UTA Celebrates National Coming Out Day

Brazos Park was in full celebration as members of the UTA community came together to celebrate National Coming Out Day Tuesday, Oct. 11. Students had the chance to learn from community and campus partners how they serve the LGBTQ+ community and take part in several fun activities.  

Joshua Mackrill, UTA LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator, stated that Tuesday's celebration was about bringing people together, supporting one another and showing LGBTQ+ pride. 

“National Coming Out Day started in 1988 and has been a tradition for the LGBTQ+ Community throughout the last three decades. Traditionally this has been a day for people in the LGBTQ+ Community as a way to share parts of their identity with their family, community, and friends,” Joshua said. “I think that this (event) is a way for students to have a mini pride in their own backyard.” 

Joshua stated there are several ways that the campus community can show its support for the LGBTQ+ community.  

“There are several things, it can start by putting your pronouns in your email, including LGBTQ+ scholars in lessons, and making sure we are highlighting the accomplishment of LGBTQ+ people on our campus and community,” Joshua said. “Never make assumptions and always create space for LGBTQ+ and marginalized people, and lastly attend UTA’s Mav Ally Trainings to learn more.” 

Roscoe Raygoza, a Biology major, stated she came to the event to show her support for the UTA LGBTQ+ program that has helped so many people. 

"I wanted to come out today because I identify as a queer transman. I wanted to show my support for the UTA LBGTQ+ program. They have definitely helped me personally with my journey and welcome to the university," Roscoe said. "I am glad that they have all these resources available for students, whether they are in the closet or out of the closet and whether they are questioning or not. It is just nice to see that the university supports students like me. " 

Kathryn Mosely, a Public Health major, serving cupcakes at the event, shared similar feelings about the day's importance. 

"I think it is a great time for people who want to feel included. We're just giving them time to come out and interact with everybody and give them information about stuff on campus," Kathryn said. "I have recently been open about myself and being in the community. I think that it is cool to feel included in everything, and they have specific stuff for us. It is great." 

Kathryn stated that people on campus and around the area could show their support for the LGBTQ+ community by "listing and trying to understand where they are coming from and how they are expressing themselves to you." 

For more information about the LGBTQ+ Program at UTA and its upcoming event, people can visit www.uta.edu/student-affairs.