National Coming Out Day

The coming out process is exciting, challenging, scary, and beautiful. Knowing that every journey with the coming out process is unique, Ohio State wants to support all LGBTQ+ students in their self-discovery process.

Want to talk? Do not hesitate to get in touch with the Center for Belonging and Social Change's Coordinator for Belonging and Student Support, Ari Grubaugh, at grubaugh.20@osu.edu.

Programs

National Coming Out Day: Out & Fabulous Photo Op

Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Time:
1-5 p.m.
Location:
Ohio Union, Center for Belonging and Social Change - Front Lounge

Happy National Coming Out Day! Whether you're coming out for the first time or the millionth, celebrate NCOD with the Center for Belonging and Social Change. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to come to the front lounge of the CBSC to have an “out & fabulous” photo taken that can be shared on social media or simply kept as a token of personal pride. If you let us share your picture on our Instagram (cbsc_osu) you get a prize!

EHE Pride Celebrates National Coming Out Day

Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: PAES A111 (Physical Activity and Education Services)

A time for LGBTQ+ students and allies in the College of Education and Human Ecology to come together and celebrate our coming out stories! Food and drinks will be provided! For more information, contact Brandon Hines at hines.383@osu.edu.

Fisher Celebrates National Coming Out Day

Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Mason Hall Lobby

Every year on October 11, National Coming Out Day, the Undergraduate Leadership and Engagement Office (ULEO) at Fischer College of Business celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community by honoring their bravery in their coming-out journey. Stop by the ULEO table in the Mason Hall Lobby to support and stand in solidarity. For more info, visit fisherosu.campuslabs.com/engage/event/9491049..

Meet the Sheroes: A Night of Jack's/Summit Station Nostalgia

Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Ohio History Connection (800 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio)

Come meet the cast of Free Beer Tomorrow, a documentary that tells the story of Jack's/Summit Station, Ohio's longest running lesbian-owned and operated bar! Hear stories from the bar in the 1970s and early 1980s, enjoy LGBTQ exhibits, catch up with friends, and celebrate National Coming Day and LGBTQ History Month! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7:15 p.m. Snacks and water will be provided. Learn more and get tickets at tickettailor.com/events/friendsofsummitstation/986141#. This event is brought to you by the Ohio History Connection, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Ohio Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

 

For a full list of LGBTQ History Month events, visit go.osu.edu/lgbtqhistory.

Coming Out Resources

While every coming out journey is unique, you can still rely on the knowledge of those who have come out before you! Below are resources to assist you in the coming out process:

General

Sexual and Romantic Orientation

Gender Identity

Guides for LGBTQ POC

The Human Rights Campaign offers many guides on coming out, including guides focused on coming out as a person of color:

Coming Out to Health Care Providers

Coming Out Groups

Stonewall Columbus offers two coming out support groups: