CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Equality Clarksville, a local nonprofit organization to support the LGBT+ community, will host its second annual Coming Out Day Picnic at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 14, at Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds.
The event, in honor of National Coming Out Day, will offer to LGBT+ persons, families, friends, and allies an accepting and affirming event. The Coming Out Day Picnic will be an alcohol-free and family-friendly event and will feature local guest speakers, a memorial for those lost in the community, face painting, an amateur drag contest, and other activities.
“Many people in the LGBT+ community fear coming out due to the expected negativity from family and friends,” said Joydianne Damiani, the group’s chairperson. “This family friendly picnic is to provide members of our community the opportunity to exercise their right and power to ‘Come Out’ to family and friends in a safe and loving environment free from shame, hate, and judgment.”
National Coming Out Day is a day to celebrate “Coming Out” as LGBT+ or as an ally. The leadership team at Equality Clarksville recognizes the importance of being out, and the difficulties any person might face when deciding to tell friends and family about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Equality Clarksville offers acceptance, tolerance, and love to those who choose to ‘Come Out’ as a member of or ally to the LGBT+ community.
“We would encourage anyone that is not ready to officially ‘Come Out’ to join us at the event,” said Mark Powers, the group’s co-chairperson. “This event is a place where a person can meet and talk to people that have gone through similar experiences.”
Equality Clarksville is a 501(c) (3) non-profit formed to provide education, events, support, resources, activities, and networking for those in the LGBT+ community.
For more information about Equality Clarksville visit equalityclarksvilletn.org or Equality Clarksville on Facebook.