to Celebrate LGBT History and Coming Out

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National Coming Out Day is an internationally observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender. The holiday is observed annually by members of the LGBT community on October 11.

People Respecting Individual Differences and Equality, a registered student organization, will be hosting a week of events honoring National Coming Out Day, beginning Thursday, Oct. 11. Look for many events on campus that benefit not only the LGBT students and faculty, but the University of Arkansas community as a whole.

Every event is open to the public and anyone who would like to attend. The purpose of these events is to welcome others to ask questions and find out more about PRIDE and the kinds of programs it presents.

This is PRIDE's 30th year on campus. Whether you are an ally, or someone who identifies as LGBT, this diverse week of events will be as informative as it is fun.

Monday, Oct. 8
Info table in front of the Arkansas Union — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get tested. This day promotes sexual health and STD testing while focusing on the free and confidential HIV testing that the NWA Center for Equality provides every Monday.

Tuesday, Oct. 9
Info Table in front of Arkansas Union — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LGBT History. This table will feature historical figures who identified as LGBT or helped the LGBT community in some way. It will also feature a scrapbook of PRIDE's history on the U of A campus.

Wednesday, Oct. 10
Info table in front of Arkansas Union 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Day. The Arkansas Crisis Center will be at this table providing information about their services and information about CAPS will be handed out, as well statistics about LGBT teens and suicide.

Evening Program: 6 p.m.
Union (Room TBA) - Arkansas Crisis Center will be co-hosting a discussion on mental health and suicide prevention. This will be an open discussion about how to get help, how to help others, and information about other preventative action. Free refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, Oct. 11
Info Table, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
National Coming Out Day: This day will not only be about LGBT members coming out, but promoting love and acceptance for all individuals. Features of this event include a rainbow cupcake fundraiser and a SPECIAL celebration occurring around 12:20. Everyone is invited to visit the table to receive a rainbow ribbon and sign a banner to show their support for the LGBT community on campus.

National Coming Out Day Evening Social, 6-9 p.m.
Come join PRIDE and celebrate in the Fine Arts Courtyard. Everyone is encouraged to share their coming out stories, poetry, sing, dance, or act. This is an open mic night without the microphone, it'll be in the amphitheater. Chipotle has donated free burritos for this event, so drop by and meet members of PRIDE. 

Friday, Oct. 12
Hate Crimes Vigil, Arkansas Union Fountain, 5:30
Join PRIDE for a silent vigil in memory of those who have been affected by hate crimes. Candles will be provided and everyone is invited to bring a story, a name, or a memory. Hot chocolate will be served after the brief program.

The purpose of this week is to gain visibility on campus and encourage those who may not be familiar with PRIDE or the LBGT community to interact and ask questions. Feel free to contact pride@uark.edu with any questions or concerns.