Today marks the beginning of this year's National Coming Out Week at the College, a week of speeches, entertainment and activities to educate and unite the campus.
Sarah Burgamy '00, Dartmouth Rainbow Alliance co-chair, said this week's activities will be more entertaining and are designed to attract more people than last year's NCOW.
Everyone is welcome to these events, which are designed to "get the whole community together and educate everyone involved," Burgamy said.
Margaret Smith, coordinator of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Programming, said the week's events are for everyone and are a "celebration of accepting who you are."
The week will begin with a brown bag lunch discussion titled "Being Out at Dartmouth" today at noon in Shabazz hall.
Other events include a Welcoming Reception on Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 for new and old students, a reading by Michael Lowenthal '90 from his recently published novel Thursday at 4 in Sanborn House, a speech by actress, comedienne and oral historian Judith Sloan Friday at 7 in Brace Commons, a fashion show and dance for Saturday night in the Collis Commonground at 10, an Interfaith Service at Rollins Chapel Sunday morning at 10 and films shown throughout the week by the Dartmouth Film Society.
"The different events are each targeted to address certain things," Smith said.
Smith said, "The Welcoming Reception is an awesome event for new students on campus and returning students to meet faculty," while the Interfaith Service is designed to emphasize the spirituality of NCOW.
Burgamy said she is most proud of the events that are designed to bring the whole campus together and said she is excited about fun events like the fashion show.
Smith said the fashion show is open to everyone who would like to design or model clothing, and is a "celebratory, fun event." Students who are interested should contact Peter Jacobsen '00, DRA co-chair and coordinator of the event.
Comedienne Judith Sloan, who has had positive reviews in The Village Voice, The London Times and on National Public Radio, will speak about media stereotypes and homophobia, Smith said.
The National Coming Out Week committee, made up of faculty, staff, students and administrators, has worked hard to plan these events Smith said.
Burgamy said a "slew of sponsors" have also helped out. They include various departments and organizations on campus donating money, equipment and space.
Smith said "the response from the Dartmouth community has been awesome and supportive."
