Many organizations on campus eagerly anticipate the return of certain events each year, such as Fall Fest hosted by Student Union Board or Zeta Tau Alpha’s Big Man on Campus. For Drury Allies, one of these events is the Coming Out Monologues.

Support for the LGBTQ+ community

Coming Out Week began Sunday, Oct. 7 with the Coming Out Monologues hosted on Wednesday, Oct. 10 during Drury Allies’ meeting. National Coming Out Day is celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 11 because it is the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The day recognizes the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals and the struggles of showing their identity to their friends and families.

Drury Allies is committed to providing a safe space for everyone on campus through events like the Coming Out Monologues and continues to expand its impact. Morgan Prosser, Drury Allies president and third-year student, is hoping to emphasize this goal.

Allies has been present on campus for many years yet has remained separate from much of campus life. It sponsors the spring drag show, which pulls large audiences, and several awareness campaigns throughout the school year, such as Transgender Day of Awareness, the Day of Silence and sexual health screenings.

“It was a very small facet of the university, and I think it’s such a great group to have,” Prosser elaborated. “We’re shifting our mission from what it was to how to be an ally. We want to invite anyone and everyone to come ask questions that they might otherwise be afraid to ask.”

Photo via Drury Allies on Facebook.

Anyone is welcome

The misconception about Allies is that it is only for those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and that other groups are not welcome. This is not the case. The group exists as a resource for anyone interested in learning about or supporting the community, no matter who they are or their sexual orientation. Allies aims to communicate with those who might not have positive views of the organization as well.

Prosser reflected on her own experience in joining Allies as someone who was not a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

“I really took a leap with taking the president position, but I’m really glad I did. It’s connected me to more people. I’ve learned so much even as an officer,” she said.

In keeping with its goal of inclusivity, the organization hopes to connect with other clubs and groups by encouraging attendance at their events and entering teams to support their causes. The group hopes to emphasize growth and positivity by reaching out farther than it has before.

Allies has experienced a jump in attendance and enthusiasm from students this semester.

“There’s a lot more membership involvement this year,” said sophomore Anna Meadows. “There have been consistently more people and a lot of friendships are growing inside and outside of meetings that wouldn’t happen otherwise.”

Prosser’s biggest piece of advice to those still on the fence about Allies is to not hold yourself back.

“Just come! Try it out, and don’t hold yourself back because I think that’s what I experienced. Push yourself out of that comfort zone because we’re going to have answers, or we’re going to be able to point you in the right direction,” she encouraged.

Drury Allies meets every Wednesday in the Diversity Lounge of the Findlay Student Center Down Under at 8:30 p.m.

Written by Maclen Johnson.