BY RGARET ENGOREN
For the Daily
Published October 4, 2001
Expect a rainbow-colored campus this week.
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The Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs annually sponsors campus events to celebrate National Coming Out Week. National Coming Out Week originated as National Coming Out Day, an event begun during a march on Washington, D.C., on Oct. 11, 1987. For the last six years, the week surrounding Oct. 11 has been one of national recognition for gay rights and awareness.
This year, the University"s National Coming Out Week is scheduled to begin tomorrow with the GenderBenderRevue: the FOURth Dimension at the Pierpont Commons on North Campus. The show includes a number of new artists and will take place in a new cabaret-style venue.
"We hope to introduce people to the Office of LGBTA. We want to make sure they know we are here," said Kelly Garrett, a coordinator of programs and student development in the Office of LGBTA. "The events offer an opportunity to raise awareness and acceptance."
This year"s NCOW events include an open house at the Office of LGBTA on Tuesday, a National Coming Out Day Rally Thursday on the Diag, and a NCOW Social at 3200 Michigan Union next Friday.
"About 400 people typically participate in NCOW activities and we are expecting a good turn-out this year," said Garrett.
The Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs is celebrating its 30th birthday this year making it the oldest university LGBTA office in the country.
This year"s GenderBenderRevue is dedicated to the University"s Office of LGBTA, to commemorate the office"s anniversary. Gender Mosaic, the student organization that cosponsors the event, will honor the office during the show for its advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students.
Other than sponsoring campus-wide National Coming Out Week activities, the Office of LGBTA provides support groups, offers programs, and conducts research to benefit gay, bisexual, and transgendered students.
Coming Out Week
Tomorrow: GenderBenderRevue: the FOURth Dimension, 7-9 p.m., Pierpont Commons
Tuesday: Open House, Office of LGBTA
Wednesday: Dinner, Sex and a Movie, 3200 Michigan Union
Thursday: National Coming Out Day Rally, noon, Diag
Color Splash, 8-10 p.m., Trotter
House, 1443 Washtenaw Ave.
Friday: National Coming Out Week Social, 3-5 p.m., 3200 Michigan Union
