New Mexico State University

The New Mexico State University Sexual and Gender Diversity Resource Center will host various events Oct. 9, 11 and 12 to celebrate the university's support of the GLBTQ community during National Coming Out Day.

National Coming Out Day is an internationally observed civil awareness day for coming out and for discussion about gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and queer people. Members of the GLBTQ community and their supporters observe the event on Oct. 11 every year.

The NMSU series of events celebrating the GLBTQ community include guest speakers, food and discussions, and more. All events during celebration will be free and open to the NMSU community.

National Coming Out Day will kick off with a speech by NMSU Dean of Students Michael Jasek titled "Building Hope" at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Corbett Center Ballrooms.

On Friday, Oct. 11, the day will begin with the National Coming Out Day Panel. Several NMSU students will share their stories of coming out and answer questions from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Dona Ana Room in Corbett Center.

Coming Out Day Safe Zone Training will address the unique experiences of GLBTQ people to create more visibility and understanding on campus. The training will take place from 2-3 p.m. at the Corbett Center Auditorium.

Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith, a high ranking member of U.S Army Reserve who has come out, will share her life story from 3-4 p.m. at the Corbett Center Auditorium.

Sodexo will provide a National Coming Out Day dinner from 5-7 p.m. inside Taos Cafeteria for $5.

The day will end with Story Sharing for those who would like to share their stories of coming out in a smaller group setting. The event will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Otero Room in Corbett Center.

Closing out the National Coming Out Day celebration will be the Stonewall QSA Student Art Show: Forgotten Voices. The art show will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Azure Cherry Art Gallery located on 330 E. Lohamn Ave.

National Coming Out Day is sponsored by the Sexual and Gender Diversity Resource Center, Office of the Dean of Students, Stonewall QSA and the Wellness, Alcohol and Violence Education Program.

For more information, contact the SGDRC at 575-646-7031 or sgdrc@nmsu.edu.