|
Release Date:Immediate Contact:Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles, 202-619-7177
Celebrate National Coming Out Day "Accepting Ourselves and Supporting Each Other" Open Mic and Open House Event
WASHINGTON –The National Park Service is participating in this year's National Coming Out Day, an internationally recognized observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), or as an ally. To commemorate the event, the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is hosting an open mic event on Saturday, October 11, 2014, to share the LGBTQ story, history, and experience.
In May, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced a new theme study of the National Park Service, to include the stories of LGBTQ Americans for inclusion in our parks and programs. The National Park Service LGBT initiative projects explore how the legacy of lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgendered individuals can be recognized, preserved and interpreted for future generations.
This theme study ties in to the legacy of Mrs. Bethune. Mary McLeod Bethune was a civil rights leader and human rights activist. She welcomed people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds through her Council House doors where she promoted equality for all.
The National Park Service would like to welcome the public to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, located at 1318 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20005 on Saturday, October 11, 2014, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. for an open mic event in commemoration of National Coming Out Day. The program theme is "Accepting Ourselves and Supporting Each Other." All forms of expression are welcome, including poetry, prose, song, and dance. Following the open mic performances, visitors are welcome and encouraged to explore the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site with park rangers.
|
Last updated: April 10, 2015