In honor of National Coming Out Week a student writes “No Label” on a black chalkboard to represent what he is most proud of.
The chalkboard, located in front of the Multicultural Center, is for students to tell everyone who are. It is one of the many activities for National Coming Out Week.
“If I had to label myself, I would be considered queer,” said Todd Wallenius, a graduate student from the education department. ”But I feel more comfortable with no label at all.”
In collaboration with the Queers and Allies organization on campus, Wallenius is hosting five of seven events this week in celebration.
National Coming Out Week features educational programs and events to raise LGBTQ+ visibility. Organizations like Q&A, the LGBT Resource Center, the University Student Union Program Council, Associated Students, Inc. and various staff members at California State University, Long Beach work in conjunction to bring National Coming Out Week to fruition.
“People wrote messages of support and courage,” said Alejandro Muro, a graduate assistant at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center. “It was really nice to witness strangers supporting a cause that [I] really care about.”
Students discussed LGBTQ+ support topics at an event in the Rainbow Cafe Monday. They also shared personal experiences on sexual and gender diversity inside the Multicultural Center, Monday evening, over free beverages and snacks provided by the Department of Counseling and Psychology Services and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
“We want everyone to know that they are not alone and that there’s always a place for them if they are ever in need of some kind of support,” former vice president of Q&A Helen Phan said.
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