National Coming Out Day at UT Tyler!

Friday- October 11, 2013
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

Location: On Harvey Deck between the lakes at UT Tyler

NationalComing Out Day will be a really important day for everyone in the LGBTQIA (affectionately known as alphabet soup, break-down found here) community. For me, NCOD brings back fond memories of those awkward conversations with my parents and the moment I was finally ready to be OUT on Facebook. I know. Public announcements are kinda my thing. 

Oh by the way, I'm queer.
Via Taro Gold

So please, come show some love to anyone and everyone! There will be festivities, brought to you by the Gay Straight Alliance here at The University of Texas at Tyler. 

There will be a photo booth with a ton of fun props to use. We will have a dry erase board, so you can write messages of affirmation to little coming-out-newbies or tell us why coming out is important to you. 

We have invited Airyka Adonis to join us as well! She is a fabulous entertainer, so come get your picture taken with this foxy queen and meet and great new people!

Introducing... Airyka Adonis!

The GSA will also be giving away leis with positive affirmations attached to them. We want this Friday to be full of fun, quirky and uplifting vibes. Lastly, THERE WILL BE SKITTLES.

You know what to do.
Via Deviant Art

I know you guys are all just as excited as I am. Coming out is hard, and one thing that makes it easier is knowing that you have a group of people who love and accept you, no matter what. That’s why National Coming Out day isn't just for the Queer population- it’s for everyone who has a heart. 

I'M KIDDING, it’s for those who want to show support. So come visit us ! 

PS: If you are trying to think of a good way to come out to parents or friends, here are a few genius ideas other people used to announce their queerness. Get creative, and be confident in yourself. You've got this.

Via Adventures In Gay

Random Acts of Kindness

            This week is a breath of fresh air for me at the University of Texas at Tyler. The Gay-Straight Alliance is passing out free stuff every day of the week! Why? A random act of kindness. No better excuse to brighten someone's day. Unless, of course, they have allergies. In cases such as those, then come get the: candies/pizza/inspirational quotes the rest of the week. Sorry to say you missed the cupcakes Monday.
            I have the privilege of being an officer of the club, and I got to head up flower day (Tuesday)! This morning, I took an early trip with the treasurer of our Student Government Association to Flowers by Louann, down by the hospital. We picked up a beautiful assortment of multicolored carnations. My friend Liz from my rhetoric class sat with me in HPR and helped me pass them out. Patrick came by and grabbed a few to take to the BUS. Bonnie (pictured left of me) came after her class a little after 11 and we met Brandy between the lakes!
           The opportunity to get out and open up a dialogue about kindness was eye opening. Not everyone we spoke too was 100% open to us, but I'm amazed at the amount of loving support we receive from the faculty, staff, and our peers here. One man even gave us a five dollar donation that will go towards extra t-shirts for our club when we do volunteer work. I'm very thankful.

Loose Moments from my Day:

• "Is this really free?"
• "I imagine Hell to be this garden, full of flowers, and Satan is a legit gardener." -a young woman with terrible allergies to things that grow
• "Which one is the 'boy' color?"
• "Oh no, I couldn't accept a flower. It would ruin my manly reputation."  
• me: "Would you like a free flower? It is a random act of kindness from the Gay-Straight Alliance at UT Tyler!"
  them: "What's this for?"
  me: "...kindness?" 

*Most importantly, everyone deserves kindness. Even if they act like they don't. They probably need it more. A lesson that is too often brushed over.
****Also, pizza Thursday. B)