Happy National Coming Out Day (NCOD)! Robert Eichsberg and Jean O’Leary founded NCOD 34 years ago today. This marks the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for lesbian and gay rights. Today is a day for any members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to celebrate “coming out of the closet” and breaking down barriers that may stand in the way of that.  

SUNY Brockport sophomore Myah Orlowski has felt most accepted and most like herself since being on campus.  

“Being a part of the Brockport community has allowed me to express myself freely. It has allowed me to be open with others that may have shared the same experiences that I have had with sexuality,” Orlowski said.  

NCOD has expanded each year and taken on new forms in communities to celebrate and show their support. Rallies, fairs and awareness events are hosted on many campuses throughout the United States.  

SUNY Brockport is  hosting a week-long Festival of Love. Closing the week off is the Pride Rock Painting and Tie Dye event on Thursday, Oct.13, on the Upper Quad from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Friday, Oct.14, free queer care kits will be given out at the Union Main Lounge from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Sophomore MaryJo Nuzzo has been waiting to see the events the campus would be holding.  

“I think Brockport celebrating National Coming Out Day is a huge deal. It will make students who are questioning and students who are already out feel so much safer and welcomed here on campus. I absolutely love how many more on campus things are happening this year,” said Nuzzo.  

Whether you are an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally or not quite ready to tell the world, Brockport welcomes you and hopes to see you in attendance during this weeks’ Festival of Love.  

*Grab a copy of our paper on Thursday, Oct. 13, to read about an LGBTQIA+ student’s story of self discovery.*