October 28, 2015
The Spectrum Center hosted several exciting events this month for National Coming Out Week (NCOW). Various events for NCOW were offered each day October 12 – October 22. The primary purpose of NCOW is to provide the community a space for reflection and celebration of identities no matter where one is at in their journey.
“NCOW allows you to honor those who came before us as well as how we have changed through time,” stated Community Engagement Student Lead Marion Berger. “It’s not necessarily about coming out publicly, but more about acknowledging the process of accepting a part of yourself. I know for me personally, as I started coming out to myself and accepting my various identities, I was more comfortable with who I was, and my own body.”
Berger is a fifth-year undergrad studying Social Theory and Practice and German language. This is her second year working for the Spectrum Center. While overseeing the new Community Engagement Volunteer Team, Berger had a direct role in planning some of the NCOW events. Berger said that while some events were more popular than others, each event had a pretty good turn. Indeed, events such as the TransLatin@ Coalition panel discussion were especially well attended and provided an opportunity to explore areas of work less publicized or discussed.
“Each event was put on for a reason, and there seemed to be a deep appreciate for that,” commented Berger.
Outside of her role in the Spectrum Center, Berger reflected on how important NCOW can be as a student.
“It is really great that a national series such as this is available on our campus, and that we get a chance to discuss the nuances of coming out,” stated Berger. “I feel extremely grateful that I get to help provide these resources to other students.”