History
National Coming Out Day was started in1988, in celebration of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It is generally celebrated on or around October 11th. The Mahoning Valley Pride Center began sponsoring a week of programs to coincide with National Coming Out Day in 2008.
Events
Saturday, October 10th kicks off with the Stonewall Democrats hosting a "Lunch With A Decision Maker," as they invite US Senator Sherrod Brown to speak at the Pride Center. There will be a free lunch provided and a small speech, then question and answer session with the Senator. The event will start at 12 noon and last about 2 hours.
Sunday, October 11th, there will be a march in Washington DC, which we might be chartering a bus for the trip. Locally, Pride Youngstown will be holding a Panel Discussion at 2pm at the Unitarian Church on the "LGBT Community and the Police." They will also host a mixer later that evening at the Church and be showing some LGBT short films and offer refreshments.
Monday, October 12th, YSUnity will be showing the LGBT movie, "13 Stories," on campus in the afternoon, and again at the Unitarian Church in the evening. There will also be a table full of information on the local LGBT groups at Kilcawly Center for the week.
Tuesday, October 13th, PFLAG will be showing, "So The Bible Tells Us So," a film relating to the community and the church at a church in North Jackson. There will be a panel discussion afterwards with heads of area churches.
Wednesday, October 14th, PFLAG will be showing an upbeat LGBT film to be announced at the Pride Center.
Thursday, October 15th, All Families Matter will be hosting a Panel Discussion at the MV Pride Center on the "LGBT Community and Your Legal Rights" with an emphasis on parental laws and rights. That will begin at 7pm. and last about 2-3 hours with speakers from the ACLU and local attorneys.
Friday, October 16th, the Welcoming Committee at the Unitarian Church, will be hosting a combined Coca Mocha Youth Dance and combine it with an All Ages Family Dance from 7-10pm at the Church.
Saturday, October 17th, will wrap up the weeks events with a fund raiser for and hosted by, the Mahoning Valley Pride Center, with a Wine and Cheese Tasting and LGBT Community Expo where each of the groups in our community will have a table and representative to talk about their organization.