Mackenzie Veselik/Winonan

National Coming Out Day is a celebration of embracing one’s sexual orientation. It began in 1988 and has become a tremendous asset to many in becoming comfortable in their own skin.

Winona State University’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Full Spectrum, hosted several events to mark the week leading up to National Coming Out Day.

Monday through Friday, students had the opportunity to attend and broaden their knowledge on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT*) community.

The week included Kimberly Dark and her presentation, “The Gayness: Love and Hate in America,” which entertained the audience while explaining why gender and sexuality are such heated subjects in this country.

Friday evening at Windom Park, a rally was held, where many walked around holding signs displaying phrases such as “gay is okay” and “love is love.”

With an environment of support, many found it a bit easier to seek acceptance in their sexuality and network with others who could relate.

Winona State student Mariah Schwecke explained why this week is so important to the gay community.

“I think that the week gives more of an open discussion to gender and sexuality. Everyone has their own story, many being not so positive, and this week gives a positive vibe on things,” Schwecke said.

“I think it also has to do with there’s not equality but we’re not any less to not have equality. Everyone has their own way of reflecting on why it’s important to them, but I personally just love the community feel that comes along with it,” Schwecke said.

The events last week allowed people to communicate individual experiences and join together in the fight for equality. Many who are a part of the LGBT* community, including heterosexuals who are not gay but support the cause, face prejudice in their everyday lives.

However, within this week and especially on National Coming Out Day, many found courage to be themselves in spite of the opposing opinions.

Schwecke shared her story on coming out as gay.

“The first time I tried to come out to my mom, I told her I was gay and the reply I received was, ‘No, you’re not,’” she said.

“A few months later, I had my first girlfriend, which was my way of coming out to my whole high school and family. The next months entailed a lot of my parents yelling at me about God’s views. In other words, the way they perceive God’s views.”

Schwecke said that while there was resistance to her accepting herself as she was, there was also love and acceptance.

“I had unlimited support from my friends, teachers, my sister and my brother,” she said. “But my parents were the ones I always thought were supposed to support you no matter what.”

The issue of sexuality has been given a louder voice in recent years. From Macklemore’s song “Same Love” to popular gay celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris, gay activism has received an immense amount of encouragement from media.

Personal opinions still vary greatly. However, no anti-gay protestors were spotted this year during the Winona State National Coming Out Day Rally.

“No one deserves to struggle with who they are and telling other people about it,” Schwecke said. “This form of prejudice, I hope, will soon be nonexistent and everyone can just be themselves. Everyone deserves equality.”

Contact Mackenzie at [email protected]