The Coming Out Monologues is an annual story-telling performance made up of current and former students, faculty, staff, and community members who identify as LGBTQ+ or allies of that community.

This storytelling event features a unique collection and representation of experiences and coming out stories authored and performed by people in our community who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community or as straight or cisgender allies. It is a raw, inspiring, transformative, and intimate live event.

These stories include unique backgrounds and perspectives as well as periods of time—from people who came out this year to yesteryear. These stories run the gamut — humorous, poignant, serious, heartbreaking, embarrassing, creative, painful and hopeful.

Anyone can submit a piece, either to perform themselves or have performed by someone else. A "monologue" can be many different things; past participants have presented prose, poetry, visual art, and performance art of many different types.

Coming out can also be considered somewhat broadly: past speakers have shared stories about specific coming out experiences, the idea of coming out, coming out to themselves, coming out as an ally, transitioning, gender expression, and emotions related to coming out, among others!

The diversity of our speakers' experiences and backgrounds are what make this such an authentic and powerful evening, so you do not have to be an experienced speaker or performer to participate. We provide coaching and guidance in a non-judgmental and safe environment, and the directors can help anyone hone their writing and performance. Also: participating requires no memorization!