2018 marks the 10th anniversary of Temple University’s National Coming Out Week (NCOW) celebration. This year, the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL) produced a series of events exploring the theme “Love is Intersectional.”
The idea behind this theme was to illustrate the various forms in which love takes shape, but is often forgotten. Programming included special events throughout the week that considered the multifaceted identities within the LGBTQIA+ community—including race, gender and class—in order to create awareness of these nuances and further unite the Temple family.
IDEAL showcased eight NCOW events—each allowing attendees to socialize and learn more about the identities existing within LGBTQIA+ culture.
One of the week’s stand-out events was the annual drag show that took inspiration from “Pose”,a new FX series that focuses on the New York City Ball Culture of the 1980’s. The drag show was hosted by America’s Next Top Model’s first openly gay contestant and Philly native, Cory Wade.
Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) showed support by handing out awareness bracelets to students, faculty and staff on campus. STHM also provided refreshments including cookies and coffee to those on campus for the event.
Overall, the NCOW events were a huge success and provided a ton of fun as well as LGBTQIA+ resources and education for members of the community and allies alike. To learn more about these resources, please visit the IDEAL website. .