National Coming Out Day
This was fun. On the 10th the UVSC Gay Straight Alliance had a Coming Out Day spotlight table set up. I myself being the Vice President of the club took some time to man the table. I was also wearing a bright yellow Human Rights Campaign tee shirt that I had written the words “I’m Gay” on the front and back of it in multi-colored sharpies; it looked quite festive.
One of the fun things about being at the table was watching the reactions people gave as they walked passed the table. You could tell that some people for one reason or another were curious about us but did not want to let on that they were. There were some guys that would walk past, and then walk past again, and then again, and again and so on and so forth. Other people would just pretend that they were not looking at us, but then just about run into something.
My favorite story from the day was when one of the guys that would walk passed repeatedly stopped and just kind of watched us for awhile; you could just see him trying to build up the courage to come talk to us. He finally strolled over, and came up to where I was sitting at the table. “So is this like gay pride day or something?” he asked.
“No, this is National Coming out Day, Pride is in June.” I said.
“Oh… So what kind of things does the club do?”
I then took time to tell him about some of the activities we have had, and our MySpace club profile.
He then singed up for the club and went on his way, having a new spring in his steep; cute kid he was. He actually reminded me of myself when I first came out. I mean just being excited just to talk to another gay person. If you have never experienced this feeling it will be hard to explain it to you, but just think of growing up and kind of thinking of yourself as a freak, or out cast. Then finding your own kind realizing that these people won’t think of you as strange, and will except you for who you are. Then add to that you now may even find some one to love in this group. It is an oddly liberating feeling.
Also this Saturday there was a dance for GLBT people up at a school in Salt Lake City that I went to. There were not that many guys there, but I had fun, and ran into some people that I knew.
Anyhow until next time,
XR4-IT
