The first of three area National Coming Out Day celebrations was held Saturday, Oct. 16, on Fort Atkinson’s Main Street bridge.
Organized by the Unity Project of Fort Atkinson, the “Pride Party” took place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and drew an enthusiastic crowd.
This marks the 33rd anniversary of National Coming Out Day. It formally is observed Oct. 11, the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
The idea behind the observance, first held in 1988, is that when people know someone who is LGBTQ+, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, the LGBTQ+ community’s stories can provide powerful support.
Meanwhile, National Coming Out Day events are being planned in Whitewater and Watertown, as well.
Whitewater Unites Lives will hold its Pride event Saturday, Oct. 23, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center.
This event will feature live performances from volunteer members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band, student drag performer Victorya Attwood, singer/songwriter Felix Ramsey and others.
In addition, a Pride gathering will take place
Sunday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Latte Donatte, 501 E. Main St. in Watertown. This will be hosted by the Unity Project of Watertown.
Area residents show their support of the LGBTQ+ community with a National Coming Out Day celebration Saturday on the Main Street bridge.
“Mavis,” a French bulldog pug mix, shows her support for the LGBTQ+ community at a “Pride party” on Fort Atkinson’s Main Street bridge. With Mavis are Katherine Hutcheson, from left, and Hillary Hutcheson, both of Jefferson.
Leland Hutcheson, 1, from left, and his sister, Tierney Hutcheson, 4, of Jefferson, attend the Unity Project of Fort Atkinson gathering Saturday with their family.
Dick Schultz, from left, and Nick Bardell, both of Fort Atkinson, show support for the LGBTQ+ community at a Saturday gathering on the Main Street bridge.
Showing their enthusiasm during Fort Atkinson’s National Coming Out Day are Josetta Reed, from right, Stephan Krarup, Melanie Belzer, Amelia Belzer and Willow Severin.
A participant waves a rainbow colored flag at traffic passing over the Main Street bridge Saturday. The activity was in celebration of National Coming Out Day.
Supporters of the LGBTQ+ community gather on Fort Atkinson’s Main Street bridge Saturday morning during a National Coming Out Day celebration hosted by the Unity Project of Fort Atkinson.
Photos by Chris Spangler.
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Thank you for publicizing and covering the Fort bridge Pride event, along with the Whitewater and Watertown events!