Events mark Coming Out Week at BC

The second annual National Coming Out Week at Boston College was kicked off with a barbecue in the Dustbowl, followed by "Opening Boston's Closet" in the Chocolate Bar later that night, in which speakers, poets, and musicians shared their personal reflections on coming out in today's society. This nationally celebrated week is put on at BC by the GLBT Leadership Council (GLC), Lambda, and Allies.

With a rainbow flag proudly hung behind them, most speakers discussed how at first it was hard to accept themselves as homosexuals. They discussed the obstacles that arose on their path to self-acceptance, and the struggle that resulted. But they confirmed that they were getting through the struggle, and that most have finally accepted their true selves, giving hope to others in the same situation.

One shared obstacle among the speakers was trying to gain acceptance from their parents. Over half of the speakers said that they came from a conservative background with conservative parents. The verbal abuse that the speakers received from their parents after coming out to them made most people in the audience grimace, but more significantly, most were relieved to learn that they weren't the only ones undergoing such a struggle.

Although it rained through last year's barbecue, "It was still effective," said Veronica Joseph, president of the GLC and A&S '07. "Nothing weather-wise can stop us from communicating the support that we intend on giving. Nothing can stop us from promoting our events. We always want people to feel welcome."

"The next step is to continue to walk forward, no matter what the administration does. We will continue fighting even after we graduate, and the fight will be passed down," said Christopher Young, GLC director of public relations and A&S '07.

Hip-hop artist Seif Ammus, CSOM '08, expressed the rage that all GLBT students feel when discriminated against. In his passionate song, accompanied by James Walsh, A&S '08, on the guitar, he related to the audience by forming similarities between the discrimination he has received due to race and the discrimination that homosexuals receive. Through the candor of his rhymes he expressed his support for the GLBT community.

Many said the audience of about 60 formed a sense of community and was a success. National Coming Out Week events continue today, tomorrow, and Monday.