On Coming Out

"My coming out experience challenged me to look at the world differently. It taught me to be open minded and see life through a universal perspective. My sexuality has taught me to not only think outside the box, but has also forced me to live outside of the box. I now live my life on the exterior of the social norms that I grew up in."
- Jonathan Lykes

"I resent the heteronormative (or homonormative) assumption that, because I’m queer, I have to announce my sexual orientation. I also take issue with the fact that anyone identifying as heterosexual is assumed to have a simple and straightforward sexual identity, and so there is no need to think about or discuss it."
- Courtney Jacobson

OUTober 2011

A month-long celebration of LGBTQ History Month and National Coming Out Day at The University of Chicago.

We currently have over a dozen events throughout the month of October. Be sure to check out the schedule of events for the most up-to-date listing of all the events. We hope to see you at the events!

Featured Events:

AIDS Run/Walk Chicago 2010 Coming Out Stories Project
All Day/Every Day
5710 South Woodlawn
Hosted By: Office of LGBTQ Student Life

In October of 2010, the Office of LGBTQ Student Life began a new project, the Coming Out Stories.  These stories were submitted by students, alumni, and staff as a means to share their personal stories for others who are struggling with coming out.  It is our hope that these stories will be a source of inspiration, hope, comfort, and celebration for all those who read them.  

If you are interested in sharing your story, email your story, in 500 words or less, along with a high-resolution image to lgbtq.office@uchicago.edu.  All current or former members of The University of Chicago community, including allies, are welcome to submit their stories.

Read the 2010 stories on the Office of LGBTQ Student Life's homepage.


Welcome (Back) ReceptionOctober 1 - Saturday
Chicago AIDS Run/Walk
8:30 AM 5K Run / 8:45 AM 10K Run / 8:50 AM 5K Walk
Grant Park

Since its inception in 2001, more than 20,000 participants, raising more than $3 million net, have converged in Grant Park to get moving against HIV/AIDS. Join the fight with thousands of others in 2011 and help the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) raise more than $500,000 net!

The Office of LGBTQ Student Life is sponsoring a team for the AIDS Run/Walk. To join the team, or to make a donation, visit the team website. We've raised over $2,000 each year and we hope to build on this new tradition for a third year in 2011!