The Advisor is coming out

Today is National Coming Out Day! In fact, it is the 22nd annual National Coming Out Day, so it is only fitting that The Advisor comes out in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality!!!

First generation and low income college students (and everyone else, too) come in all shapes and sizes, and all sexual orientations and gender identities. Whether or not you are aware of it, you have and will interact with individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). National Coming Out Day is all about being proud of who you are and supporting LGBT equality. I am wholeheartedly all for that!

For folks that are unfamiliar with the issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity--such as discrimination, homophobia, heterosexism--I encourage you to increase your awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity to these issues. Further, I challenge you to seek out resources to help build a safe and welcoming space for all individuals. Many college campuses have gender, sexuality, and LGBT resources available.

From College News, here is a National Coming Out Day news roundup:

• The Washington Post runs a story discussing the "show-up-and-share" approach to coming out at the office. 
• The Washington Blade highlights National Coming Out Day on college campuses and addresses the recent related tragedies. 
• The Tufts Daily runs down National Coming Out Day celebrations on campus, including various events planned for students, faculty and staff. 
• The Oklahoma Daily discusses what National Coming Out Day means on campus. 
• TowleRoad blog is asking readers to share their coming out stories. 
• And of course, there's a National Coming Out Day App for Facebook.

The Advisor is a proud supporter of the LGBT community. I hope everyone has a healthy, happy, and safe National Coming Out Day!

Got questions about coming out, the LGBT community, or the issues they face? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.