Purchase Celebrates National Coming Out Day

By Olivia Summer

Music pumped through the speakers of the Humanities theater, and the crowd went wild for the party that was about to ensue. 

On Friday, Oct.17, Purchase put on a colorful, energetic and fun night in honor of National Coming Out Day. Out and Proud was the event name, and it featured artists and members of the LGBTQ+ community to put on a show like no other. This exciting event was put together in a collaboration between the Multicultural Center and James Young, alias “I.Den.T.T. "

“Pride is a great month, but we don’t get that the rest of the year. So, part of doing this is actually having queer joy spread not just one time a year,” said Young. 

The show ran from 7-10 p.m., with a variety of different artists, including dancers, musicians, and rappers galore. Hosted by I.Den.T.T and friends, the show was very well put together and was full of color and laughter.  

Performers on stage singing and playing guitar in the Humanities theater (Photo by Olivia Summer)

“The shows are really awesome, they’re really diverse,” said Jonah Caro, a sophomore in the audience of the show. “You have poetry, lip-syncing, and 90s boyband dancing! You have everything.” 

Not only was there entertainment in the theater of the Humanities building, but there were booths up and down the entrance, promoting LGBTQ+ organizations and information for students to have about sexual health and support, or simply to sell gay merch.  

LGBT+ boths line the hallway just outside the Humanities theater (Photo by Olivia Summer)

James Hunt-Muller, creator of “Hunt’s Gay Shirts,” ran a booth in the lobby, showing off his original gay-centric designs that catered to the guests. “Being able to have a space where people know that there’s something there, through everything, there will be a shirt for them.” 

While this event was very well attended and thorough, this was only its second year of life. Many vendors, performers, and attendees alike were new to the party and wanted to make it special and hopefully ensure it as an annual tradition on campus. Marjie Kemper, a volunteer with “Fourth Fridays," attended last year's event and was happy to return and see the changes. 

“It feels like more of an established event, and it’s great seeing repeat performers and also new people stepping out,” said Kemper.

Young, the face of the event, finds his performers through social media, and specifically seeks out any youth LGBTQ+ artist who wants to share their work and give them the chance to be on stage. So many people from different walks of life attended and volunteered their time to show that love and support is everywhere. 

"I’m learning as a queer person, I can ask for help, I can ask for community and I don’t always need to do it alone," said Young.

Left: Forsaken Skyz doing poetry. Right: DD, host (Photo by Olivia Summer)