NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community during its annual National Coming Out Day event Oct. 12.

“This event is designed to educate the community and promote the inclusion of all people in Nacogdoches County,” said La-Meria Seriale, OMA student ambassador.

OMA’s celebration this year involves activity stations that attendees can visit to receive information on the LGBTQIA+ community. The event also includes educational segments covering health issues, sexual orientation and the history of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The national event began Oct. 11, 1988, exactly one year after half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, according to the Human Rights Campaign website.

The free, public event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, those who wish to attend must preregister at sfasu.edu/oma as well as wear masks and practice social distancing during the event.

For more information about OMA’s slate of fall events, visit sfasu.edu/oma.