Coming out (of the closet) remains a challenging experience for many individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, even in today’s evolving society. This upcoming event aims to delve into personal stories of coming out, cultivating inspiration and providing support for the often arduous task of remaining true to oneself and embracing identity with pride. Our editor Kai Lutterodt shares more.
The Westminster LGBT Forum is inviting the public to an evening of testimony, support and celebration of the queer experience, where coming out stories will be shared followed by unique mental health support for those already out. The inaugural event titled Coming Out, Staying Out will be held in Portland Hall, Little Titchfield Street between 6-9pm on 22 November 2023.
The event acknowledges the courage it takes to come out, and sustained action and inclusion to stay out. Support and advice, as well as food and drink, will be available on the evening as participants share stories of the courage to come out and the resilience of staying out, encouraging one another on their journeys.
Coming Out, Staying Out will be broken into three sections. Part one will focus on testimony and the process of coming out and features a panel featuring academic and activists including Pippa Catterall, Kate M. Graham, Anick Soni, Nikos Souvlakis and Francis Ray White, who will lead a discussion with a range of coming out experiences and stories.
Part two emphasises the importance of support. Chris Barlow, chair of the Westminster LGBT Forum, in conversation with a series of support organisations, will be talking about how they support LGBTQIA+ people to come out, stay out and stay safe. Counselling support and quiet rooms will be on hand throughout the event.
Part three of the event invites celebration with a relaxed meet and mingle. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the work of Westminster LGBT Forum and the other organisations showcased, accompanied by an ambient soundtrack of queer joy curated by Massimo da Simone.
This free event is supported by the University of Westminster and Westminster City Council and sponsored by The King of Soho gin and Fevertree Tonic.
Date: 22 November 2023 6pm – 9pm. Portland Hall, Little Titchfield Street. Everyone welcome. Book your free place here: Coming Out, Staying Out.
Shared by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
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