National Coming Out Day (also known as NCOD) is a holiday recognized across the country by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals as a time to reaffirm or publicly acknowledge (often for the first time) one's sexual orientation.

Throughout the day, events have been scheduled by the Coe Alliance to help members of the Coe community understand and celebrate the importance of this day. Among these, some students, faculty, and staff may choose to observe a Day of Silence which has been organized by the Alliance to recognize the oppression endured by gays, lesbians, and bisexuals throughout the year.

This year National Coming Out Day falls propitiously on Coe's Family Weekend, so we have invited Sandy Volpolka of Cedar Rapids PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to speak at Sunday's Oscar Wilde Tea, following our little Pride Parade around Campus Friday afternoon before dinner, with cheering (2-4-6-8, we do not discriminate! as a sample), dancing, festivity and happiness.

If your school or organization would like to attend Pride Week events, you are encouraged to contact the Coe Alliance so we may know to expect you. All events occur on the Coe College campus, unless stated otherwise, and are free and open to the public. Come celebrate!

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Last updated 10.3.98

Comments? Suggestions? crdickso@jade.coe.edu