By Sherrie Williams, Oct. 18, 2022
The Cal Poly Pomona Pride Center and National Residence Hall Honorary hosted a clothes closet event for National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 in University Park.
Starting Sept. 26, students’ campus-wide donated at least three items of clothing in good and clean condition to the Pride Center allowing variety of free choices for student and faculty attendees on the day of the event. The clothing was categorized by size not gender, delivering affirmations of self-expression and comfortability.
“I know most department stores are categorized by gender, that’s just the way we’ve been socialized. The way clothing is produced with specific cuts are made for specific body types that just happen to be in these boxes of male and female or boys and girls,” said Joshua Salazar, Pride Center identity development and education coordinator.
This event provided more casual clothing for students versus the CPP Career Center Clothes Closet and its professional items. The surplus of clothing that was not taken at the event is to be donated to either the LA LGBTQ Center or the Pomona Pride Center based on needs and availability.
Last year’s coming out event was held by Centerpointe Dining Commons, where students were able to write affirmations, wishes, encouragement and love notes to themselves and their younger selves on a closet door.
“It can be scary to have to reveal that part of your identity when it’s often times seen as a negative or seen as a choice,” said Salazar about the symbolism of the door. “Now it lives in the center as a symbol of hope and resilience for the community.”
With the National Residence Honorary Hall as co-host for the event, NRHH president Devin Young explained his job as organizing community service projects and bringing recognition to outstanding students, residents and people of CPP.
“I am always just trying to do good, trying to make the world a better place,” Young said. “Working with campus partners and recognizing marginalized communities like the LGBTQ+ with National Coming Out Day.”
The event and annual day not only allowed for the CPP community to come together but acknowledge resources for queer students, out or not, to feel supported.
“I think coming out is about making yourself more visible and present so you can feel more comfortable in your sexuality,” said math student, Anita Britto.
The past years of events have been rare or virtual because of the pandemic but last year and this year will start in-person events again will only show more of the welcoming support the event and pride center will be for those apart of the LGBTQ community.
“I hope they (students) feel accepted and feel loved and that know people are thinking about them and care about them,” Young said.
Feature image courtesy of Sherrie Williams
