PRIDE! Kent will wrap up Coming Out Week with a rally and parade Friday.

Coming Out Week, held for members of the LGBTQ community, serves as an opportunity for them to embrace and celebrate their identity.

Friday’s rally, a large parade, will meet in Risman Plaza at noon. The parade will make its way to the rock on front campus to paint it.  

LGBTQ students who have not yet come out will be encouraged to do so, said PRIDE! vice president Karen Isaacs, a sophomore electronic media production major.

“It’s going to be a big queer fun time I’d say,” Isaacs said.

Thursday, PRIDE! will host a meeting in the Student Center Governance Chambers at 8 p.m. to prepare for Friday’s rally and share stories and support.

Participants will walk through a freestanding door to symbolize “coming out of the closet” said Isaacs. PRIDE! will ask students to share their coming-out story as they walk through the door, and sign it with an encouraging message.

“It’s just going to be a big bonding moment,” Isaacs said. “It’s going to be pretty emotional.”

The events are held for the LGBTQ community and for allies, Isaacs said.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of National Coming Out Day, which takes places on Oct. 11. PRIDE! will celebrate the occasion Friday.

Isaacs said PRIDE! welcomes members of the LGBTQ community as well as straight allies.

PRIDE! focuses on letting Kent State students know that this is a safe environment, Isaacs said. Anything said at either event will be heard in a judgmental-free and safe environment.

Contact Teahl Rice at [email protected].