Documentary Film Among 'National Coming Out Day' Activities

A showing of the feature documentary, "Matthew Shepard Is a Friend of Mine," will highlight Penn College's observance of National Coming Out Day on Monday. "National Coming Out Day is important to the Penn College community as we acknowledge the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied individuals in our community and celebrate with them, notably in this past year with victories for marriage equality nationwide and in Pennsylvania," said Sara H. Ousby, associate director of student activities for diversity and cultural life. "This year, our movie screening honors the memory of Matthew Shepard" –  a gay young man who was tortured and murdered in one of the most notorious hate crimes in U.S. history. Directed by Michel Josue, a close friend of Shepard's, the film revisits the case with never-before-seen photos, rare video footage, and new revelations about an all-too-brief life. A Pride Table, where students can pick up "Ally" and "Coming Out Day" buttons, will be staffed on the Keystone Dining Room patio from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday. The movie will be screened in Penn's Inn (second floor, Bush Campus Center) at 7 p.m., accompanied by refreshments and followed by a discussion. Related activities are scheduled for later in the week: a Safe Zone professional-development session for college employees from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday and an LGBTQA Coffee Chat at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Multicultural Lounge (CC, first floor).