Inside Iowa State

Oct. 6, 2006

Campus to observe National Coming Out Week

by Erin Rosacker

Iowa State's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Alliance (LGBTAA), a student-run organization, has lined up a series of public activities in conjunction with National Coming Out Week Oct. 9-15.

"It's OK With Me" T-shirts that were sold online in advance are available for pickup on Monday, Oct. 9 in the Memorial Union's east student office space (office L). A limited supply is available for purchase in person for a minimum donation of $5.

The documentary film, In Good Conscience: Sister Jeannine Gramick's Journey of Faith, will be shown on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Sun Room. Admission is free and open to the public. The film captures the true story of Gramick, a Catholic nun, and her work to earn the church's acceptance of the LGBT community, including her trip to the Vatican.

A coming out rally is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the free speech zone south of Parks Library. Any LGBT or ally attendee is encouraged to tell his or her coming out story.

Members of WorkOut, a group of Iowa State full-time faculty and staff that identify as LGBT, also are planning to join in the week's festivities.

"WorkOut exists to support LGBT faculty and staff on campus, as well as our students," said Nicci Port, a program coordinator in the Dean of Students Office who helps coordinate WorkOut.

"We are happy to be a part of any event that is designed to educate the general population and highlight the diversity that is important to Iowa State," Port said.

WorkOut primarily focuses on professional and social networking. The group also facilitates a "friends and allies" network called WorkOut Friends. For more information, or to become involved in WorkOut as a member or ally, e-mail: workout@iastate.edu.

A documentary that will be shown on campus Oct. 10 in conjunction with National Coming Out Week captures the story of Catholic nun Jeannine Gramick and her work to earn the church's acceptance of the LGBT community, including a trip to the Vatican.