On Tuesday, Oct. 11, Uni's Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) celebrated National Coming Out Day. National Coming Out Day is an opportunity for people to come out as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) community or as straight allies.

GSA held a party during lunch on National Coming Out Day. They served rainbow cake and handed out pride wristbands, rainbow flags and other rainbow accessories.

The Ally Week T-shirt given out by GSA at the National Coming Out Day party. Gargoyle photo by Alana Rosenbaum (click to enlarge)

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At the National Coming Out Day celebration, GSA gave out Ally Week T-shirts. The following week many students and faculty wore their yellow Ally Week T-shirts which said "Change Attitudes. Change Behaviors. Change Directions. Change Lives. Change Policies. Be An Ally. Be The Change."

Ally Week is a week for people to identify as allies. Allies believe in equal rights and are against bullying and harassment of members of the LGBT community, especially in school.

"An ally is someone who supports the LGBTQ community, and stands up for their rights," says GSA president, senior Maia Gersten. "They do more that just say that they support...they actually get up and do something…Allies are very important because they show support."

During Ally Week, students are encouraged to sign an Ally Pledge stating that they won't use anti-LGBT language and will intervene to stop harassment.

GSA meets every other Wednesday during Uni Period in room 106S. Gersten encourages anyone to attend GSA meetings.

"There is confidentiality, things don't leave the room..." said Gersten. "There's nothing to be afraid of and there's full support."

PICTURES FROM THE NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY CELEBRATION:

GSA leaders: senior Maia Gersten and juniors Katie Cox and Vickie Chang. Gargoyle photos by Alana Rosenbaum (click any photo to enlarge and to create your own slideshow)